Pakistan recently secured Galle fort in the ongoing Test match series against Sri Lanka, with an outstanding performance led by the Player of the Match Saud Shakeel.
Following in the footsteps of Abdullah Shafique from the previous year, Saud showcased his exceptional talent and determination, marking his first away series with an innings that will be unforgettable for many years to come.
In the first Test, Pakistan faced the challenging task of surpassing Sri Lanka's score of 312 in the first innings, but their situation looked dire as they lost five wickets with just 101 runs on the board. However, a determined Saud Shakeel walked on to the field of Galle cricket stadium, followed soon by Agha Salman at the crease with him, and then the duo demonstrated a brilliant partnership for the fifth wicket, staging a remarkable comeback for Pakistan. It was, as if, Test cricket was being resuscitated in front of our eyes and the never-die-attitude of the Cornered Tigers was being showcased after a gap of many series.
On the morning of third day, Agha eventually fell to Ramesh Mendis after scoring 83, but Saud stood tall, withstanding the onslaught of the Lankan bowlers. He exhibited incredible control in his left-handed batting, displaying a wide array of shots, including scoops, flicks, and inside-outs perfect for those social media viral clips, while steadily accumulating runs with precision.
As Saud accelerated his scoring, the prospect of reaching a double century became more apparent. Credit is due to the contributions of Nauman Ali, Naseem Shah, and briefly by Abrar Ahmed, who provided valuable support in the lower order, enabling Saud to achieve his maiden double hundred. His innings was defined by bravery, courage, grit, and unwavering determination. As Saud struck the double-hundred during the last wicket partnership, the jubilant scenes ruptured in Pakistan's dugout.
A new star of Pakistan's middle order emerged and it was acknowledged even by the Galle crowd too. It reflected the significance of Saud's outstanding knock and Babar Azam, as his captain, took immense pride in the performance of his teammate, who defied all odds and played an extraordinary innings.
Shakeel made sure that Pakistan scored 461 runs in first innings, helping Pakistan to take a lead of 149 runs. The lead surely helped Pakistan as in the second innings the home side was bundled out for 279, handing Pakistan a target of mere 131.
During day 5, when Imam was securing the other end, Saud after Babar was dismissed, played some attacking cricket, scoring a quickfire 30 off 38 stamping once again the assurance that this is about to be a new era of Pakistan cricket as is popularly being named as "Pakball". It is surely impressive how the southpaw kept changing his gears time and again and proved his mettle in the toughest format of the game and on a pitch that became a murderous rank-turner on the last day.
Saud Shakeel's achievement holds special significance as he became the first Pakistani batsman to score a double century on Sri Lankan soil. Mastering the formidable spin attack of Sri Lanka was no easy feat, and Saud's success joined the ranks of other Pakistani greats like Javed Miandad, Saeed Anwar, Fawad Alam, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Asad Shafiq, who excelled against spin bowlers, and no surprise they all are the sons of Karachi!
With just six Test matches under his belt, Saud Shakeel has already made an indelible mark, boasting an impressive average just a tick below 100 in Test cricket. He now features among some of the greatest innings played at Galle.
In the first Test, Pakistan faced the challenging task of surpassing Sri Lanka's score of 312 in the first innings, but their situation looked dire as they lost five wickets with just 101 runs on the board. However, a determined Saud Shakeel walked on to the field of Galle cricket stadium, followed soon by Agha Salman at the crease with him, and then the duo demonstrated a brilliant partnership for the fifth wicket, staging a remarkable comeback for Pakistan. It was, as if, Test cricket was being resuscitated in front of our eyes and the never-die-attitude of the Cornered Tigers was being showcased after a gap of many series.
On the morning of third day, Agha eventually fell to Ramesh Mendis after scoring 83, but Saud stood tall, withstanding the onslaught of the Lankan bowlers. He exhibited incredible control in his left-handed batting, displaying a wide array of shots, including scoops, flicks, and inside-outs perfect for those social media viral clips, while steadily accumulating runs with precision.
As Saud accelerated his scoring, the prospect of reaching a double century became more apparent. Credit is due to the contributions of Nauman Ali, Naseem Shah, and briefly by Abrar Ahmed, who provided valuable support in the lower order, enabling Saud to achieve his maiden double hundred. His innings was defined by bravery, courage, grit, and unwavering determination. As Saud struck the double-hundred during the last wicket partnership, the jubilant scenes ruptured in Pakistan's dugout.
A new star of Pakistan's middle order emerged and it was acknowledged even by the Galle crowd too. It reflected the significance of Saud's outstanding knock and Babar Azam, as his captain, took immense pride in the performance of his teammate, who defied all odds and played an extraordinary innings.
Shakeel made sure that Pakistan scored 461 runs in first innings, helping Pakistan to take a lead of 149 runs. The lead surely helped Pakistan as in the second innings the home side was bundled out for 279, handing Pakistan a target of mere 131.
During day 5, when Imam was securing the other end, Saud after Babar was dismissed, played some attacking cricket, scoring a quickfire 30 off 38 stamping once again the assurance that this is about to be a new era of Pakistan cricket as is popularly being named as "Pakball". It is surely impressive how the southpaw kept changing his gears time and again and proved his mettle in the toughest format of the game and on a pitch that became a murderous rank-turner on the last day.
Saud Shakeel's achievement holds special significance as he became the first Pakistani batsman to score a double century on Sri Lankan soil. Mastering the formidable spin attack of Sri Lanka was no easy feat, and Saud's success joined the ranks of other Pakistani greats like Javed Miandad, Saeed Anwar, Fawad Alam, Sarfaraz Ahmed, and Asad Shafiq, who excelled against spin bowlers, and no surprise they all are the sons of Karachi!
With just six Test matches under his belt, Saud Shakeel has already made an indelible mark, boasting an impressive average just a tick below 100 in Test cricket. He now features among some of the greatest innings played at Galle.
As Pakistan head to Colombo for the next match, the expectations from Saud will undoubtedly be even higher.
Long live Saud Shakeel, a true pride of Karachi and a testament to Pakistan's cricketing prowess!
