The 1st unofficial test between Pakistan A and Sri Lanka A is still hanging on the balance after a very competitive third day at Leicester. Pakistan was given a target of 154 and at stumps they were struggling at 38 for 5.
Play resumed for the third day with Pakistan at 271 for 8. SriLankan bowlers took only a hand full of overs to clean up the tail as they earned a 22 run lead.
Batting wasn’t made easy for the Lankans as Pakistan seamers bowled tight lines to the openers. Mohammad Nawaz and Aziullah bowled exceedingly well as the Lankan top order crumbled. There wasn’t any partnerships built by the SriLankan Batsman and after a good bowling performance they found themselves cleaned up for just 131. Minod Bhanuka top scored with 26 which goes to show how much the batsman struggled. For Pakistan A, Mohommad Nawaz bagged 4 wickets to go with his valuable half century down the order while Aziullah picked up four key wickets with the new ball.
Pakistan A came onto bat with full of confidence with an easy target ahead of them. 154 run target soon became an huge one as Left arm seamer Thilina Fernando struck twice within the first four overs. Pakistan A were pushed to corner by the seamers up front and then came Sachith Pathirana to create more chaos for the Pakistanis.
Towards the latter part of the day Pathirana bagged two wickets and put Pakistan A to 38 for 5 at stumps. It would surely be an exciting Finish tomorrow with both teams having an Equal chance of winning.
Sri Lanka A 299 Mahela Udawatte 64, Roshane Silva 48, Hasan Ali 4-63 and 131 Minod Bhanuka 26, Azizullah 4-21, Mohommed Nawaz 4-31
Pakistan A 277 Mohommed Nawaz 68, Babar Azam 61, Ashan Priyanjan 2/25 and 120 Jaahid Ali 38, Asitha 5-33, Pathirana 3-2
Result – Sri Lanka A won by 33 runs
