Sri Lanka Batters Rally Against Pakistan Shaheens

Sri Lanka ‘A’ put on a solid batting display to build a 221-run lead over Pakistan Shaheens by stumps on the third day of their four-day match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. By the end of play, Sri Lanka ‘A’ had reached 364/9, with Sonal Dinusha and Vishwa Fernando still at the crease.

The visitors began the day at 77/1, with Nipun Dhananjaya and Ahan Wickramasinghe continuing their partnership. However, both batters were dismissed early, leaving Sri Lanka ‘A’ at 87/3. Wickramasinghe managed a steady 53 from 95 balls, while Dhananjaya contributed 28 runs.

Captain Pasindu Sooriyabandara and Pavan Rathnayake then led a strong comeback, adding 126 runs for the fourth wicket. Rathnayake scored a quick 60 off 69 balls, and Sooriyabandara made a solid 64 from 95 deliveries before a middle-order collapse saw Sri Lanka ‘A’ slide from 213/3 to 226/7.

The lower order provided crucial support, with Wanuja Sahan and Dinusha adding 130 runs for the eighth wicket. Sahan top-scored with a determined 73 off 99 balls, while Dinusha remained unbeaten on 62 off 125 balls.

For Pakistan Shaheens, Khurram Shahzad took four wickets, with Kashif Ali and Mohammad Suleman claiming two each.