On Day 2 of the 1st Unofficial Test between Pakistan A and Sri Lanka A at Rawalpindi Stadium on November 12, Pakistan A strengthened their position, taking a 143-run lead in the first innings. Pakistan A, who had resumed their innings at 148/4, were eventually dismissed for 258, with Hussain Talat (56), Rohail Nazir (55), and Ali Zaryab (55) playing key roles in anchoring the innings. Despite regular wickets falling, their contributions ensured that Pakistan A posted a competitive total.
Sri Lanka A's bowlers, Vishwa Fernando (4/44) and Isitha Wijesundara (2/49), were instrumental in breaking through Pakistan A’s top order, but they couldn’t halt the steady progress of the three half-centurions. The Pakistan A tail, however, collapsed quickly, with the last two wickets falling in quick succession, and their innings ended at 258.
In Sri Lanka A's second innings, Pakistan A made a strong start with the ball. Khurram Shahzad struck early in the first over, dismissing Oshada Fernando for a duck, leaving Sri Lanka A at 1/1. However, Ahan Wickramasinghe (48*) and Nipun Dhananjaya (15*) steadied the ship for Sri Lanka A, with Wickramasinghe leading the charge. At the close of play, Sri Lanka A were 77/1, still trailing Pakistan A by 66 runs. Wickramasinghe and Dhananjaya remained at the crease, keeping Sri Lanka's hopes alive as they look to build a strong partnership on Day 3.
Pakistan A will be looking to strike early on Day 3 to push for victory, while Sri Lanka A will aim to build on their promising recovery and close the gap.
