The third day of the 2nd unofficial Test between Pakistan A and Sri Lanka A at Worcester ended with the Sri Lankans trailing by 128 runs with 8 wickets in hand.
Pakistan A were in a commanding position, beginning day 3 with a healthy lead of 120.
The third day’s play was interrupted by rain but it cleared late in the afternoon. Mohommad Hasan who was unbeaten on 50 overnight got together with Hasan Ali to put on a 40 run partnership before Hasan was sent back to pavilion for 73 by Lahiru Gamage.
Ali went on to make a 37 ball half century to help Pakistan A post 461 runs before they declared their innings. It was a splendid performance by the Pakistani batsmen as apart from opener Sharjeel Khan, every other player got into double figures. Sri Lanka’s discipline with the ball was lacking as they gave away 45 extras in the innings.
The Sri Lankan openers came into bat late in the day and they batted superbly to post 62 runs for the first wicket. Mohommad Nawaz got rid of Udara Jayasundara and two overs later one drop batsman Mahela Udawatta was cleaned bowled by Aziullah to put Sri Lanka A on 83 for the loss of 2 wickets at stumps on day 3.
Those two wickets definitely shifted the momentum towards Pakistan A as the Lankan openers were looking comfortable at the crease. Dhananjaya De Silva is unbeaten at the crease on 44 and he along with the other batters will have to play well on day 4 if they are to save this match.
Sri Lanka A 250 & 83/2 (21.0 ov)
Pakistan A 461/8d
Sri Lanka A trail by 128 runs with 8 wickets remaining
