WATCH: Ever seen this uninvited guest in a cricket match? Monitor lizard enters ground during Test match and STARTLES players

This was not the first time reptiles were spotted in the cricket field. Snakes, a flock of pigeons, and even dogs invaded the pitch as a result of which the matches were briefly halted.

WATCH: Ever seen this uninvited guest in a cricket match? Monitor lizard enters ground during Test match and STARTLES players

Monitor lizard during SL vs AFG match (Images via X)

During the one-off Test match on Saturday (February 3) between Afghanistan and Sri Lanka, an uninvited guest halted the match at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. On several occasions, snakes were spotted on the ground but this time, a monitor lizard crept onto the field and startled the players.

During the 47th over when Nijat Masood was bowling to Angelo Mathews, the monitor lizard entered the field and the fielders near the boundary ropes complained of it. The creature was then taken off the field and soon the match resumed.

YouTube video

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This was not the first time reptiles were spotted in the cricket field. Snakes, a flock of pigeons, and even dogs invaded the pitch as a result of which the matches were briefly halted.

Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan match so far

After winning the toss, Sri Lanka chose to bowl. Afghanistan did not give a good start as Ibrahim Zadran departed for a duck. Then Noor Ali and Rahmat Shah stitched a 57-run stand between them.

monitor lizard
Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews (Image via ESPNcricinfo)

With the help of Rahmat Shah’s 91, Afghanistan could post 198 on the scoreboard. Sri Lanka have crossed the score and are leading by 212 runs.

Angelo Mathews scored the most, a 259-ball 141 runs, while Dinesh Chandimal scored 107 runs. Dimuth Karunaratne tried to play a quick knock with 12 boundaries, scoring 77 runs from 72 balls.

These scores helped Sri Lanka reach 410/6 at the end of Day 2. The match will resume on Day 3 with Sadeera Samarawickrama at the crease.

After this one-off Test, Sri Lanka will play three ODIs against Afghanistan. The first match of the series will be played on February 9. The two teams will then lock horns for three T20Is.

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