Saud Shakeel Left Heartbroken After Missing Century For 2nd Time In 1st Test vs SL

Kaushik Kashyap

Saud Shakeel dismissed for 97 vs SL [Source - AP]

Saud Shakeel suffered a heartbreaking end to his fighting knock on Day 5 of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi. The Pakistan batter missed his fifth Test century by just three runs.

Shakeel scored a gritty 97 off 210 deliveries, striking seven boundaries in the process. However, Lahiru Kumara shattered his stumps, ending his hopes of reaching the three-figure mark.

Saud Shakeel Misses Century After Gritty 97 Against Sri Lanka

Saud Shakeel stood tall for Pakistan on Day 5, producing a patient knock under pressure in the second innings. The left-hander scored 97 off 210 deliveries, striking seven boundaries during his determined stay.

With Pakistan looking to bat out the remaining time and secure a draw, Shakeel held one end together. However, just when his fifth Test century looked within reach, Lahiru Kumara shattered his stumps, leaving him stranded on 97.

Shakeel's dismissal left Pakistan at 284/8, and the match eventually ended in a draw. The batter's fighting effort proved crucial in helping the hosts survive the final day, although he missed out on a memorable century by just three runs.

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Saud Shakeel Also Missed Out on Century in First Innings Against Sri Lanka

Interestingly, Saud Shakeel had come close to reaching three figures in the first innings as well. He top-scored for Pakistan with 93 runs, helping the hosts post a formidable first innings total of 434/9 against Sri Lanka.

The 31-year-old once again showed his importance to Pakistan's batting lineup, delivering under pressure in both innings. However, missing out on two centuries in the same Test will make this outing a bittersweet memory for him.

The Rawalpindi Test was the first of the two-match series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, with the second game also scheduled at the same venue from November 17. Shakeel will hope to get his deserved century in the next match.