There was little play possible on the 2nd day between Pakistan and Sri Lanka as heavy rains and bad light stopped the proceedings played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi on Thursday.
Starting on the overnight score of 202 for 5, Dhanajaya de Silva and Niroshan Dickwella played with positive intent with overcast conditions. Dhanajaya survived a chance when Mohammad Rizwan caught him, but the ball touched on ground and umpires gave him not out. It was a good batting display by Dhanajaya who reached his fifty off 94 balls. Rain arrived at the score of 222 for 5.
After more than two hours were spoiled due to rain, play started again. The Pakistani captain decided to bowl Haris Sohail and Asad Shafiq. Azhar Ali took the 2nd new ball immediately. Dickwella and Dhanajaya took advantage of the 2nd new ball with positive stroke play. Shaheen Shah Afridi got the breakthrough for Pakistan dismissing Dickwella for 33. Dickwella and Dhanajaya added 67 runs for the 6th wicket. Shaheen Shah Afridi troubled the experienced Dilwuran Perera with good seam bowling. On the other hand, Dhanajaya de Silva showed his class and remained steady. With the score card reading 263 for 6, the umpires decided to call off play due to bad light. After few minutes, the light did not improve, and umpires abandoned the play. Sri Lanka ended the 2nd day on 263 for 6.
It was an interesting day’s play with Dhanajaya looking composed with his stroke play and remained not out on 72. With 3 more days still to go and if weather permits, there might be result. The weather does not look good next two days.
Sri Lanka will be looking to push on the scoring and hope to put pressure Pakistani batting line up under pressure.
Sri Lanka 263 for 6 in 86.3 overs ( Dhanajaya 72*, Karunaratne 59, Fernando 40, Shaheen Shah Afridi 2/47, Naseem Shah 2/75)
