Abrar continued his spell, almost managing to get Asalanka’s wicket off the second delivery with a great diving attempt by Nafay in the ring.

Rathnayake then slogged the third delivery for a four and then ran a quick single to rotate the strike to Asalanka.

The breakthrough finally came on the fifth delivery as Asalanka attempted to slog it on the leg side again but missed the ball and it crashed into the stumps.

Pakistan got excited on the very next ball with a huge shout for LBW that was given by the umpire but overturned on review.

Opinion

Respite needed

Respite needed

All one can fear is a familiar accounting exercise that aims to extract a few more rupees from a narrow, weary economic base.

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