On Day 2 of the third and final Test between Pakistan and England at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, England’s right-arm off-spinner Shoaib Bashir delivered a bowling masterclass. Dismissing Pakistan skipper Shaan Masood with a sharp, turning deliver????y, Bashir provided a key breakthrough for England.

Shoaib Bashir’s stunning delivery ends Shaan Masood’s knock

In the 36th over of Pakistan’s first innings, Bashir’s spin prowess was on full display. Tossing up a full delivery on the leg stump, Bashir deceived Masood, who closed the face of his bat in an attempt to work the ball onto the leg side. The ball turned sharply, catching the leading edge and flying to Ollie Pope at gully. Positioned close under the lid, Pope completed a sharp, low catch to his left, sending Masood back to the pavilion for 26 off 70 balls. This dismissal mirrored Masood’s struggles from previous games, showcasing Bashir’s control and consistency.

Here is the video:

pic.twitter.com/AiEkYweteD

— ViratKingdom (@kingdom_virat1) October 25, 2024

Before taking Masood’s wicket, Bashir claimed the crucial wicket of Pakistan opener Abdullah Shafique, establishing himself as a central threat to their batting lineup. His precise bowling maintained pressure on Pakistan’s top order, helping Eng??land set a solid defensive tone early in the innings.

Also WATCH: Sajid Khan cleans up Harr??y Brook on Day 1 of the Rawalpindi Test

Crucial match for both teams

The first day concluded with England posted a moderate total of 267, bolstered by solid performances by Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett but subdued by Pakistan’s Sajid Khan, who took six critical wickets. As Pakistan came to bat on Day 2, their innings seemed promising initially but soon struggled under England’s consistent pressure. At the lunch break, Pakistan stood at a precarious 187/7, trailing by 80 runs with only a few recognized batter remaining.

Amid Pakistan’s faltering batting lineup, middle-order batter Saud Shakeel provided a glimmer of hope, anchoring the innings with a determined 72. Shakeel’s efforts, including four fours were the backbone of Pakistan’s score, yet the lack of support from the other end put his efforts? at risk. With the pressure mounting, Pakistan’s lower order faces the task of bridging the deficit as the??y seek to stabilize their first innings.

The significance of this match cannot be overstated, as both Pakistan and England are tied 1-1 in this three-match Test series. A win here would clinch the series, adding extra pressure to each decision, wicket, and run. As Day 2 unfo??lds, both teams are keenly aware that their performance in this match will not only decide the series but also impact their standings on the international Test stage.

Also READ: Twitter reactions: Sajid Khan puts Pakistan ahead despite England bowler?s�?lat?e comeback on Day 1 of the 3rd Test

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Pakistan and England are gearing up for an exhilarating showdown in the third and final Test at Rawalpindi. After experiencing a heavy defeat on a flat pitch in Multan, Pakistan made bold decisions by dropping key players like Babar Azam, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi. This strategic overhaul proved effective as Shan Masood’s side staged a remarkable comeback on a turning track, leveling th??e series in impressive ?fashion.

Pakistan to disrupt England’s WTC chances

As the teams head into the decider, England will face a significant challenge from Pakistan’s spinners, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, who played crucial roles in Pakistan’s previous victory. While Pakistan may be out of contention for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, they still hav?e the opportunity to disrupt England’s chances and break their long-standing streak of disappointing home results? with a series-clinching win.

Also READ: PAK vs ENG 2024, 3rd Test: M??atch Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Tips & Pitch Report | Pakistan vs England

PAK vs ENG, 3rd Test: Here are the top 5 key battles to watch out for 

1. Joe Root vs Sajid Khan: Joe Root stands as one of England’s most dependable Test batter and a formidable force against Pakistan’s bowling attack. His extensive experience and ability to construct long innings make him a pivotal figure for England in this series. Sajid, Pakistan’s premier spin bowler, will once again be under pressure to curb Root’s scoring ability. After delivering a vital performance in the previous match, Sajid will be focused on replicating his successful spell, aiming to thwart Root’s efforts to anchor the innings and swing the momentum back in Pakistan’s favor.

