‘Pakistan ka Secret Superstar’ - Fans react as Saud Shakeel smashes 208* runs against Sri Lanka in 1st Test

On 18 July 2023, the third day of the ongoing first Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka took place at the Galle. After bundling out the home side for 312 runs, the Men in Green finished day two with a score of 221 runs for five wickets in 45 overs. Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman were the overnight batters.

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Shakeel finished the day with 69* runs while Salman was on 61* runs. So, all eyes were on them on day three as they were trailing by 91 runs with five wickets in hand. However, they did not disappoint as their partnership got extended and the sixth wicket fell after a solid partnership of 177 runs. Salman got out for 83 runs off 113 balls, including nine fours and one six. 

Saud Shakeel has 788 runs in his tally in 11 Test innings, at an average of 98.50

But, Shakeel was on a roll as he notched up his second Test ton off 129 balls. Then, he continued to play his shots and finally, managed to score his maiden double-century in the red ball format. In the end, Shakeel scored 208* runs off 361 balls, including 19 fours as Pakistan got bundled out for 461 runs in 121.2. Thus, they managed a lead of 149 runs. For Sri Lanka, Ramesh Mendis took five wickets for 136 runs in 42.2 overs. 

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It was a commendable effort, especially from Shakeel as when he came out to bat on day two, Babar Azam and his men were in deep trouble. They lost their first three wickets for 67 runs and on 101 runs, they lost their five wickets. Sri Lanka came out to bat and scored just 14 runs without losing any wickets in 3.4 overs as the play on day three got ended. After this innings, Saud Shakeel has now scored 788 runs in 11 innings of six matches, at an average of 98.50. His maiden Test ton came in Pakistan against the Kiwis. Seeing such a marathon knock, fans acknowledged and shared their views on social media.

Here is how fans have reacted:

Malik🔥

— 𝕾𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖎 𝕸𝖆𝖑𝖎𝖐🎭 (@ShamiMalik92) July 18, 2023

Brilliant knock it was

— Dr Ujjwal Nigam (@dr_ujjwal) July 18, 2023

Great batter 👏

— ناصر خان (@nasirkhan7889) July 18, 2023

With how many drop catches

— No One (@NoOne1178148) July 18, 2023

No way sakeel has more OS 200 than dhobi has overseas 100 😭😭

— SAVAGE (@Freakvillliers) July 18, 2023

Number of double century in test cricket:-



Saud Sakeel. 1

Babar Anzam. 0



Another one better than him , 🤣

— Manish_18 (@Kishan_1818) July 18, 2023

Dream for Virat Kohli to play this type of knock 🤣🤣🤣🤣

— Abdul Manan (@manan_himself) July 18, 2023

Real Superstar of Pakistan Cricket

— KhabriBhai (@RealKhabriBhai) July 18, 2023