Sri Lanka batting flops ahead of Pakistan Test series

Friday, 6 November 2026 00:20 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Lead PCB Patron’s XI overall by 193 runs

ISLAMABAD: Sri Lanka’s batting once again flopped in their second innings of the 3-day warm-up match against a PCB Patron’s XI played at the Islamabad Cricket Club Oval here yesterday.

Apart from the two half-centuries scored by skipper Kusal Mendis and opener Lahiru Udara in the first innings, Sri Lanka’s top order failed to deliver and they had to recover from a shaky afternoon session of 51-4 at tea to build an overall lead of 193 by the close.

Sri Lanka closed the second day at 121-6 thanks to a 56-run sixth wicket stand between Anjala Bandara (34) and Milan Rathnayaka (27*).

Sri Lanka’s top order was rattled by the pace of Shoaib Akhtar Jnr who dismissed Lahiru Udara for 15 and Dinesh Chandimal for his second duck of the match, in his opening spell and later came back to break the partnership between Bandara and Rathnayaka by having Bandara caught behind to end the day with 3/22 off 9 overs.

Pasindu Sooriyabandara tried out in his new position as opener, made only 14 to follow his first innings score of 8. Kusal Mendis was run out for 3 and Sonal Dinusha was out hit wicket for 22.

Resuming the day from overnight 43-2, the Patron’s XI fought back but were limited to 151-8 before declaring. Opening batter Azan Awais was the lone standout, scoring a solid half-century (50 off 85 balls, 9 fours).

Sri Lanka’s fast bowlers Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka and Rathnayaka bowled tight lengths to pick up two wickets apiece.

The match will head into its third and final day today as Sri Lanka looks to extend their lead before setting a target for the Patron’s XI.

This red-ball fixture serves as the final tune-up for the touring Sri Lankan side before they head to Rawalpindi for the first official Test match beginning on 9 November.

Scores:

Sri Lanka 223-7 decl. and 121-6 at close (Sonal Dinusha 22, Anjala Bandara 34, Milan Rathnayaka 27*, Shoaib Akhtar Jnr 3/22) leads PCB Patron’s XI 151-8 decl. (Azan Awais 50, Mohammad Taha 29, Tayyab Arif 30, Lahiru Kumara 2/16, Dilshan Madushanka 2/32, Milan Rathnayaka 2/24) by 193 runs.