Published: Sep 28, 2017, 01:33 PM (IST)
Edited: Sep 28, 2017, 01:33 PM (IST)
The post-era of Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan for Pakistan began when they took on Sri Lanka in the first of 2-Test series at Abu Dhabi. Opting to bat, Sri Lanka continued their trend of poor starts. It was only Dimuth Karunaratne, along with Kusal Mendis, who held the visitors’ innings together for a while. Going into lunch on day 1, Sri Lanka are 61 for 3.
Opening the innings, Kausal Silva was bowled by Hasan Ali for 12. Most consistent batsmen in the past few series, Lahiru Thirimanne got out without opening his account. Yasir Shah had him plumb in front for a 7-ball 0.
This was also Yasir’s 150th Test wicket. He is also the joint-second-fastest to achieve the feat as a spinner. Mendis soon joined Karunaratne who continued to grind hard in the middle. The pair added 26 runs before Mendis was caught by Sarfraz Ahmed. It was yet again the wily Yasir who spun his magic and enticed an outside egde.
Pakistan included debutant Haris Sohail in the playing XI.
Prior to the start, umpire Ian Gould fell ill and did not take the field. Richard Kettleborough replaced him in the middle, while Ahsan Raza took over as TV umpire.
Brief Scores:
Sri Lanka 61 for 3 (Dimuth Karunaratne 32* , Kusal Mendis 10 ; Yasir Shah 18 for 2) vs Pakistan