2. Ben Duckett vs Noman Ali: Ben Duckett has showcased remarkable consistency throughout the series, proving to be a crucial contributor at the top of England’s batting order. His aggressive stroke play and ability to perform under pressure position him as a key player. Facing him will be Noman Ali, Pakistan’s seasoned left-arm spinner, who will be eager to exploit Duckett’s aggression with his subtle variations and guile. This matchup is vital, as Noman’s ability to break partnerships could significantly influence the game’s dynamics and shift momentum towards Pakistan.

3. Kamran Ghulam vs Jack Leach: Kamran Ghulam made an impressive debut with a stunning century, signaling his capability to tackle England’s bowling lineup. His confidence is likely soaring as he heads into the final Test. In opposition, Jack Leach, the top wicket-taker of the series, will be intent on disrupting Ghulam’s plans. Known for his precision and accuracy, Leach has consistently troubled Pakistan’s batters, and his duel with the young Pakistan talent promises to be a compelling spectacle. Ghulam’s ability to build on his initial success against Leach will be crucial for Pakistan’s batting strategy.

4. Salman Agha vs Rehan Ahmed: Salman Agha has emerged as a reliable backbone for Pakistan in the current Test series, having scored over 250 runs across four innings, which includes two fifties and a century. His performances have proven crucial in preventing the team f??rom collapsing, helping Pakistan reach respectable totals that have kept them competitive against England throughout the series.

In contrast, Rehan Ahmed, a promising young spinner, has been included in the playing XI for the final Test. Having made his Test debut a few years ago, Rehan has shown an ability to handle pressure and make breakthroughs so he could play a significant role in countering Agha’s threat, making this matchup a key battle to watch as the series unfolds.

5. Shoaib Bashir vs Mohammad Rizwan: Shoaib Bashir has shown impressive potential in his recent outings, demonstrating a flair for aggressive batting that can significantly impact Pakistan’s innings. His ability to score quickly puts pressure on the opposition, making him a key player in the lineup. On the other hand, Mohammad Rizwan has been a cornerstone of Pakistan’s batting, known for his consistency and calm demeanor under pressure

As the team’s wicketkeeper-batter, Rizwan’s experience and ability to build innings will be crucial in stabilizing the batting order. The duel between Bashir’s explosive style and Rizwan’s steady approach could be a deciding factor in the final Test, as Pakistan looks to secure a series victory against England.

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England have announced their playing XI for the third Test against Pakistan, set to begin on October 24 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The squad features a strategic selection of three spinners, reflecting England’s approach to the conditions expected in Rawalpindi.

Changes in England’s playing XI

The team sees two changes from the lineup that played in the second Test in Multan. Fast bowler Gus?? Atkinson makes his return, while leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed has been included for the first time since the Test match against India i??n February this year. Te fast bowling duo of Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts have been left out of the starting XI.

The inclusion of Rehan is particularly noteworthy, as he brings a fresh spin option to complement Jack Leach and Shoaib Bashir in what is expected to be a spin-friendly pitch.

Captain Ben Stokes expressed confidence in the selected playing XI, emphasizing the importance of adapting to local conditions. “We believe that having three spinners will give us an advantage on a pitch that traditionally supports spin bowling,” Stokes stated d?uring a press conference ahead of the Rawalpindi Test.

Also WATCH: England captain Ben Stokes falls to a bizarre ??dismissal on Day 4 of 2nd Test against Pakis??tan

Context of the PAK vs ENG Test series

The three-match Test series between Pakistan and England is currently levelled at 1-1. England won the opening Test by a comprehensive margin of an innings and 47 runs in Multan, while Pakistan came back strongly to equal the red-ball leg with 152-run victory in the second match at the same venue.

England’s playing XI for Rawalpindi Test:

Zak Crawl?ey, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Gus Atkinson, Rehan Ahmed, J?ack Leach, Shoaib Bashir

Also READ: BAN vs SA – Fans erupt as Kyle Verreynne makes history with a stunning century against Bangladesh on Day 2 of 1st Test

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Pakistan‘s off-spinner Sajid Khan delivered a remarkable bowling performance on Day 3 of the 2nd Test against England in Multan, picking up his second five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Sajid’s brilliant spell of 7/111 in 26.2 overs dismantled the England batting lineup, giving Pakistan a commanding position in the match. His spell is now the best-ever bowling figures at the Multan Cricket Stadium. Alongside fellow spinner Noman Ali, Sajid spun a web around England’s batters, s??haring all 10 wickets to bundle the visitors out for? 291. This left England trailing by 75 runs in the first innings.

