Pakistan chased 342 runs,records famous win in Galle

By Bibhu Ray

(The Quiver) : On Wednesday, Pakistan produced an herculean effort to zoom past 342 runs against Sri-Lanka to register their second highest successive chase in Galle. 377 was the highest target chased by Pakistan against the same opponents in Pallekele in 2015.

On a rank turner Day 5 pitch, Pakistan resumed their innings with 222/3 as they needed just 120 runs to script history and they did exactly that. With Abdullah and Rizwan in the middle, they battled against the odds and defied the Lankans with their composure. Rizwan made a brezzy 40 before getting LBW to Prabadh Jayasuriya.
M.Nawaz joined the opener to do the formalities for the visitors to take a lead of 1-0.
Sri-Lanka had the advantage going into the fifth day before giving Pakistan 342 runs to chase. But Abdullah Shafique had other plans as he went on to score 158(408) holding one end. This knock of his had all the elements like composure, technique, determination and perseverance along with him. He was giving vital assistance by Imam(35) in a opening stand and a 100 runs and with skipper Babar Azam (55). The 2nd innings show was a much improved one for the visitors after folding out for 218 in the 1st innings. Shafique was later adjusted Man of the match for his match winning innings of 158.