The second four-day unofficial test match between Pakistan Shaheens and Sri Lanka A ended in a hard-fought draw at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Thursday, highlighted by commanding centuries from Sri Lanka’s Sonal Dinusha and Pavan Rathnayake.
Resuming the day at 157/4 in their second innings, Dinusha and Rathnayake showcased exceptional resilience and skill.
The pair added an unbroken 214-run stand for the fifth wicket, frustrating the Shaheens’ bowlers. Dinusha remained unbeaten on 116, while Rathnayake reached exactly 100 not out before Sri Lanka A declared at 260/4, setting Pakistan Shaheens a challenging target of 284 runs in 60 overs.
Pakistan Shaheens began their chase on a shaky note, losing both openers, Abdul Faseeh (0) and Mohammad Huraira (9), early to leave the side struggling at 19/2. Mohammad Suleman and Ali Zaryab steadied the innings with a 48-run partnership before Zaryab departed after scoring 31.
Suleman then joined forces with Haider Ali in a crucial unbeaten 89-run stand for the fourth wicket. Suleman top-scored with a determined 66 off 121 balls, while Haider Ali contributed an unbeaten 43. However, bad light forced an early end to the match, with Pakistan Shaheens stranded at 156/3 in 45 overs, falling short of time to push for victory.
The Shaheens’ bowling unit failed to make an impact on the final day, unable to claim a single wicket in Sri Lanka’s second innings. Their inability to break Dinusha and Rathnayake’s marathon partnership proved pivotal in shaping the match’s outcome.
With the four-day series done, attention now shifts to the three-match One-Day series between Pakistan Shaheens and Sri Lanka A. The matches are scheduled to take place at the same venue on November 25, 27, and 29.
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