SL vs PAK, 2nd Test: Abdullah Shafique 201, Agha Salman hundred put Pakistan on top against Sri Lanka on Day 3

By India Today Sports Desk: Abdullah Shafique’s double hundred and Agha Salman’s century helped Pakistan take control of the second Test against Sri Lanka after reaching 563 for 5 at stumps on Day 3 to take a 397-run lead in Colombo on Wednesday.

Pakistan seemed ready for a 2-0 series sweep when opener Abdullah Shafique hit his maiden double century and Agha Salman slammed a quick 132 not out. After dismissing Sri Lanka for 166, Pakistan amassed 563 for 5 on day three, and their 397-run lead makes it improbable that they will need to bat again at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground.

Salman hit 15 fours and a six in his 148-ball blitz. At the other end, Mohammad Rizwan was batting on 37 after replacing Sarfaraz Ahmed, who had a concussion after being hit on the back of his helmet while trying to duck under a bouncer from Asitha Fernando.

That was Pakistan’s lone setback on a day when their batting toyed with Sri Lanka’s attack after commencing on 178 for 2. Skipper Babar Azam (39) failed to exploit his start, but Shafique took a single off Fernando to get his fourth test century.

As Pakistan’s lead grew, Shafique put on a 109-run stand with Saud Shakeel (57). After Shakeel fell and Sarfaraz was injured, Shafique and Salman put on a 124-run stand to virtually put Sri Lanka out of the game.

Shafique reached 200 with a single off Fernando but was quickly dismissed by spinner Prabath Jayasuriya. Shafique’s 201 was made up of 19 fours and four sixes. Pakistan won the first Test by four wickets in Galle.