Rain plays spoil sport in second Test at SSC

by Rex Clementine

After their pathetic opening day batting display in the second Test against Pakistan at SSC, Sri Lanka would have been praying for rain to save the game and their prayers were answered as just 9.5 overs were possible on day two yesterday.

After just 43 minutes of play, the players went indoors due to rain and there was no resumption. Although the rain had ceased by afternoon yesterday, the ground was wet and not possible to get on with things and the umpires were forced to call off play early with the hope of early resumption today, on day three.

In the rain curtained morning session, Pakistan resuming on 145 for two have moved on to 178 for two, enjoying a slender 12 run lead with eight wickets in hand.

Asad Shafique was unbeaten on 87 while Babar Azam was on 28 when play was interrupted.

Sri Lanka had expected a long day on the field on a flat deck but with almost one day’s play washed off, will now be fancying hopes of drawing the game.

Pakistan only need a draw to clinch the series having won the first Test by four wickets.