Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets in the first Test at Galle on Thursday and with the victory, the visitors also set a record.
The win was Pakistan’s 10th — in 28 matches — in Sri Lanka, putting them ahead of India (nine wins in 24 matches) and England (nine wins in 18 matches) with the most wins in the country.
While 10 wins may seem like an ordinary thing, but it is not as Sri Lanka is a very strong team at home.
The win was not only a milestone for Pakistan but also for Pakistani skipper Babar Azam as he entered the elite list of Pakistani captains.
The win was Azam’s seventh away Test win in nine matches as a captain, which puts him ahead of Saleem Malik (six wins in nine matches) and Wasim Akram (six wins in 16 matches).
Now, Azam is only behind the great Misbah-ul-Haq who guided Pakistan to 13 away victories in 32 matches. Considering Pakistan were not even allowed to host matches in the country during Misbah’s tenure, his achievement puts him ahead of all as Pakistan majorly played away Test under his captaincy.
Earlier today, Pakistan took a 1-0 lead after defeating Sri Lanka thanks largely to a brilliant double ton by Saud Shakeel in the first innings.
Pakistan had resumed their run-chase of 131 runs at 48-3 with Babar and Imam-ul-Haq on the crease.
Azam scored 24 in 28 balls, with the help of five fours, before being trapped by Prabath Jayasuriya in front of the stumps.
Saud Shakeel also couldn't stay at the crease till the end as he was dismissed after scoring 30 runs in 38 balls.
Imam played an impressive knock and remained unbeaten on 50 runs, which included four fours and a six.
Agha Salman smacked a six on the very first ball he faced to help Pakistan get over the line.
The second and final Test will begin at Singhalese Sports Club, Colombo on July 24.