‘A’ Test set for climax

Home side struck close to stumps as Pakistan reduced to 93 for five with Azam, the only recognised batsman, left.

Just when Sri Lanka ‘A’ thought the match was over, Hammad Azam and Naved Yasin added 33 runs for the fourth wicket as Pakistan ‘A’ inched towards the 179-run target on the second day of the second unofficial Test at Hambanthota.

But the home side struck close to stumps as Pakistan were reduced to 93 for five with Azam, the only recognised batsman, left.

A low-scoring affair that saw 22 wickets fall on the opening day continued on the second day as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 175 in their second innings. Dinesh Chandimal scored 46, the highest of the match so far, to take the hosts past 150. Chandimal added 51 with captain Thilina Kandamby to take his team to 97. Three wickets fell in quick succession and Pakistan came crawling back. Zulfiqar Babar and Junaid Khan took wickets in tandem as Pakistan tightened their grip before Janaka Gunaratne and Sachithra Senanayake added another valuable partnership —  46 which meant their bowlers would have something to bowl at.

Pakistan struggled to 22 before captain Azeem Ghumman was run out as Khurram Manzoor followed soon. Abid Ali and Aamer Sajjad were sent packing as Jeevan Mendis grabbed three for 20. Much hope now rests on Azam’s shoulders as Pakistan look for a final-day win.

Published in The Express Tribune September 17^th, 2010.