When a touring side stumbles to 40 for 3 against a determined bowling attack, the pressure to rebuild falls heavily on the middle order. According to the Express Tribune, Kusal Mendis rose to this challenge at the Islamabad Cricket Club, steering Sri Lanka to 162 for 5 against Patron's XI by the time the report was filed.
After winning the toss and electing to bat in the warm-up fixture, Sri Lanka suffered an early setback. The Express Tribune reported that Saqib Khan struck twice to remove Pasindu Sooriyabandara for eight and dismiss Dinesh Chandimal without scoring. Mohammad Salman then claimed the wicket of Dhananjaya De Silva for 14, leaving the visitors struggling.
Lahiru Udara played a crucial anchoring role, contributing 65 runs from 105 deliveries with seven fours and three sixes, as detailed by the Express Tribune. Udara combined with Mendis to repair the innings before Ali Shabbir dismissed him. Shabbir also removed Sonal Dinusha for 10 to finish with two wickets.
Mendis maintained an aggressive approach amidst the early wickets, striking eight boundaries in his 48-ball knock to finish the day unbeaten on 45, alongside Anjala Bandara on seven, according to the Express Tribune. In the bowling department, the publication noted that Saqib Khan stood out with figures of 2-25 from 11 overs, while Shoaib Akher Junior bowled an economical spell conceding just 12 runs in seven overs.
Background
According to the Express Tribune, the warm-up match provided Sri Lanka with vital preparation ahead of their upcoming two-Test series against Pakistan.
What's next
As reported by the Express Tribune, the two-Test series is scheduled to begin in Rawalpindi on November 9, with the second Test set to take place in Lahore starting November 17.