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Saud Shakeel, Agha Salman lead Pakistan’s recovery
A terrific century partnership between Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman helped Pakistan stage a commendable comeback in the opening Test against Sri Lanka. By stumps on day two, the visitors were trailing by 91 runs with the two set batters still at the crease.
Pakistan had made a very poor start in their reply. While Abdullah Shafique had a lucky reprieve in the very first over, Imam-ul-Haq sliced one straight to point in the second over of the innings to give the hosts a big lift very early. Quite interestingly, Shan Masood went on a boundary hitting spree right from the outset to put Sri Lanka on the backfoot momentarily. Pakistan’s No.3 raced to 22 off 13 at one stage and the hosts had to introduce spin early in the innings.
The ploy worked as Prabath Jaysuriya proved to be a menace to play against for Pakistan. Shafique edged one to first slip and Masood’s counterattacking innings came to an end immediately after he had smashed Ramesh Mendis for a six as the bowler trapped him leg-before-wicket. Skipper Babar Azam didn’t last long either as he inside-edged one onto the pad that was gobbled up by the wicketkeeper as Pakistan were reduced to 74/4. That quickly became 101/5 as Sarfaraz Ahmed fell after failing to connect a sweep shot against Jayasuriya.
That’s when Shakeel and Salman joined forces to resurrect the innings. Their partnership mirrored the one Sri Lanka had on the opening day between Angelo Matthews and Dhananjaya de Silva when they were reeling at one stage. Salman flicked just the second ball he faced for a boundary and used his feet to good effect again against Jayasuriya to signal his intentions.
The pair guided Pakistan to 132/5 by Tea but were tasked with a huge responsibility to see the day through in the final session. After a slightly delayed start following rain, the two batters continued from where they had left. Shakeel smashed Jayasuriya for successive fours and fetched another one over cover off Mendis before bringing up his sixth Test fifty. Salman, who had been using his feet to very good effect against Jayasuriya, went for a slog and managed to clear the ropes and eventually brought up a fifty off just 67 balls. The two batters were in complete control and stitched over 100 runs before rain arrived again to bring an early end to the day’s proceedings.
In the morning session, Dhananjaya de Silva endured a few nervy moments before bringing up his 10th Test ton as Sri Lanka went past 250 without further damage. Ramesh Mendis’ resistance didn’t last long though as he attempted a slog and edged one to slip having batted 39 balls for just five runs up until that point. Jayasuriya tried to hang in as long as possible like Mendis but a short ball from Naseem Shah ended his stay. Naseem’s next over produced the big wicket as Dhananjaya finally departed having scored 122 before Vishwa Fernando’s mighty hits dragged Sri Lanka past the 300-run mark.
Brief scores:
Pakistan 221/5 (Saud Shakeel 69*, Agha Salman 61*; Prabath Jayasuriya 3/83) trail Sri Lanka 312 (Dhananjaya de Silva 122, Angelo Matthews 64; Abrar Ahmed 3/68) by 91 runs
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]
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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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