Sajid Khan’s 7-wicket haul: Turning the game around

England, who had looked strong at 211/2 thanks to Ben Duckett‘s aggressive century, collapsed dramatically after Sajid’s introduction. Duckett’s 114 off 129 balls had placed the visitors in a dominant position, but Sajid’s persistence sparked an astonishing turnaround. The off-spinner claimed the key wickets of Ollie Pope (29), Joe Root (34) and Duckett, breaking England’s backbone. His delivery to remove  captain Harry Brook was a peach, while Duckett’s dismissal halted the momentum England ha?d built.

It was on Day 2 that Sajid’s magic truly began to unfold. England crumbled from 211/2 to 225/6 in a matter of overs, largely due to Sajid’s late flurry of wickets. His spell triggered a collapse that saw England lose five wickets in the final session. Sajid’s accurate line and sharp turn proved too much for the England batters, as they struggled to cope with his variations.

On Day 3, Sajid returned to complete his five-wicket haul, first removing Brydon Carse and then swiftly finishing England’s innings by dismissing Matthew Potts and Shoaib Bashir. The collapse was complete as England were all out for 291 in 67.2 overs. The Pakistan team celebrated Sajid’s milestone with an emotional gathering, a moment captured and shared on Pakistan Cricket’s social media channels.

Also WATCH: Pakistan captain Shan Masood falls cheaply to Jack Leach on Day 1 of 2nd Test | PAK? vs ENG

Fall of England batters against Sajid in Multan

1. Ollie Pope – Bowled (125/2, 23.3 overs)

Dismissal: Sajid’s first wicket came at a crucial moment when England was looking to consolidate their position. Pope, who was settling in at 29, attempted a risky drive against the turn. The ball, delivered from outside off, sharply spun back after hitting the rough patches, sneaking through Pope’s defenses and crashing into the stumps. Pope’s aggressive intent backfired as he was beaten by the turn and sharpness of Sajid’s delivery.

2. Joe Root – Bowled (211/3, 41.3 overs)

Dismissal: Sajid’s second breakthrough came with the prized wicket of Root. Root, who had scored 34 runs, went for an expansive sweep shot off a full ball outside off. However, the ball took a bottom edge and ricocheted onto the stumps. Root, playing from a wide stance, was undone by Sajid’s flight and placement, dragging the ball onto his stumps, much to the delight of the Pakistan camp.

3. Ben Duckett – Caught (224/4, 43.1 overs)

Dismissal: Centurion Duckett had been the mainstay of England’s innings with a brilliant 114. Sajid, nevertheless, forced a mistake from Duckett with a ball that pitched full and turned away from the left-hander. Duckett attempted a drive through the off side but only managed to edge the ball to first slip, where Agha Salman took a sharp catch. This dismissal marked the turning point in England’s innings, as Duckett’s wicket triggered a collapse.

4. Harry Brook – Bowled (225/5, 43.6 overs)

Dismissal: Sajid continued his dominance by bowling Brook for just 9. Brook, trying to counter the spin, backed away from a length delivery outside off. He exposed his stumps in an attempt to push at the ball, but it sharply turned back in, beating his bat and smashing the stumps. ??This was another example of Sajid’s excellent control over line and turn, leaving Brook with no answers.

5. Brydon Carse – Caught (248/7, 57.2 overs)

Dismissal: Sajid completed his five-wicket haul by dismissing Carse. Car??se, struggling at the crease, tried to break the shackles by advancing down the pitch and looking for a big shot. Nonetheless, he mistimed his shot and picked out the fielder at long-on, Saud Shakeel, who safely held on to the catch. Sajid celebrated with his signature Gabbar pose, enjoying the moment of getting his fifth ?wicket.

6. Matthew Potts – Bowled (256/8, 59.4 overs)

Dismissal: Potts, looking unsettled against the spin, became Sajid’s sixth victim. The ball, pitched wide outside off, turned sharply and went through Potts�?legs as he awkwardly walked across his stumps. The ball scooted through to hit the middle stump, leaving Potts completely outwitted. Sajid’s delivery, likened to a ‘nutmeg,�?showcased his ability to deceive even ?the most solid defenses.

