The opening day of the first Test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan at Galle on Sunday witnessed several captivating moments that kept fans and commentators on the edge of their seats.
The action-packed day began with a significant milestone for Shaheen Afridi, as he secured his 100th Test wicket in the third over of Sri Lanka’s innings. Afridi’s impressive delivery moved away sharply, causing Madushka to nick the ball, which was comfortably caught by wicket-keeper Sarfaraz Ahmed. With this achievement, Afridi became the 19th Pakistani bowler to reach the milestone of 100 dismissals in Test cricket.
100th Test Wicket For Shaheen Afridi♥️🔥. #ShaheenAfridi #PAKvSL #SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/uTUs4WYbZb
— Shaharyar Ejaz 🏏 (@SharyOfficial) July 16, 2023
Sri Lanka faced further troubles when Naseem Shah delivered an absolute ripper to dismiss the experienced Dinesh Chandimal. In the 16th over, Shah produced a brilliant delivery that slightly straightened after pitching, resulting in Chandimal’s outside edge. Pakistan captain, Babar Azam, showcased his fielding prowess by diving to his left and completing an exceptional catch at slip, sending Chandimal back to the pavilion.
Brilliant Catch From Captain Babar Azam. pic.twitter.com/tbZreFoUlr
— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) July 16, 2023
Amongst the intense cricketing action, Hassan Ali, who was serving as a water boy for Pakistan, provided a light-hearted moment that left everyone amused. During the 45th over of Sri Lanka’s innings, bowled by Nauman Ali, Hassan sprinted out of the ground towards the pavilion in a hilarious attempt to expedite play resumption. As he raced with additional sunglasses and made sure his cap didn’t fall, the commentators couldn’t help but chuckle at his enthusiasm and enjoyment.
Hassan ali 🤣#PAKvSL pic.twitter.com/hcI15Z4i07
— Gaurav (@SportsFreakhu) July 16, 2023
Even Mohammad Rizwan, who wasn’t part of the playing XI, managed to catch the attention of fans with a spectacular dive in the field. In the 54th over, Naseem Shah bowled a short delivery that was powerfully pulled by Sadeera Samarawickrama. However, Rizwan, fielding as a substitute at backward square leg, exhibited exceptional agility and stopped the ball with a diving effort. He even had a shy at the stumps, and had the ball hit its target, Samarawickrama would have found himself in trouble.
Excellent fielding by rizwan pic.twitter.com/WmuUTstwxx
— Daud (@CleanBowled562) July 16, 2023
On the last ball of day one, Imam-ul-Haq took a stunning catch to dismiss Samarawickrama at short-leg. Samarawickrama tried to defend a ball from Agha Salman, but it turned and bounced more than he expected, hitting him high on the bat. Imam leapt full length to his right to catch the ball, which led to the Pakistan fielders rushing in and celebrating.
Imam-ul-Haq can fly 😍#SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/wlZE8wHfTi
— Israr Ahmed Hashmi (@IamIsrarHashmi) July 16, 2023
The catch ended the day’s play with Sri Lanka on 242-6, with Dhananjaya de Silva unbeaten on 94.
