2nd Test: Pakistan in lead before rain plays spoilsport in Colombo | Cricket News

NEW DELHI: Rain played a significant role in halting the proceedings on the second day of the second Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Colombo on Tuesday.

Pakistan resumed their innings at 145-2 with opener Abdullah Shafique batting on 87 and skipper Babar Azam on 28, and they managed to take their team to a 12-run lead before rain intervened.
After a brief 43-minute play, heavy rain forced the officials to call for lunch, and subsequently, tea and stumps were taken early as the ground was fully covered. The weather forecast predicts more rain on the third day, which might further affect the course of the match.

Currently, Pakistan lead the two-match series 1-0 and will be hoping for a positive result in this Test. To achieve this, they will need to adopt an aggressive approach to build a substantial lead over Sri Lanka.
Before the rain interruption, Shafique and Azam showcased an attacking partnership, taking on the Sri Lankan bowlers with a flurry of boundaries. They were particularly aggressive after facing a few maiden overs, pushing for a sizeable lead in response to Sri Lanka’s first-innings total of 166.

Abdullah Shafique has been in excellent form, scoring 87 runs with the help of eight fours and two sixes in his 131-ball innings. Meanwhile, skipper Babar Azam, who started the day on eight, also showed his intent with a six and two fours in the 10 overs since play resumed.
On the first day of the Test, Pakistan’s bowlers performed well to dismiss Sri Lanka during the second session after the hosts chose to bat first.

With their attacking play, Shafique and Azam put Sri Lanka on the back foot during their second-wicket partnership of 108 runs, providing Pakistan with a strong position in the match.
(With AFP inputs)