When Abdullah Shafique, the 23‑year‑old opener for the Pakistan cricket team, smashed his maiden Test double century, the entire match shifted. The feat happened on day three of the second Test against Sri Lanka cricket team at the historic Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on 13 October 2023. Pakistan piled up 563‑5 for a staggering 397‑run first‑innings lead, thanks to Shafique’s 201 and an unbeaten 132 from Agha Salman. The eventual outcome? A virtually unassailable position that could seal a 2‑0 series win and boost their World Test Championship standing.
Historic double century on Sri Lankan soil
Shafique arrived at the crease on the second morning of day three with 87 runs, already looking solid but far from the milestone. By late afternoon, he nudged a single off left‑arm pacer Asitha Fernando to reach 200 – a moment that sparked an uproar in the pavilion. He lifted his helmet, pointed to his name on the back of his jersey, and let the crowd soak in the rarity: only the second Pakistani ever to post a double hundred in a Test on Sri Lankan ground.
The innings lasted 322 balls, featuring three century partnerships. After a 26‑run opening stand with Shan Masood, Shafique added 68 with captain Babar Azam, then 39 with Saud Shakeel. The decisive 124‑run sixth‑wicket partnership with Agha Salman pushed Pakistan past the 500 mark.
Pakistan's dominant innings
After Shafique’s dismissal, the middle order kept the tempo. Agha Salman raced to 132 not out, a second Test century that arrived with a boundary and a grin. He was soon joined by <Mohammad Rizwan, who entered as a concussion substitute earlier in the day. Rizwan’s 37‑run cameo added stability while the scoreboard ticked toward a mammoth total.
- Pakistan total at stumps: 563‑5
- Lead over Sri Lanka: 397 runs
- Key partnerships: 124 (Shafique/Salman), 95 (Salman/Rizwan)
- Shafique’s strike rate: 62.42
- Number of boundaries: 27 fours, 4 sixes
Even the night‑watchman, Dimuth Karunaratne, the Sri Lankan captain, could only watch as the Pakistani batting line‑up rewrote the script.
Sri Lanka's bowling spell and the missing pieces
The left‑arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya claimed the prized wicket of Babar Azam early on, marking the sixth time a Pakistani batsman has fallen to him in Tests. Aside from that, the Sri Lankan attack, featuring Asitha Fernando and pacer Nimesh Vimukthi, struggled to find rhythm, conceding runs at over 5 per over in the second session.
When Sri Lanka finally bowled out their opponents for 166 in the first innings, many expected a closer contest. Instead, the Pakistani onslaught turned the tide, turning a respectable lead into an almost unbeatable margin.
Implications for the series and the World Test Championship
Pakistan entered the match having won the opening Test at Galle by four wickets. A 2‑0 sweep now looks inevitable. The series win would secure vital points in the World Test Championship, potentially catapulting Pakistan into the top three of the standings.
Analysts say the aggressive batting philosophy – evident in Shafique’s patient yet attacking approach and Salman’s boundary‑laden assault – signals a strategic shift for Pakistan. Former captain Misbah‑ul‑Haq noted, “When you see a young opener take a double hundred abroad, it tells you the team’s confidence is soaring.”
Looking ahead: Day four and beyond
With a massive lead on the board, Pakistan will likely bat a few overs longer on day four before declaring, giving their bowlers a massive cushion to exploit. Expect Junaid Khan and spin‑wizard Yasir Shah to be deployed aggressively, aiming to wrap up the Sri Lankan second innings quickly.
If the visitors manage a swift wrap‑up, they could enforce a follow‑on or set a target that forces Sri Lanka to bat again, increasing the chance of an innings victory. Either way, the series is poised to end in emphatic fashion, and the performances of Shafique and Salman will be remembered as the turning point.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Shafique's double century affect Pakistan's chances in the World Test Championship?
The 201 runs not only gave Pakistan a massive 397‑run lead but also secured vital championship points. A 2‑0 series win could push Pakistan into the top three, improving their chances of qualifying for the final showdown later this year.
What makes Agha Salman's unbeaten 132 significant?
Salman's innings was his second Test hundred and came at a crucial juncture, cementing a 124‑run partnership that propelled Pakistan past 500. His aggressive stroke‑play also highlighted the team's shift toward a more attacking batting mindset.
Who were the key Sri Lankan bowlers, and why did they struggle?
Left‑arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya took Babar Azam’s wicket, but he lacked support as pacer Asitha Fernando and medium‑pace Nimesh Vimukthi could not contain the run‑flow, giving Pakistan a high run‑rate and the confidence to build big partnerships.
What are the prospects for Sri Lanka after the first innings?
Having been bowled out for 166, Sri Lanka must regroup quickly. Their bowlers will need to exploit any pitch wear on day four to restrict Pakistan’s final total, otherwise they risk a massive defeat and a lost series.
When is the next Test in the series scheduled, and what does it mean for both teams?
The second Test concludes on 16 October 2023, and a victory for Pakistan will seal a 2‑0 series sweep. Sri Lanka would then look to bounce back in upcoming tours, while Pakistan can ride the momentum into their next assignment against Bangladesh.