The 1st unofficial Test between Pakistan A and Sri Lanka A got underway at Leicester on the 3rd of July. At stumps on day 2, Pakistan A were on 271 for 8 trailing by just 28 runs with 2 wickets in hand.
Resuming on their overnight total of 20 for no loss the Pakistan A openers Jaahid Ali and Sharjeel Khan put on a half century stand. Asitha Fernado struck twice in one over to put the Sri Lankans back on top. However, after the loss of those two wickets Skipper Babar Azam and Sharjeel Khan steadied the ship. Sharjeel scored 42 runs while Babar Azam made 62.
Pakistan’s middle order did well as they looked good at lunch. Babar Azam was caught plumb in front by Sachith Pathirana and this wicket paved the way for the Lankans comeback. Pakistan A found themselves at 212 for 7 with only one specialized batsman at the crease.
Mohommad Navaz had to play the anchor role for his side as he was losing partners on the other end. He managed to put up a 36 run partnership with Hasan Ali for the 8th wicket. Hasan was caught LBW to Prabath Jayasuriya, which put Pakistan A on 248 for 8, 51 runs behind.
Pakistan A were on 271 for 8 when the umpires called off play due to bad light; Mohommad Nawaz was unbeaten on 62. Sachith Pathirana and Ashan Priyanjan bowled really well in the middle period to bring their team back into the game, along with Asitha Fernando who made the initial breakthroughs for the Lankans. All three of them bagged 2 wickets each.
On day one, Sri Lanka A posted 299 after been put in to bat. Mahela Udawatta top scored with 64 runs while Hasan Ali bagged 4 wickets for Pakistan A.
Sri Lanka A – 299 (79.5) Mahela Udawatte 64, Roshen Silva 48, Hasan Ali 4/63
Pakistan A – 271/8 (84) Mohammed Nawaz 62, Babar Azam 61, Ashan Priyanjan 2/25, Asitha Fernando 2/42
Pakistan A trail by 28
