In the past few years there has been a never ending storm waging in Pakistan cricket. If the terrorist attacks on the Sri Lankan team bus were not enough, there were claims of spot fixing following them. The dispute between senior pros and PCB has also hampered the progress of Pakistan cricket. They have lost many promising players in the last couple of years. Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Aamir, Danish Kaneria, Salman Butt, and the list of promising talents that Pakistan lost in the last couple of years just goes on. Their flamboyant captain Shahid Afridi also decided to retire from the game after his clashes with PCB, Abdur Razzaq also has quite a few issues with the board.
The Sri Lanka test series are very important to keep up the spirits of cricket crazy fans and get their notices amidst the controversies raging on in Pakistan cricket. It was a home series for Pakistan but they had to play it in UAE as ICC has barred Pakistan from staging any matches due to security issues. It was a three test series and Sri Lanka seemed to be the favourites to get a result in their favour in the seering desert heat. But what transpires is not always planned.
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| Double Centurions: Taufiq Umar & Kumar Sangakkara |
The first test was played at Abu Dhabi, Pakistan won the toss and elected to field on a surface that seemed to have a tinge of grass on it. Sri Lanka were bowled out in their first innings for a paltry total of 197 with Angelo Matthews (52 not out) and Tharanga Paranavitana (37) being the significant contributors. Junaid Khan impressed all with his figures 5 wickets for 38 runs. When batting in the first innings Pakistan reached 511 for 6 before declaring. The star of the innings was Taufiq Umar (236) with his double century. He hot able support from Mohammad Hafeez (75), Azhar Ali (70) and Misbah-ul-Haq (46). Sri Lanka were under severe pressure to save the match. But they batted with more purpose in the second innings. Kumar Sangakkara was the star of Sri Lankan fight back scoring 211 runs. Other centurion in the innings was Prasanna Jayawardene (120). Umar Gul took four for 64 for Pakistan. Sri Lanka ended their second innings for 483. There was least time for Pakistan to force a result in the 10 overs remaining in the day. They played out these overs and got to 21 for 1.
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| Heroes of Second Test: Saeed Ajmal and Azhar Ali |
The second test was played at Dubai and Sri Lanka won the toss this time around electing to bat. But Sri Lanka in the first innings getting bowled out for a total of 239 runs. Only Kumar Sangakkara (78) and Chanaka Welegedera (48) resisted the Pakistani bowling. Umar Gul continued his good bowling form with a haul of 3-78 and Saeed Ajmal got 3-45. In response Pakistan amassed a total of 403. Azhar Ali (100) got his first century and there were significant contributions from Younus Khan (55), Asad Shafiq (59), Misbah-ul-Haq (41) and Adnan Akmal (41). Pakistan had lead of 164 runs in the first innings and Sri Lanka were under pressure again. This time around Kumar Sangakkara could not rescue the ship. Sri Lanka were again bowled out for 257. Tharanga Paranavitana (72) and Angelo Matthews (52) were the significant contributors. Saeed Ajmal was wrecker-in-chief for Pakistan with his figures of 5-68. Pakistan had the victory in sight with a total of 94 runs to chase. They got there for the loss of just one wicket. Mohammad Hafeez (59 not out) and Azhar Ali (29 not out) saw their side through to victory after the early loss of Taufiq Umar. Thus Pakistan clicjed the second test by nine wickets.
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| Sri Lankan Bowlers Fought Hard in The Second Test |
The all important third test was played at Sharjah. Sri Lanka elected to bat again after winning the toss. They made a good start and put up a total of 413 in the first innings. Kumar Sangakkara (144) continued his prolific run scoring form while Tillakratne Dilshan (92) got in amongst the runs. Saeed Ajmal also kept his good form going, the wily off-spinner got 4-132. Pakistan looked up for the challenge. Their middle order clicked with Younus Khan (122) leading the way with Azhar Ali (53) and Misbah-ul-Haq (89) making good contributions. But their late order collapsed giving them a first innings total of 340. Chanaka Welegedera was the bowling star for Sri Lanka picking up five wickets for 87 runs. Sri Lanka knew they had to force a result in their favour. They played aggressive cricket in the second innings scoring 181 for six before declaring. Tharanga Paranavitana (76) and Kumar Sangakkara (51) helped their cause. Saeed Ajmal again chipped in with three for 50. Sri Lankan bowlers made early in-roads into Pakistan batting but rain came as Pakistan’s saviour. They ended the match at 87 for 4.
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| Victorious Pakistani Team |
Thus Pakistan clinched the all important test series, next they will have to face Sri Lanka in the ODI format.
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