Bowlers put Sri Lanka in command

Visitors lead by 193 runs with four wickets in hand against Patron's XI

Sri Lanka strengthened their position in the three-day practice match against PCB Patron’s XI, reaching 121-6 in their second innings at stumps on the second day on Thursday to establish an overall lead of 193 runs.

Malinda Rathnayake was unbeaten on 27, while Keesara Nuwanthana had yet to score as Sri Lanka closed the day at Islamabad Club.

Shoaib Akhtar Junior claimed three wickets for Patron’s XI, while Ubaid Shah and Saqib Khan took one each as the hosts made inroads into the visitors’ batting line-up.

Patron’s XI began the day at 43-2 and declared their first innings at 151-8, leaving Sri Lanka with a substantial advantage after the visitors had declared their first innings at 223-7 on Wednesday.

Azan Awais top-scored for the home side with 50, while Tayyab Arif contributed 30 and Mohammad Taha made 29.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept the Patron’s XI innings in check, with the hosts unable to build a substantial total despite useful contributions from their middle order.

The visitors then returned to bat and lost wickets at regular intervals, but their lead continued to grow as the innings progressed.

The practice match is part of Sri Lanka’s preparations for the two-Test series against Pakistan, which begins in Rawalpindi on November 9.

On the opening day, Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis and opener Lahiru Udara scored half-centuries as the tourists declared their first innings at 223-7.

Sri Lanka had been in early trouble after being reduced to 40-3, with Patron’s XI pacers exploiting helpful conditions.

Mendis and Udara steadied the innings with a 90-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Udara scored 65 from 105 balls, including seven fours and three sixes, before being caught and bowled by Ali Shabbir.

Shabbir then dismissed Sunal Dinusha for 10, leaving Sri Lanka at 153-5.

Mendis continued to anchor the innings and shared a 45-run stand for the sixth wicket with Anjala Bandara. Ubaid Shah broke the partnership by removing the captain, who scored 66 from 72 balls, hitting 11 fours.

Bandara remained unbeaten on 33 as Sri Lanka declared at 223-7.

Saqib Khan took two early wickets, dismissing Pasindu Sooriyabandara for eight and Dinesh Chandimal for a duck, while Mohammad Salman removed Dhananjaya de Silva for 14.

Saqib finished with 2-28, Salman took 2-52 and Shabbir claimed 2-28.

Patron’s XI had reached 43-2 by the close of the first day, with Awais and Taha at the crease, after fast bowlers Dilshan Madushanka and Rathnayake had struck early.