7. Shoaib Bashir – Caught (291/10, 67.2 overs)

Dismissal: Sajid completed his incredible seven-wicket haul by dismissing Shoaib Bashir, who toe-ended a sweep straight to short midwicket. Bashir, trying to sweep a full ball, mistimed the shot and was caught by Shan Masood. With this wicket, Sajid wrapped up the Englan?d innings, le?ading his team off the field with his second Test five-wicket haul, and a remarkable personal milestone.

Here are the videos:

Vicious turn in to castle Ollie Pope 🎯

Sajid Khan gets the reward 💫#PAKvENG | #TestAtHome pic.twitter.com/FsWomnSv5x

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 16, 2024

Spin-triggered collapse! 🔥

Sajid Khan dishing out rippers in Multan 🤩#PAKvENG | #TestAtHome pic.twitter.com/spswXSZVcZ

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 16, 2024

The wicket that helped Sajid Khan to his second Test fifer! 🤩#PAKvENG | #TestAtHome pic.twitter.com/svRXOHT9g9

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 17, 2024

Sneaked through 🎯

Another beauty produced by Sajid 👏#PAKvENG | #TestAtHome pic.twitter.com/8SSeI2Qxh1

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 17, 2024

Also READ: PAK vs ENG 2024, Test Series – Broadcast, Live Streaming details | When and where to watch in India, Pakistan, UK, USA, Australia & other countries

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In a crucial moment during the fourth day of the third Test between England and Sri Lanka on Monday, September 9, Shoaib Bashir executed an exceptional catch near the boundary to dismiss Kusal Mendis. This key moment occurred in the fifth over of the fourth day, specifically the 20th over of Sri Lanka’s second innings.

Shoaib Bashir’s spectacular catch dismisses Kusal Mendis 

Mendis, a right-handed ??batter, attempted to pull a short-pitched delivery from Atkinson, making solid contact with the ball. For a moment, it looked as though the ball was destined to reach the boundary. However, Bashir, positioned strategically close to the rope, had other plans. The tall fielder displayed remarkable athleticism, diving full length to his left and securing a clean, two-handed c?atch.

Bashir’s acrobatic effort not only brought an end to Mendis’ well-crafted 39-run innings but also provided England with their first breakthrough of the day. This wicket was pivotal, as Sri Lanka were in pursuit of a 219-run target to win the third Test match. Bashir’s catch not only energized the England side but also set the tone for the rest of the day, showcasing the importance of sharp fielding in tight Test matches.

Here’s the video:

WHAT. A. CATCH!

Take a bow, Shoaib Bashir 😱 pic.twitter.com/FbGeZMwXMo

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 9, 2024

Also W??ATCH: Jamie Smith plays a counte?rattacking knock of 67 runs against Sri Lanka on Day 3 of the third Test

England’s inconsistent batting performance

Earlier, In the first innings, England displayed a mix of resilience and fragility, scoring 325 runs. Ollie Pope led the charge with a well-crafted 154, supported by Ben Duckett‘s aggressive 86. However, the rest of the lineup struggled, with no other batsman crossing 20. Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Milan Rathnayake with 3 wickets, kept England in check, preventing them from posting a more impos?ing total.

In their second innings, England faltered under pressure, collapsing for 156 runs. Jamie Smith‘s brisk 67 was the only notable contribution as Sri Lanka’s bowlers, especially Lahiru Kumara with 4 wickets, dismantled the batting order. This left England defending a modest target of 219, a challenging prospect given Sri Lanka’s strong batting form.

Sri Lanka’s steady chase

Sri Lanka’s response in their first innings was solid, with Pathum Nissanka’s 64 and Dhananjaya de Silva‘s 69 leading the way to a total of 263. However, the lower order crumbled under pressure, losing their last five wickets for just 43 runs. England’s bowlers, particularly Josh Hull and Olly Stone, exploited the conditions effectively.

In their pursuit of 219 runs, Sri Lanka started confidently, with Nissanka anchoring the chase with an unbeaten 73. Despite losing Dimuth Karunaratne and Mendis, they remained on course, needing just 86 more runs on the fourth day with eight wickets in hand. The English bowlers struggled to make inroads, putting Sri Lan??ka in a favorable position to?? claim victory.

