Sri Lanka fight back against Patrons XI on opening day of warm-up match

Sri Lanka recovered from an early setback to post 223-7 before declaring their first innings on the opening day of the warm-up match against Patrons XI at the Islamabad Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

In response, Patrons XI reached 43-2 in 15 overs at stumps, trailing by 180 runs.

How did Sri Lanka recover from an early collapse?

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Sri Lanka suffered an uncomfortable start, losing two wickets for just 21 runs.

Saqib Khan provided the early breakthroughs, removing Pasindu Sooriyabandara for eight off 28 balls and Dinesh Chandimal for a 10-ball duck.

Mohammad Salman then dismissed Dhananjaya de Silva for 14, leaving the visitors struggling at 40-3 in 17.2 overs.

Lahiru Udara and captain Kusal Mendis steadied the innings with a crucial partnership. The pair added 90 runs for the fourth wicket, taking Sri Lanka beyond the 100-run mark.

Udara played an important role in the recovery, scoring 65 from 105 deliveries, including seven fours and three sixes, before his dismissal ended the partnership.

Who led Sri Lanka XI's middle-order resistance?

Mendis continued to guide the innings alongside the middle and lower order, reaching a well-deserved half-century.

Sonul Dinusha contributed 10 before Ali Shabbir sent him back to the pavilion, leaving Sri Lanka at 153-5.

Mendis eventually departed for 66 off 72 deliveries, having struck 11 boundaries, after Ubaid Shah claimed his wicket.

Sri Lanka declared at 223-7 in 58 overs, with Anjala Bandara unbeaten on 33 off 61 balls and Kesara Nawantha on eight not out. Milan Rathnayake was dismissed for a duck by Mohammad Salman.

For Patrons XI, Saqib Khan, Ali Shabbir and Mohammad Salman picked up two wickets each, while Ubaid Shah claimed one.

How did Patrons XI respond?

Dilshan Madushanka and Milan Rathnayake gave Sri Lanka an encouraging start with the ball, removing Abdullah Fazal and Sameer Minhas for two and three respectively.

However, Azan Awais and Mohammad Taha prevented further damage, taking Patrons XI to 43-2 at stumps.

Awais remained unbeaten on 19, while Taha contributed 16 not out.