Twitter Reactions: Pakistan crumble on final day against Sri Lanka, series levelled 1-1

Sri Lanka produced a tremendous comeback in the second Test against Pakistan in Galle to level the series 1-1 as the visitors crumbled on the final day while chasing a big target. While the first Test turned out to be historic and memorable for Pakistan, it wasn’t the case with the second contest. Dhananjaya de Silva’s century in the second innings helped the hosts set up a massive total for Pakistan to chase.

Earlier, Pakistan resumed the final day’s play at 89 for 1 with 419 runs more needed for a victory. Imam-ul-Haq (46*) and Babar Azam (26*) had a big task on their hands as 98 overs were set to be bowled. Imam was dismissed early in the morning one run short of a half-century by Ramesh Mendis and Mohammad Rizwan came out to join Babar. The duo struck a 79-run partnership for the third wicket to keep the hopes alive for Pakistan.

Prabath Jayasuriya picks up another five-wicket haul

However, Prabath Jayasuriya managed to get rid of Rizwan for 37 while Fawad Alam was removed due to a run out for just one run. Agha Salman did not last long either as the visitors looked like collapsing completely with a large number of overs to be played in the day. Babar Azam ran out of partners after crossing the half-century mark, and it looked curtains for Pakistan once the skipper was dismissed for 81.

Mohammad Nawaz followed Azam in the very next over, and Yasir Shah scored a 25-ball 27 with wickets falling around. At the end, Pakistan were bundled out for just 261 in their final innings in 77 overs to lose the Test by a massive margin of 246 runs. Jayasuriya picked up another five-wicket haul to continue his impressive run in recent times while Mendis ended up taking nine wickets in the Test.

De Silva was named the Player of the Match for his outstanding century in tough circumstances, while Jayasuriya bagged the Player-of-the-Series award.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to Sri Lanka’s comeback

Pakistan slips below India in the Points Table of ICC WTC 2021-23.

They've now slipped to No.5 from No.3.

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) July 28, 2022

SRI LANKA WIN👏
Despite being in such economic crisis,the players have risen and brought smiles to the face of their people.Shanaka ,K Mendis,wellalege, Jayasuriya,Chandimal,DDS were some heroes from Aus nd Pak series Congratulations Sri Lanka for brilliant wins #SLvPAK #SLvsPAK

— Subash (@subashpoudel905) July 28, 2022

A fitting end to Angelo Mathews' 100th Test 👏 #SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/yf5zljPEIn

— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerWeb) July 28, 2022

🇵🇰🏆🇱🇰@babarazam258 and @IamDimuth with the trophy after the series is drawn 1️⃣-1️⃣#SLvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/gWAO9atHI0

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 28, 2022

Unsung heroe of the match

5 For 47 Runs ✅ 35 Runs as a Batsman 💪🏽
4 For 101 Runs ✅ 45 Runs as a Batsman 💪🏽#SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/xZf9pjLwWV

— Knockout (@KnockOut_SL) July 28, 2022

Fourth five-wicket haul for Prabath Jayasuriya! 👊#SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/bVzZevEsOB

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) July 28, 2022

Prabath Jayasuriya – Player of Sri Lanka vs Pakistan series. 💪

How impressed are you with the left-arm spinner, who so far has 29 wickets across just three Test matches? He is now the joint-highest wicket-taker this year! ⚡#SLvPAK | #Cricket | #WTC23 | #SriLanka pic.twitter.com/7SvrXeyqUA

— Green Team (@GreenTeam1992) July 28, 2022

On the other Hand Babar continues to prove himself and on his way to become No. 1 batsman across all Formats.
Lesson learnt; Work Hard, Focus and Perform

Just talent in not enough#SLvPAK

— Ahsan_11 (@AAhsan11) July 28, 2022

Sanath Jayasuriya's 100th test✅
Muralitharan's 100th test✅
Chaminda Vaas's 100th test✅
Mahela Jayawardena's 100th test✅
Kumar Sangakkara's 100th test✅
Angelo Mathews's 100th test✅

What an interesting stat❤#SLvPAK pic.twitter.com/PwL4RASDW7

— a Wiseman once said.. (@mjtheorem) July 28, 2022