Pakistan struggle for runs
Chris Dhambarage
The touring Pakistan team received a glimpse of what is in store for
them in the up coming Test series when their batsmen struggled for runs
on the second day of the three day warm up match against the Sri Lanka
Cricket XI team continued at the Colts Cricket Club ground in Havelock
Park yesterday.
After the home side had declared at a formidable 345 for 5, Pakistan
finished the day on 301 for 5 from a total of 72 overs. Pakistan after a
solid start from their openers faltered against the spinners where they
lost four wickets for the addition of 31 runs within the space of eight
overs.
This minor collapse included their prolific run getter Mohammed
Yousuf, skipper Younis Khan and Misbah ul Haq who were all snapped up by
Suraj Mohamed and Muthumudalige Pushpakumara.
The two Sri Lankan spinners not only put a break on the scoring rate
but also picked up wickets to demoralize the Pakistan team who will take
on a full strength Sri Lankan team in the opening Test match starting on
Saturday.
Faisal Iqbal and Faward Alam however resurrected the innings by
adding an unfinished 63 runs for the sixth wicket.
Their innings of course was boosted by a solid opening stand of 153
runs between Khurram Manzoor and Salman Butt with both completing
elegant half centuries.
The pair negotiated the two fast bowlers Dilhara Fernando and Farveez
Maharof with a great amount of confidence and set the tone for an
impressive total. In fact Fernando had plenty of problems with his run
up during his opening spell of four overs where he was warned twice by
the umpire for running into the danger area.
In contrast Farveez Maharoof sent down a controlled opening spell and
almost had the wicket of Khurram Manzoor in his sixth over. However
Tharanga Paranavithana spilled an easy chance while fielding at first
slip and Khurram Manzoor went on to make a splendid knock of 83 runs
from 136 deliveries with four sixes and six boundaries.
In contrast left hander Salman Butt completed a chanceless half
century from 64 deliveries with the help of one six and seven
boundaries. He too survived a chance on 72 when Pushpakumara dropped
another easy catch off the bowling of Suraj Mohamed.
However that lapse did not cost too much because Butt made his exit
few minutes later off the same bowler. Earlier Sri Lanka Cricket XI went
on to make 345 for 5 from their maximum of 90 overs in which the two
teams had agreed before the start of the game. Chamara Kapugedera went
on to hit a superb century from 150 deliveries inclusive of three sixes
and eleven boundaries.
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