The hosts took the full control on day three of the first test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan by taking a 333-run lead at the Galle International Stadium on Monday.
It was a complete team effort Sri Lanka showed on the third day as the hosts by the time of stumps were at 329 for 9.
Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal posted half-centuries for the side. With Chandimal walked back to pavilion with an unbeaten 86 and will resume the innings for Sri Lanka on day 4 alongside Prabath Jayasuriya.
Sri Lanka Vs Pakistan 1st Test Summary:
After winning the toss Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne opted to bat. However, he got out early to put his side in pressure. Oshada Fernando and Kusal Mendis then did a small partnership to steady the ship and just when the things were looking well for the Lankan side, they lost three wickets in the span of eight runs.
The former captain of Sri Lanka Dinesh Chandimal tried hard to score as many runs as he could. He played a knock of 76 runs, which the most among the Sri Lankan batters as the hosts put 222 run on board in their first innings.
After a strong show by bowlers, Pakistan’s batters couldn’t maintain their momentum as even after their skipper Babar Azam scored a century, they only managed to score 218 runs and fell 4 run short of what Sri Lanka scored in their first innings.
The hosts started their day 3 run from 36 for 1, but with the help of solid half-century knocks from Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal, they were able to cross 300-mark.
They now a 333-run lead in their hand and with Dinesh Chandimal is still not out, they will try to score as many runs as possible to give visitors a huge target to chase down on the final two days of the first test.
The slow-arm orthodox bowler Mohammad Nawaz was the pick of the bowler for Pakistan on day 3 as he took a fifer.