Also WATCH:?? Chris Woakes�?switch to spin bowling leaves Joe Root in splits o??n Day 2 of the third ENG vs SL Test

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Gus Atkinson‘s maiden Test century set the stage for another day of England‘s dominance at Lord’s, as the hosts posted a formidable 427 in their first innings on Day 2 of the Lord’s Test. In response, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 196, trailing by 231 runs, with only Kamindu Mendis showing significant resistance. England opted against enforcing the follow-on, choosing instead to bat ag??ain, ending the day at 25/1 with a command??ing lead of 256.

Kamindu Mendis stands tall amid Sri Lanka’s collapse

Mendis was the lone warrior for Sri Lanka, scoring a gritty 74 from 120 balls. His innings, which included eight fours and three sixes, helped Sri Lanka recover from a precarious 118/7, briefly lifting his Test average back above 100. Despite his efforts, none of his teammates could muster more than Dinesh Chandimal‘s 23, leaving Sri Lanka in a dire position on a pitch already showing signs of turn. Mendis’ innings was a testament to his fighting spirit. He took on the previously dominant England attack and gathered quick runs for his side. However, his valiant effort was insufficient to save Sri Lanka from a significant first-innings deficit.

Kamindu Mendis put up a fight with a classy knock!#England #SriLanka #KaminduMendis #Test #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/EQctTBbBAN

— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 30, 2024

Also READ: ENG vs SL: Netizens celebrate as Gu?s Atkinson hits his maiden ton at iconic Lord??’s on Day 2 of the 2nd Test

Gus Atkinson’s maiden century sets the tone for England

Earlier, Atkinson resumed England’s innings on the second morning with a score of 74 not out and wasted no time in reaching his hundred. His century came off just 103 balls, making it the sixth-fastest century in a Test match at Lord’s. Atkinson’s innings was characterized by controlled aggression, with his knock including back-to-back boundaries off Lahiru Kumara to start the day. Although he was initially given out lbw by umpire Paul Reiffel, Atkinson successfully review??ed the decision, with the ball missing the leg stump.

From there, Atkinson continued to dominate, bringing up his century with a drive through long-off. His celebration, with a beaming smile and saluting all four corners of the ground, was the only sign that this was no ordinary day for the young cricketer. Matthew Potts provided valuable support in an 85-run partnership for the eighth wicket before Atkinson’s innings ended with a spectacular catch by Milan Rathnayake at deep midwicket.

England’s bowlers continue to impress

Sri Lanka’s reply began poorly, with Nishan Madushka falling for 7 to Chris Woakes and Dimuth Karunaratne‘s poor form continuing as he was bowled by Olly Stone for 7. Stone, returning to the Test side after a long absence, quickly picked up his second wicket, dismissing Pathum Nissanka for 12. Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal tried to stabilize the innings, but Mathews was undone by a delivery from Potts that nipped back to hit the top of off ??st??ump. Dhananjaya de Silva fell for a duck, leaving Sri Lanka in deep trouble.

Atkinson continued his remarkable run at Lord’s by claiming Chandimal as his 13th wicket in less than three innings, dismissing him for 23 with a catch at leg gully. Rathnayake briefly counter-attacked, but Stone and Woakes combined to dismiss him and the rest of the tail. Shoaib Bashir, making his first appearance at Lord’s, bowled brilliantly and eventually dismissed Prabath Jayasuriya. Despite a late life for Mendis when Joe Root dropped a catch at deep square leg, England’s dominance was never in doubt. They ended the day firmly in control, with Sri Lanka facing an uphill battle to avoid a crushing defeat.

Another delightful day at Lord's 🥰 pic.twitter.com/Yt1t79Cxto

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 30, 2024

Also READ: ENG vs SL 2024??, Test Series: Broadcasting & Live Streaming Details �?When ??and Where to watch in India, UK, USA, Australia, Sri Lanka and other countries

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The second day of the 2nd Test between England and Sri Lanka at Lord’s promised to be a day of dominance for the hosts. However, the Sri Lankan bowlers, especially Asitha Fernando, had other plans. Fernando’s consistent line and length had troubled the English batters throughout the day.

