Ex-Captain De Silva Leads Sri Lanka To 221-4 On Day Three

Former captain Dhananjaya de Silva led a significant comeback as Sri Lanka reached 221-4 at lunch on the third day of their first Test against Pakistan in Rawalpindi. Playing an unbeaten innings of 87 runs, De Silva capitalized on a dropped catch to bring his team within striking distance after Pakistan declared its first innings at 434-9. Kusal Mendis took over captaincy from de Silva in October and remained not out on 21 as the home side's inexperienced bowling attack struggled against the older ball on the greenish wicket. Veteran Mohammad Abbas was the only bowler with success, taking two catches including one off Kamindu Mendis who scored an impressive 58 runs. The rest of Pakistan's three remaining bowlers failed to make much impact while de Silva formed solid half-century partnerships. Despite a dropped catch by Saud Shakeel that allowed Sri Lanka to maintain their lead, the visitors continued rotating strike effectively against left-arm spinner Arafat Minhas.