Now Reading: De Silva and Mendis Hit Twin Tons as Sri Lanka Dig In Against Pakistan
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De Silva and Mendis Hit Twin Tons as Sri Lanka Dig In Against Pakistan
De Silva and Mendis Hit Twin Tons as Sri Lanka Dig In Against Pakistan
Sri Lanka’s batters turned day three in Rawalpindi into a masterclass of patience and power. Dhananjaya de Silva and Kusal Mendis both hit centuries, sharing a record unbroken stand that lifted the visitors to 404-4 and left Pakistan scrambling for answers in the first Test.
A Record Stand That Changed the Game
Sri Lanka resumed on 114-3 and finished on 404-4, adding 290 runs in the day. They now trail Pakistan’s 434-9 declared by just 30 runs.
The unbroken fifth-wicket partnership of 249 between De Silva and Mendis is the highest for Sri Lanka against Pakistan. It beats the 207 put together by Thilan Samaraweera and Tillakaratne Dilshan in Lahore in 2009.
Bad light ended play 15 minutes early, but the damage to Pakistan’s hopes was already done.
De Silva’s Polished 167
De Silva was unbeaten on 167 from 241 balls, with 20 boundaries. He was given a lifeline on 38 when Saud Shakeel dropped him off pacer Razaullah, and he made Pakistan pay.
He brought up his 14th Test hundred with a boundary off spinner Arafat Minhas. It was his fourth century against Pakistan and his second at this venue.
Mendis Makes History as Captain
Mendis was the more aggressive of the pair. He struck four sixes and 10 boundaries in his unbeaten 117.
He reached his 11th Test century with a ramp shot to the boundary off Razaullah. It also made him the first Sri Lankan to score a hundred in his maiden Test as captain, after taking over from De Silva before this series.
Kamindu Lays the Platform
The morning session belonged to a steady partnership between De Silva and Kamindu Mendis. The pair added 90 for the fourth wicket, and Sri Lanka lost only one wicket before lunch.
Kamindu completed his eighth Test fifty before edging Mohammad Abbas to wicketkeeper Ghazi Ghori. His 58 came off 131 balls and included eight fours, leaving Sri Lanka on 155-4.
That was the last real breakthrough Pakistan found all day.
Pakistan’s Bowlers Toil Without Reward
It was a long day in the field for the hosts. Abbas finished with figures of 2-64, while debutant Saqib Khan took 2-105. Neither could find the second breakthrough that might have reopened the contest.
Abbas was gracious in acknowledging the opposition’s effort.
“We put up a lot of effort, but credit to the Sri Lankan pair on batting so confidently. We need to get them out quickly for a fightback.” – Mohammad Abbas
Day Three at a Glance
| Batter | Runs | Balls | Boundaries | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dhananjaya de Silva | 167 | 241 | 20 fours | Not out |
| Kusal Mendis | 117 | N/A | 10 fours, 4 sixes | Not out |
| Kamindu Mendis | 58 | 131 | 8 fours | c Ghori b Abbas |
| Team | Score |
|---|---|
| Pakistan (1st innings) | 434-9 declared |
| Sri Lanka (1st innings) | 404-4 |
What Comes Next
Kamindu believes Sri Lanka are in a strong position, but he knows the next session is important.
“We are in a good position. The first session tomorrow will be crucial, so if these two set batters can continue and give us a good lead, then we can go to the next step.” – Kamindu Mendis
A big first-innings lead would put real pressure on Pakistan. The hosts will need early wickets on day four to stay in the contest.
The second Test is also set for Rawalpindi, starting November 17th. It was shifted from Lahore because of poor weather.
The Bottom Line
Sri Lanka have gone from a shaky 114-3 to commanding the Test. With two set batters at the crease and a first-innings lead within reach, the momentum is firmly with the visitors.
