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Rizwan, Iftikhar rescue act lifts Pakistan to competitive total
A phenomenal rescue act from Mohammad Rizwan and Ifthikar Ahmed lifted Pakistan to 252 in 42 overs in a rain-affected first innings in Colombo. Pakistan, who looked comfortable at one stage, struggled with a top-order collapse after the dismissals of Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique, but were rescued from a precarious 130-5 after the rain break by Rizwan and Iftikhar.
After the match was (initially) reduced to 45 overs a side, and delayed by nearly two hours, Pakistan boldly opted to bat first on a wicket that would potentially be tacky, skiddy or unpredictable due to the extra moisture. The openers were circumspect to start with, and went at an alarmingly slow rate before Fakhar Zaman was knocked over by a fast, full and swinging delivery from Pramod Madushan. Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique attempted a recovery, and played some exquisite strokes as the wicket started to gain a little more pace and the ball started to come onto the bat.
Shafique survived an LBW review against Wellalage, as the ball was only clipping leg-stump, and was struck for a six off the very next ball. However, the stubborn Sri Lankan got his revenge soon after, foxing Babar Azam and getting him stumped. Shafique followed soon after getting to his maiden ODI fifty, pulling one down the throat of Pramod at the deep square leg boundary. The wicket of Shafique, however, triggered a collapse.
Mohammad Haris was the first to go, deceived by the lack of pace from Pathirana, handing him a simple return catch. Nawaz was done in by the Theekshana off-break that beat him to topple over his stumps. The wicket of Nawaz brought about another rain break, after which, the overs were reduced by a further three, to 42 overs a side, and Pakistan had collapsed from 73-1 to 130-5.
Ifthikar Ahmed and Mohammad Rizwan put together a commendable stand in an attempt to lead a recovery for Pakistan. A Pramod over, where he struggled with two wides and a no-ball and ended up bowling nine balls, went for 18 runs, which really changed the momentum of the innings, as Pakistan roared back into the match after the rain delay. A flurry of fours and sixes ensued, and not even Sri Lanka’s lethal weapon, Matheesha Pathirana could stem the haemorrhage of runs.
Iftikhar Ahmed departed for 47 after a 108-run stand with Rizwan, but the pair had done their job. Shadab Khan was caught behind, courtesy a screamer of a catch by wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis, but Pakistan finished with a competitive 252 after 42 overs.
Brief Scores:
Pakistan 252-7 in 42 overs (Mohammad Rizwan 86*, Abdullah Shaique 52, Matheesha Pathirana 3-65) vs Sri Lanka
(Cricbuzz)
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi departed today (06) from Air Force Base Anuradhapura concluding his State visit to Sri Lanka. The Indian Premier embarked on a tour to Sri Lanka at the invitation from President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
This visit underscores the enduring relationship encapsulated by the theme “Friendship of Centuries, Commitment to a Prosperous Future,” further solidifying the bonds between India and Sri Lanka.
This marks Prime Minister Modi’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka, which has further enhanced the economic, cultural, and historical relations between the two nations, while also reinforcing their multifaceted partnership. This visit by the Indian Prime Minister reinforces Sri Lanka’s important role in India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” and ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision concerning diplomatic relations.
This state visit is anticipated to yield significant results on various collaborative initiatives, fostering a path towards mutual growth and development. The citizens of Sri Lanka will soon be able to witness the fruitful outcomes of these partnerships, and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit will mark a significant milestone in the government’s pursuit of sustainable development focused on the needs of the people.
Accompanying Indian Prime Minister Modi were Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and a delegation of senior officials from the Indian government.
[PMD]
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President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
The upgraded Maho–Omanthai railway line and the newly installed Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system were officially commissioned by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Anura Kumara Disanayake today (06)
The Prime Minister of India is currently visiting Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, reinforcing the longstanding bond encapsulated in the theme “Friendship of Centuries Commitment to a Prosperous Future” between the two nations.
Highlighting one of the key aspects of this visit, the two leaders participated in these inaugural ceremonies. The President and the Prime Minister of India jointly unveiled the commemorative plaque and commissioned the railway line and signalling system.
The upgraded Maho-Omanthai Railway Line project was carried out with funding through the Indian Credit Line, totalling an investment of US$ 91.27 million. The Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system, established as a result of President Disanayake’s recent visit to India, was funded by the Indian Government at a cost of USD 14.89 million.
[PMD]
Latest News
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, currently on a State visit to Sri Lanka, along with President Anura Kumara Disanayake paid homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura this morning (06) and received blessings.
Following his visit to the sacred site, Prime Minister Modi proceeded to the Udamaluwa, where he met with the Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthanadhipathi and Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwarakalaviya, Most Venerable Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thera, for a cordial discussion.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister shared that relics of the Buddha were discovered in excavations conducted in his home state of Gujarat during the 1960s. He further stated that he would discuss with the President of Sri Lanka the possibility of exhibiting these sacred relics in Sri Lanka.
Responding to a request made by the Atamasthanadhipathi to develop Bodh Gaya as a spiritual city, Prime Minister Modi assured that he would take the necessary steps after discussions with President Disanayake and work towards making it a reality.
The Maha Sangha, led by the Atamasthanadhipathi, chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings on the Indian Prime Minister.
The Indian Prime Minister also left a commemorative note in the special guest book at the site. In addition, he formally declared open the newly constructed ‘Makara Thorana’ within the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises.
The occasion was also attended by Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweli Maha Seya Temple Ven. Ethalawetunawewe Gnanathilaka Thera and other Atamasthana Viharadhipathi Theras, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, North Central Province Governor Wasantha Jinadasa, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and others.
[PMD]
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