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On the back of a terrific double century from Saud Shakeel in the first innings and a well-measured half-century under pressure from Imam-ul-Haq in the second innings, Pakistan registered a four-wicket win against Sri Lanka in the first Test match at Galle International Stadium. As a result, Babar Azam's men took a 1-0 lead in the two-match series against the Islanders. Chasing a tricky target of 131 runs on a deteriorating wicket, Pakistan rode on Imam's unbeaten 50-run knock to reach the finish line.
After closing day 4 on 48/3, Pakistan needed 83 more runs with seven wickets in hand to win the match. The visitors didn't enjoy a great start to day 5 as captain Babar for 24 runs. Imam and Shakeel then registered a crucial partnership of 43 runs for the fifth wicket that ultimately put the game in Pakistan's grip.
Shakeel departed after scoring 30 runs before wicketkeeper-batter Sarfaraz Ahmed walked back to the pavilion after scoring just one run. Imam stayed at the crease till the end and ensured Pakistan's victory with four wickets to spare.
For Sri Lanka, spinner Prabhath Jayasuriya bagged four wickets while Ramesh Mendis chipped in with a wicket.
Earlier in the game, Sri Lanka scored 312 runs in the first innings on the back of Dhananjaya de Silva's 122-run knock and Angelo Matthews' 64-run knock.
In reply, Pakistan scored 461 runs on the back of Shakeel's historic 208-run knock. Agha Salman also chipped in with a solid innings of 83 runs.
In their second innings, Sri Lanka were bundled out 279 runs and once again, it was Dhananjaya de Silva who came to his team's rescue. The elegant right-handed batter scored a team-high 82 runs.
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