Sport · Sri Lanka Bureau
De Silva, Mendis centuries lift Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi Test
Sri Lanka recovered from a precarious position with unbeaten centuries from Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis, who shared an unbroken 249-run fifth-wicket partnership to steer the visitors into a commanding position on day three of the opening Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
De Silva and Mendis combined to pull Sri Lanka away from the brink as the visitors staged a remarkable turnaround against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. De Silva, the former captain, silenced his detractors with an assured hundred, while Mendis, his successor in the leadership role, demonstrated the authority expected of him with an unbeaten century of his own.
The 249-run partnership proved transformative, arriving at a critical juncture when Sri Lanka faced mounting pressure. The pair's composed batting provided the foundation for the visitors to move from a position of vulnerability into one of genuine strength as the match entered its third day.
With both batsmen still at the crease at the end of play, Sri Lanka has positioned itself to dictate terms against Pakistan. The partnership showcased the depth of batting talent within the Sri Lankan lineup and provided hope of a competitive total that could influence the trajectory of the Test series opener.
Pakistan's bowlers, meanwhile, will be concerned at their inability to make further inroads after establishing early dominance. The momentum has shifted perceptibly toward the visitors, whose recovery has lifted them into a position from which they can harbour genuine hopes of a strong result.