Usman Salahuddin’s unbeaten 86 and Fawad Alam’s steady 64 propelled Pakistan A to 287 for 5 at stumps on day three in their 2nd unofficial Test match against Sri Lanka A at Pallekelle International Cricket Stadium on Friday.
Resuming from 0/0 in 2 overs, Pakistan openers got off to a decent start of 31 runs before speedster, Dushmantha Chameera removed Khurram Manzoor for just 13. Shan Masood was then joined by Umar Amin but the latter could not score more than 20 runs before he was clean bowled by Dhananjaya De Silva. Shan Masood’s slow knock of 38 in 115 was finally ended in the 36th over when Tharindu Kaushal uprooted his off-stump.
Right-handed Usman Salahuddin and skipper Fawad Alam resurrected their innings with purpose as they added 123 runs for the 4th wicket before experienced Alam was caught behind by Kusal Perera off Dushmantha Chameera’s bowling. Alam made 64 in 89 balls with 8 fours and a six. Salahuddin was strong as a rock from the other end negotiating the Lankan bowlers till end of play. He added 52 runs for the 5th wicket with Imad Wasim as well. The 24-year old Salahuddin was unbeaten on 86 in 216 balls with 9 fours to his name while number 7 batsman Adnan Akmal was not out on 16.
The match will be continued tomorrow for the final day’s play and the game is heading for yet another tame draw.
Chief Scores:
Sri Lanka A – 327 all out in 111 overs: Udara Jayasundera 42, Dhnanjaya De Silva 96, Kithruwan 96, Kusal Janith Perera 23, Asela Gunaratne 31, Imad Wasim 4/44, Zafar Gohar 2/48, Mir Hamza 2/70.
Pakistan A – 287/5 in 95 overs: Shan Masood 38, Usman Salahudding 86*, Fawad Alam 64, Dushmantha Chameera 2/48.
