Dull start to first ‘A’ Test

Pakistan ‘A’ fast-bowlers struck three times on a rain-hit first day of the first unofficial Test against Sri Lanka ‘A’ at the Galle International Stadium with the hosts reaching 105 for three before play was called off.

Junaid Khan drew first blood when he trapped Lahiru Thirimanne leg-before for 11 as Dimuth Karunaratne continued to hold one end together.

Dinesh Chandimal added 23 with Karunaratne before Tabish Khan reduced Sri Lanka to 45 for two. Wicket-keeper Kaushal Silva then combined with Karunaratne to add an important 54 runs for the third wicket to drive the hosts to a more comfortable 99 for two before Mohammad Talha broke that partnership. Karunaratne, who scored a defiant 51 with the help of eight boundaries, must have been kicking himself after his 131-minute long vigil at the crease ended right before the close. Thilina Kandamby faced 10 deliveries for his four before pay was called off for the day.

Pakistan, who made two changes to their final line-up from the side that took on the field for in the tri-series, were without the services of batsman Asad Shafiq and fast-bowler Mohammad Irfan. Both players left for England to join the national team for the limited-overs leg of the tour.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 10^th, 2010.