Mendis, Udara Fifties Rescue Sri Lanka in Warm-Up
Kusal Mendis and Lahiru Udara hit half-centuries as Sri Lanka recovered from early trouble to declare at 223 for seven on the first day of the Sri Lanka Patron’s XI warm-up at the Oval Ground in Islamabad on Wednesday.
The tourists, who chose to bat first in the three-day practice match, slipped to 40 for three after the Patron’s XI pacers used early moisture to put them under pressure. Mendis and Udara, who opened the innings, then rebuilt with a solid 90-run stand for the fourth wicket and carried Sri Lanka to a total their bowlers could defend.
Saqib Khan struck twice in quick succession to leave Sri Lanka reeling at 21 for two. He removed Pasindu Sooriyabandara for eight and Dinesh Chandimal for nought. Mohammad Salman then dismissed Dhananjaya de Silva for 14, a knock that included two fours from 20 balls, and the visitors were three down with only 40 runs on the board.
Udara answered with a patient 65 from 105 balls, an innings that lasted 105 minutes and included seven fours and three sixes. Ali Shabir finally broke the stand when he held Udara off his own bowling, and he struck again soon after to remove Sunal Dinusha for 10, caught by Azan Awais, which left Sri Lanka at 153 for five.
Mendis found a steady partner in Anjala Bandara, and the pair added 45 runs for the sixth wicket. Fast bowler Ubaid Shah ended the stand by dismissing Mendis, who made 66 from 72 balls with 11 fours during 157 minutes at the crease. Bandara stayed unbeaten on 33 from 61 balls, with five fours, and batted on until Mendis declared the innings at 223 for seven so his bowlers could use the helpful evening conditions before stumps.
Saqib finished with two wickets for 28 runs, Salman took two for 52, and Ali Shabir claimed two for 28. In reply, the Patron’s XI reached 43 for two in 15 overs. Azan Awais was batting on 19 from 46 balls with three fours, and Mohammad Taha was on 16 from 18 balls with two fours.
The hosts had earlier slipped to 23 for two. Dilshan Madushanka removed Abdullah Fazal for two, and Rathnayake dismissed Sameer Minhas for three. Ahsan Raza and Tariq Rasheed supervised the match, Zulfiqa Jan acted as reserve umpire, and Kamran Chaudhry was the match commissioner. Tribune reported the first day’s play from the Oval Ground.
Sri Lanka Patron’s XI warm-up: what the first day means
The warm-up is the last serious test before the two-match Test series, and both sides will read plenty into the first day. Sri Lanka’s recovery from 40 for three showed depth in their batting, but their early collapse will also encourage Pakistan’s pace bowlers ahead of the first Test in Rawalpindi on November 9.
Pakistan’s own Test rebuild was covered in Pakistan Plan Test Shake-Up Before Sri Lanka Series, after a difficult year in which the side lost six of its seven Tests. The selectors will add two fast bowlers from the Patron’s XI to the Test squad once this match ends on November 6, so every wicket and every run in Islamabad carries weight for players on the edge of selection.
Azan Awais is one of those players. He is among the leading contenders to open the innings in the Tests, and his unbeaten 19 at stumps kept his name firmly in the discussion. The domestic competition has already produced big scores, including the double century covered in Rizwan Double Century Puts Peshawar in Command. Pakistan’s cricket calendar has been busy across formats, with the women’s team also changing leadership, as covered in Shane Deitz Set as Pakistan Women Head Coach. Dawn’s preview of the fixture had noted that seven members of the Patron’s XI are also in Pakistan’s 14-member Test squad.
The second Test of the series will be played in Lahore from November 17. Pakistan’s recent white-ball form, including the rise covered in Shaheen Afridi Climbs in ICC ODI Rankings, has lifted spirits, but the red-ball side still needs a result at home.
What happens next
The Patron’s XI will resume their reply on the second day, with Azan and Taha at the crease and eight wickets in hand. Sri Lanka’s bowlers will want early wickets to press home the advantage their batsmen created late on day one.
The final day on November 6 will then shape the last selection calls. Two fast bowlers from this match are set to join the Test squad, and the first Test starts in Rawalpindi only three days later. For players such as Saqib Khan, who took two early wickets on day one, the warm-up is a direct audition.
Frequently asked questions
What was Sri Lanka’s score on day one of the warm-up?
Sri Lanka declared their first innings at 223 for seven against PCB Patron’s XI at the Oval Ground in Islamabad.
Who scored fifties for Sri Lanka?
Kusal Mendis made 66 from 72 balls and Lahiru Udara made 65 from 105 balls. The pair added 90 runs for the fourth wicket.
What was the Patron’s XI score at stumps?
The Patron’s XI reached 43 for two in 15 overs, with Azan Awais on 19 and Mohammad Taha on 16.
When does the Test series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka start?
The first Test starts in Rawalpindi on November 9, and the second Test starts in Lahore on November 17.
Why does this warm-up match matter for selection?
The selectors will add two fast bowlers from the Patron’s XI to Pakistan’s Test squad after the match ends on November 6.
