Shakeel closing on maiden century as Pakistan tightens grip

Pakistan's dominance continued to grow on the second morning of the first Test match against Sri Lanka, with Saud Shakeel steering the home side towards a formidable total at Rawalpindi. The left-handed batter, who has endured an extended wait for a Test century, moved steadily towards the milestone after spending considerable time at the crease.

Shakeel was ably supported in a 96-run partnership with Mohammad Ghori as Pakistan's middle order maintained momentum following their strong first-day performance. The pair's contribution was instrumental in extending Pakistan's advantage, with the morning session proving particularly productive for the hosts.

Pakistan's batting effort reflected their superior command of the match situation. The loss of just one wicket during the session—when they moved from 281 for 5 to 390 for 6—highlighted both the solidity of their batting lineup and Sri Lanka's struggling bowlers. The morning's 109 runs represented sustained scoring that further widened the gap between the two teams.

With Shakeel approaching the century mark and Pakistan establishing a substantial first-innings total, the home team's position has grown increasingly difficult for Sri Lanka to counter. The visitor's attack faced considerable pressure as Pakistan's batters continued to accumulate runs at a steady pace. The contest at Rawalpindi has tilted decisively in Pakistan's favor as the match progresses.