Pakistan takes the ODI and T20 Series in Style

After their loss in the tests Sri Lanka looked to come back hard and win the limited overs format. But Pakistan had other plans. They were in no mood to let go their good winning form. Though Pakistan cricket has been facing so much turmoil with controversies coming to the forefront every now and then, but their on-field form has been superb. Tillekratne Dilshan led Sri Lanka have many stars while Pakistan are still trying to rebuild a side that has lost many key players due to the spot fixing controversy. Though some of the old heads in the form of Shahid Afridi and Shoaib Malik were recalled to the side but the crux of this Misbah ul-Haq led side was youth. There were 5 ODIs and 1 T20 international to be played to complete the Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka series.

FIRST ODI

Shahid Afridi made a great comeback with three wickets

First ODI was played at Dubai, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat on a strip that looked to slow down with the game. But Sri Lanka was bowled for 131 in 40.3 overs. Top scorer for the Lankans was Upul Tharanga (25) and Mahela Jayawardena (24) was the second highest scorer. Shahid Afridi made a good comeback to International cricket with figures of 3 for 27 while Saeed Ajmal and Mohammad Hafeez picked up two wickets a piece. Pakistan made a short work of the chase and got to 132 for the loss of two wickets in 21.5 overs. Imran Farhat (50 off 65) and Younus Khan (56 not out off 57) helped themselves to half centuries.  It was an overwhelming victory for Pakistan.

SECOND ODI

Lasith Malinga turned the second ODI in Sri Lanka's favor 

Sri Lanka again won the toss and elected to bat in the second ODI. But this time they showed an improved performance with half centuries from Upul Tharanga (77 off 120) and Mahela Jayawardena (50 off 57). Sri Lanka put up a score of 235 for 7 wickets. Saeed Ajmal picked up three for 61. When chasing Pakistan had not many significant contributions apart from Umar Akmal (91 off 102), and they folded up for 210 in 46.3 overs. Lasith Malinga picked up three wickets for 36 to be named the man of the match. So Sri Lanka made a good comeback into the series.

THIRD ODI

Mohammad Hafeez and Imran Farhat during their century stand

In the third ODI Misbah finally won the toss and had no hesitation in batting first. Pakistan got off to a great start with a 151 run stand between Mohammad Hafeez (83 off 101) and Imran Farhat (70 off 82). Younus Khan made a handy contribution of 42 runs (off 52 balls) in the middle overs. Pakistan ended their innings at 257 for 8. Sri Lanka competed effectively with contributions from their captain Tilllakratne Dilshan (64 off 78), Kumar Sangakkara (45 off 66) and Angelo Matthews (32 off 40). But they fell short by 21 runs and ended at 236 in 48.5 overs. Umar Gul took 3 for 48 and Ajmal picked up three for 42. Mohammad Hafeez was named the man of the match.

FOURTH ODI

Shahid Afridi's Performance with the Ball and Bat Helped Pakistan win Fourth ODI

The venue shifted to Sharjah for fourth ODI. Pakistan again won the toss and elected to bat. Batting first Pakistan got to a total of 200 in 49.3 overs. Shahid Afridi sizzled with the bat scoring 75 off 65 balls while Dilhara Fernando picked up three wickets for 26 runs. Sri Lanka looked helpless from the on-set against disciplines Pakistani bowling. Though Sangakkara (58 off 103) and Jayawardena (55 off 87) tried to ttake the islanders home, but once they fell there was little resistance and the innings folded for 174 in 45.2 overs. Shahid Afridi ended a perfect day by picking up 5 for 35. He was named the man of the match for his all round show. So Pakistan clinched the series 3-1 in their favour with a match remaining.  

FIFTH ODI

Sohail Tanvir picked up four wickets in Fifth ODI

Fifth ODI was played in Abu Dhabi and Sri Lanka looked keen to salvage some pride after losing the series.  Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat as was the trend throughout the series. Valuable innings from Kumar Sangakkara ( 78 off 100) and Angelo Matthews (61 off 101) saw the Lankans reach 218 for 9. The comeback man Sohail Tanvir picked up 4 for 34. Pakistan seemed to be in control all through the chase Misbah ul-Haq (66 off 99) and Umar Akmal (61 off 60) scored half centuries, they received able support from Younus Khan (34 off 48) and Asad Shafiq (26 off 38). Pakistan completed their victory in 47.2 overs with 3 wickets still left in the bank.

ONE-OFF T20

Skipper Misbah ul-Haq played a useful knock in T20 match

After the ODI series it was the turn of one-off T20 match in Abu Dhabi. Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat. But they were bowled out for 141 with 3 balls still remaining. Dinesh Chandimal (56 off 44) top scored in the innings with Dilshan (28 off 15) being the next best scorer. Aizaz Cheema had great figures of 4 for 30. Pakistan had significant contributions all along the way. Asad Shafiq (33 off 33), Misbah ul-Haq (48 off 38) and Shahid Afridi (22 off 15) were the main contributors. So it turned out to be a total whitewash for the Sri Lankans. They were defeated in all formats of the game and not many could have predicted this outcome at the beginning of the series.

Pakistan Clinch a Crucial Series Victory despite Criticisms

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

Victorious Pakistani Team

Thus Pakistan clinched the all important test series, next they will have to face Sri Lanka in the ODI format.