On the first day of the second Test, leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed and fast bowler Naseem Shah showcased their bowling prowess, taking a total of seven wickets as they bowled out Sri Lanka for 166. Pakistan, who lead the two-match series 1-0, had the hosts electing to bat in Colombo.

Dhananjaya de Silva emerged as the top-scorer with a valiant 57 runs before Pakistan wrapped up the innings in the second session. Number eight Ramesh Mendis also made a useful contribution in the lower order with 27 runs before falling to Abrar Ahmed.

Sri Lanka faced early trouble, finding themselves at 36-4 when play began 30 minutes late due to overnight and early morning rain. De Silva, known for his strong performance in the first Test with scores of 122 and 82, led the counter-attack with a quickfire knock. He formed a crucial partnership of 85 runs with Dinesh Chandimal, who contributed 34 runs.

Naseem Shah, who secured three wickets, broke the partnership when he had Chandimal caught by Imam-ul-Haq. Abrar Ahmed soon joined the action, taking two quick wickets, including that of de Silva, to dampen Sri Lanka’s hopes of a comeback.

De Silva displayed impressive form, reaching his 13th Test fifty and striking a six off Abrar before falling victim to the same bowler, getting caught at mid-wicket. His innings of 68 balls featured nine fours and a six.

Sri Lanka’s opening batsman, Nishan Madushka, started with a four but was run out without adding to his score after being called for a quick single by skipper Dimuth Karunaratne. Left-arm quick Shaheen Shah Afridi soon removed Kusal Mendis for six, while Naseem Shah dismissed Sri Lanka’s experienced batsmen, Angelo Mathews and Dimuth Karunaratne, in quick succession.

Pakistan’s Babar Azam-led team emerged victorious in the rain-affected opening Test, defeating Sri Lanka by four wickets in Galle.