Gus Atkinson’s marvellous maiden century

Gus Atkinson, the English all-rounder, had a dream day. He started the day with a couple of boundaries and continued to score at a brisk pace. His innings gained momentum as he reached his maiden first-class hundred. The crowd at Lord’s erupted in cheers as Atkinson celebrated his milestone.

Milan Rathnayake’s plucks a stunner

Just when it seemed like England would post a massive total, Sri Lanka’s Milan Rathnayake pulled off a stunning catch. Atkinson, looking to hit a third consecutive boundary, miscued a short-pitched delivery. Rathnayake, stationed at deep midwicket, initially seemed to misjudge the ball’s trajectory. However, he recovered quickly and executed a brilliant one-handed catch over his shoulder. The crowd was left in awe as Rathnayake’s catch sent Atkinson back to the pavilion.

Rathnayake’s catch was a testament to his athleticism, quick reflexes, and ability to judge the ball’s trajectory. The difficulty of the shot and the angle at which he took the catch made it even more impressive. His ability to take spectacular catches has made him a valuable asset to the Sri Lankan team.

Here’s the video:

A ??sensational catch marks the end of ??a brilliant innings 🤯

Well batted, Gus 🫡 pic.twitter.com/tVX53BZdT1

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 30, 2024

England’s dominant batting in the Lord’s Test

Despite Atkinson’s dismissal, England managed to reach a respectable total of 427. Shoaib Bashir and Olly Stone added a few more runs before the latter was dismissed by Fernando. Atkinson’s innings of 118 runs was a major highlight of the day. His knock included 14 fours and four sixes.

Also READ: ENG vs SL: Fans go wild as Joe Root equals Alastair Cook’s record for Eng??land with 33rd Test century at Lord’s

The road ahead for Sri Lanka

With a challenging target to chase, Sri Lanka will need to bat well in their second innings. Their bowlers will also need to be at their best to restrict England’s lead in the match. The third day of the Test promises to be an exciting one as both teams battle it out for a crucial victory.

England’s lower-order resilience

England’s lower order, led by Atkinson and Root, played a crucial role in their team’s innings. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, they managed to build partnerships and score valuable runs. Their resilience was a testament to their batting depth and their ability to adapt to challenging conditions.

Asitha Fernando’s impact in the first innings

Fernando’s five-wicket haul was a major factor in England’s dismissal. His ability to swing the ball both ways and generate bounce made him a difficult bowler to face. Fernando’s performance was a reminder of Sri Lanka’s bowling talent and their ability to compete against top-quality opposition.

The outcome of this Test match will have a significant im??pact on the series. A victory for England would give them a series win, while a win for Sri Lanka would put them in a strong position to level the series and eventually go in the series decider with a momentum. Both teams will be eager to secure a victory and take a step closer to claiming the series.

Also READ: ENG vs SL: Netizens celebrate as Gus Atkinson hits his maiden ton at iconic Lord’s on Day 2 of the 2nd ??Test

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Dinesh Chandimal‘s dismissal on Day 1 of the first Test against England at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester was a critical moment for Sri Lanka. Facing Shoaib Bashir,? Chandi?mal was trapped LBW (leg before wicket) on the third ball of the 23rd over.

Dinesh Chandimal’s unusual dismissal

Bashir was bowling his second over of the match. The delivery that got Chandimal out was a back-of-a-length ball pitched just outside the off-stump. What made this delivery particularly challenging was its lack of bounce – a characteristic that caught Chandimal off guard.

Chandimal, a seasoned campaigner, initially moved his front foot slightly across, intending to work the ball to the leg side. However, the ball stayed lower than expected after pitching. As a result, instead of bouncing over or around his pads, it skidded off the surface and struck him low on the pads, near the ankle. This lack of bounce, combined with Chandimal’s slight shuffle across the stumps, left him in a vulnerable position. His attempt to play the ball to the leg side failed, as the bat could not make contact with the ball before it struck his pads.

Also READ: ENG vs SL 2024, Test Series: Broa??dcasting & Live Streaming Details �?When and Where to watch in India, UK, USA, Australia, Sri L??anka and other countries

The umpire’s decision

The on-field umpire immediately raised?? his finger, signaling Chandimal out LBW. Despite the confidence of the appeal, Chandimal opted for a DRS review, perhaps hoping t?he ball might have missed the stumps or bounced too high. Nevertheless, the ball-tracking technology showed that the delivery was hitting the stumps in line with all three reds—confirming that the ball would have struck the middle and leg stumps.

