We will try restricting Sri Lanka to under 250: Naseem

Pakistan’s 16-year-old pacer Naseem Shah is hoping to restrict Sri Lanka to under 250 runs in the first innings of the ongoing Rawalpindi Test between the two sides.

Sri Lanka started strongly after winning the toss and electing to bat first as they reached lunch with 96 runs on the board for no loss. However, Pakistan fought back through their four-pronged pace attack as the visitors reached 202 for five when bad light brought an end to the day's play.

Naseem was the pick of the bowlers for the hosts as he grabbed two important wickets while conceding 51 runs in 16 overs on day one.

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While speaking to the media at the end of first day’s play, Naseem said that they are aiming to bowl out the visitors early morning on day two.

 “We were not able to bowl the way we should have in the first session. I tried to take wickets before lunch as well, but was not successful,” said Naseem. “We will try our best to bowl out Sri Lanka as soon as possible and restrict them to under 250 runs.”

The 16-year-old pacer bowled with a lot of intensity throughout the day and was rewarded when he removed Sri Lanka opener Oshada Fernando for 40.

Naseem returned later in the day to also dismiss all-rounder Angelo Mathews and break the latter’s crucial 62-run stand with middle-order batsman Dhanajaya de Silva.

The young pacer was grateful for the crowd support and enjoyed the experience of playing at home.

“I am very happy to get an opportunity to play in front of the home crowd,” he said. “The crowd was cheering for us on every ball. I would like to thank all the people who took their time out and came to support us.”