Monitor lizard stops play during Day 2 of Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan Test

In a bizarre turn of events during the one-off Test match between Sri Lanka and Afghanistan on February 3, an uninvited guest managed to steal the spotlight – a monitor lizard made its unexpected appearance at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo.

The peculiar incident unfolded in the 47th over, momentarily halting the match as the lizard boldly crossed the boundary line and entered the field. Nijat Masood was in the middle of bowling to Angelo Mathews when the players and umpires were taken aback by the unexpected visitor. Fielders along the boundary rope voiced their concerns about a break in concentration, leading to a brief pause in play.

This isn't the first time cricket has witnessed such an interruption. The game has seen its fair share of bizarre occurrences causing play stoppages. However, the lizard was swiftly removed, and the match resumed without further ado.

Sri Lanka hold a strong position in the match

Sri Lanka, hosting Afghanistan in this one-off Test match, won the toss on day one and chose to bowl first. Hashmatullah Shahidi-led side managed a total of 198, with Rahmat scoring the highest for the team with 91 runs. Sri Lanka, in response, displayed dominance as openers Nishan Madushka and Dimuth Krunaratne stitched a formidable 93-run partnership.

Despite Kusal Mendis' dismissal at ten, Sri Lanka stood strong at 148/3. Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal then took charge, forming a remarkable 200-plus run partnership and securing individual centuries. The hosts now find themselves in a commanding position on day two of the Test match. 

At the end of Day 2, the team's score stands at 410 for six, with Mathews and Sadeera Samarawickrama holding their ground at the crease, contributing 141 and 21 runs respectively.

Afghanistan, still finding their footing in the longer format, played their first-ever Test match against India in 2018. Out of the seven Tests played, they've secured victory only once, against Zimbabwe.