The review upheld the umpire’s original decision, and Chandimal had to walk back to the pavilion. Chandimal’s dismissal left Sri Lanka struggling at 72/5 after 22.3 overs, putting them in a precarious position early in their innings. His loss was significant as Chandimal was one of Sri Lanka’s more experienced middle-order batters, and his wicket further compounded the pressure on the remaining batters.

Here’s the video:

Bashir strikes in only his second over 😲💥 pic.twitter.com/evWunci70P

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) August 21, 2024

Sri Lanka’s gritty lower-order fightback

Sri Lanka’s top order faltered dramatically, collapsing to 113/7. Nonetheless, captain Dhananjaya de Silva and debutant Milan Rathnayake stabilized the innings with a vital 66-run stand for the eighth wicket, with De Silva scoring a resilient 74. After his dismissal, Rathnayake, alongside Viswa Fernando, added another 50 runs for the ninth wicket, with Rathnayake making a valuable 72. Sri Lanka were eventually all out for 236. Englan??d, with all wickets intact, trails by 214 runs and reached 22/0 before bad light halted pl??ay.

Also READ: Dhananjaya de Silva, Milan Rathnayake rescues Sri Lanka ??after early struggles agains??t England on Day 1 of the first Test

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Sri Lanka‘s first Test against England at Old Trafford in Manchester saw a dramatic opening day as Dhananjaya de Silva and debutant Milan Rathnayake played vital innings to rescue their team from a perilous situation. Despite their efforts, England remains in control, trailing by only 214 runs with all 10 wickets intact as they begin their first innings. England’s openers made a steady start, reaching 22/0 in four overs before bad light stopped play. Ben Duckett managed to find the boundary twi?ce during his brief stay at the crease.

Early collapse for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s decision to bat first quickly turned into a nightmare as they were reduced to 6/3 within the first seven overs. England’s bowlers capitalized on the early morning conditions, putting the visitors on the back foot right from the start. Sri Lanka’s top order crumbled under the pressure, and the team found themselves struggling at 113/7, staring down the barrel of a disastrous start to the series.

Also WATCH: ENG vs SL: Mark Wood bowls a snorter to dismiss Kusa??l Mendis on? Day 1 of the first Test

Dhananjaya de Silva and Milan Rathnayake lead the fightback

In the midst of the collapse, captain De Silva and debutant Rathnayake took charge, displaying resilience and composure. The duo stitched together a crucial 66-run partnership for the eighth wicket, with De Silva leading the way. He scored a gritty 74 off 84 balls, including eight boundaries, before falling to England’s Shoaib Bashir. De Silva’s innings was instrumental in stabilizing the innings and preventing further damage.

After De Silva’s departure, Rathnayake continued the fight, this time in partnership with Viswa Fernando. Together, they added another 50 runs for the ninth wicket, with Rathnayake reaching his maiden Test fifty off 96 balls. Rathnayake’s composed knock of 72 was a testament to his potential, but his innings ended when he was dismissed by Bashir, leaving Sri Lanka at 236 all out.

🚨 Record Alert 🚨

Milan Rathnayake registered the highest individual score at No. 9 position on Test debut 👏👏#cricket #ENGvSL #milanrathnayake ##SriLankaCricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/oYzrO9hDL2

— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ) August 22, 2024

England’s bowlers shine

England’s bowlers, led by Chris Woakes and Shoaib Bashir, played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s early collapse. Both Woakes and Bashir picked up three wickets each, with Woakes exploiting the conditions beautifully. Gus Atkinson also made a significant contribution, taking two wickets, including that of former Sri Lankan skipper Dimuth Karunaratne. Mark Wood chipped in with the wicket of Kusal Mendis, while Matthew Potts had a challenging day, conceding runs at an economy rate of 5.33. Joe Root bowled seven overs but went wicketless.

Also READ: ENG vs SL 2024, Test Serie??s: Broadcasting & Live Stream??ing Details �?When and Where to watch in India, UK, USA, Australia, Sri Lanka and other countries

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