After Pakistan's lopsided performance in the Colombo Test against Sri Lanka on Sunday, Shoaib Akhtar praised Pakistan and created the word "Pakball," asking if it exists.
As he praised Babar Azam and company following their strong performance on Day 1 of the ongoing 2nd Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo on Monday, former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar created a new phrase, "PakBall." Before the hitters took control of the action and took control of the Test match, Pakistan's bowlers made an outstanding effort to dismiss the hosts for a meager 166.
When Sri Lanka decided to bat first, they got off to a terrible start, losing their openers Nishan Madushka (4) and Dimuth Karunaratne (17) for cheap, and then pacers Kusal Mendis (6) and Angelo Mathews (9) sent them back in rapid succession. The two worked together to run amok, each taking four wickets.
Spinner Abrar Ahmed went through Sri Lanka's tail after Afridi and Shah destroyed the top order to further Pakistan's hegemony. The sole batter to make an effort was Dhananjaya de Silva, who scored a valiant 57 to assist Sri Lanka in achieving a valiant total of 166 runs.Â
Imam-ul-Haq, Pakistan's opener, did lose his wicket cheaply in the third over of their innings on just six off six balls, but Shafique and Masood afterward worked together to steady the ship for the hosts. The pair continued their offensive strategy in the Test match by scoring at an amazing rate to contribute 108 runs for the second wicket.
Masood was bowled by Asitha Fernando after making a quickfire 51 off 47 balls, leaving Shafique undefeated on 74 off 99. Babar Azam, the captain, continued to be unbeaten at 8, as Pakistan posted 145/2 in just 29 overs at the end of play, only 21 runs behind Sri Lanka.
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