Mendis leads Sri Lanka recovery against Patron’s XI

Visitors reach 162-5 in Islamabad as Saqib Khan strikes twice in warm-up contest

Kusal Mendis leads Sri Lanka XI's recovery with an unbeaten 45 as the visitors reached 162 for five against Patron’s XI in their warm-up match at Islamabad Cricket Club on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka, who elected to bat after winning the toss, recovered from a difficult start after losing three wickets for just 40. Till filing of the story they had progressed to 162 in 38.4 overs, with Mendis providing the backbone of the innings.

Mendis struck eight boundaries in his 48-ball knock, maintaining an aggressive approach despite the early setbacks. Anjala Bandara was unbeaten on seven.

Earlier, Lahiru Udara anchored the innings with 65 from 105 deliveries, including seven fours and three sixes. His contribution proved crucial after Pasindu Sooriyabandara fell for eight and Dinesh Chandimal departed without scoring, both to Saqib Khan.

Dhananjaya De Silva added 14 before becoming Mohammad Salman's only victim, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 40-3.
Udara subsequently combined with Mendis to rebuild the innings before Ali Shabbir dismissed him for 65. Shabbir later removed Sonal Dinusha for ten to finish with two wickets.

Saqib was the standout bowler, returning figures of 2-25 from 11 overs, while Shoaib Akher Juniorr. impressed with an economical spell, conceding just 12 runs in seven overs.

The match provides Sri Lanka with valuable preparation ahead of their upcoming two-Test series against Pakistan, scheduled to begin in Rawalpindi on November 9, with the second Test in Lahore from November 17.