Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Saud Shakeel batted brilliantly in the Test Match against Sri Lanka.: In a stunning display of batting prowess, Saud Shakeel played a remarkable innings to put Pakistan in a commanding position at the stumps on the third day of the Galle Test.
Opening the batting with No. 11 Abrar Ahmed, Shakeel showcased immense resilience and skill to remain unbeaten on a magnificent score of 208 as the last wicket fell. Pakistan now holds a crucial 149-run lead, which could prove to be decisive as the Test progresses.
Resuming on his overnight score of 69*, Shakeel continued the visitors’ recovery from a precarious position of 101/5.
His partnership with Abrar Ahmed was finally broken at 278 when Agha Salman was dismissed for a valuable contribution of 83. However, Shakeel continued to anchor the innings for Pakistan with unwavering determination.
Shakeel’s double century is a moment of historical significance, marking the 45th occasion when a Pakistani batsman has achieved this feat in Test cricket.
Notably, it is only the second double century recorded by a Pakistani batsman in the last seven years. The previous instance was Abid Ali’s unbeaten 215 against Zimbabwe in Harare in 2021.
What makes Shakeel’s achievement even more remarkable is that he is only the second Pakistani batsman to score a double century on his Test debut away from home. This remarkable feat speaks volumes about Shakeel’s ability to perform under pressure and adapt to different playing conditions.
The left-handed batsman has made a promising start to his Test career, consistently delivering impressive performances. In his 11 innings so far, Shakeel’s lowest score is 22, indicating his remarkable consistency.
He displayed his mettle in his second Test against England at Multan, where he scored a resilient 94. Furthermore, Shakeel marked the beginning of the year with his maiden Test century against New Zealand.
After his exceptional innings in the first innings at Galle, Shakeel boasts an impressive batting average of 98.5, the highest among players who have batted more than 10 times in Tests since the legendary Sir Donald Bradman. This statistic highlights Shakeel’s exceptional skill and his ability to consistently contribute to the team’s success.
Saud Shakeel’s unbeaten double century has not only put Pakistan in a commanding position in the Galle Test but has also showcased his immense talent and potential. As the Test match progresses, Shakeel’s remarkable innings will undoubtedly serve as an inspiration to his teammates and a source of pride for Pakistani cricket fans worldwide.
Highest batting average in Test cricket
| Player | Runs | Batting average |
| Don Bradman | 6996 | 99.94 |
| Saud Shakeel | 788 | 98.5 |
| Stewie Dempster | 723 | 65.72 |
| Harry Brook | 1028 | 64.25 |
| Sydney Barnes | 1072 | 63.05 |
