First Test evenly posed after Babar hundred

Rex Clementine in Galle

Pakistan captain Babar Azam proved why he is rated as one of the modern day greats with a back to the wall century that helped Pakistan dig themselves out of trouble in the first Test against Sri Lanka. At 148 for nine, the writing was on the wall for Pakistan as they were set to concede a huge lead on a turning track. But a record partnership for the last wicket between Babar with Naseem Shah put them back on track and ended up conceding just a four run first innings deficit.

The 70 run stand between Babar and Naseem is a new record in Galle in Test match cricket with the previous best being the 63 run partnership between Dimuth Karunaratne and Lakshan Sandman against South Africa in 2018.Sri Lanka were 36 for one at stumps on day two enjoying a lead of 40 runs. Oshada Fernando was unbeaten on 17 while night-watchman Kasun  Rajitha was on 3.Pakistan were struggling in their reply after Sri Lanka had posted 222 in their first innings and then Babar played a captain’s knock.

On a track where most Pakistani batsmen struggled to play spin, Babar was solid. Often playing on the front foot with soft hands negating the turn, he left well and cashed in when there were opportunities to score.The last wicket partnership lasted for more  than two hours and frustrated the Sri Lankans, who had to take the second new ball to break the stand. By that time Babar, who was playing his first Test match in Sri Lanka had posted his seventh hundred. His knock lasted for more than five hours in which he faced 244 deliveries, hit 11 fours and two sixes.

Babar also farmed the strike from number 11 Naseem Shah as he contributed only five runs.  It was a remarkable effort by the 27-year-old as the next best score in the innings was 19.Prabath Jayasuriya, meanwhile, continued his impressive run in test cricket. Playing his second test match, the left-arm spinner claimed his third five wicket haul to finish with five for 82. He had been sidelined due to fitness issues and was picked to make his Test debut in the second Test against Australia after the Sri Lankan camp was hit by COVID. He claimed 12 for 177 last week, the best figures by a Sri Lankan on debut.