thecricketragics: Pakistan v Sri Lanka

Wednesday, 19 October 2011

Pakistan v Sri Lanka - 1st Test at Abu Dhabi

Angelo Mathews

As two of their best players spent their ill-gotten gains on Silk in a London court, Pakistan began the first of three Tests in as many weeks against Sri Lanka on neutral ground in the United Arab Emirates. Its seems ironic that a team so tainted by an apparent thirst for money at all costs should play its home games in the world's richest country. Their opponents are looking to recover ground they have lost against England and Australia in the past six months against the team which lies immediately behind them on the ICC league ladder. Even with a 3-0 win in the series, its unlikely Pakistan can supplant Sri Lanka but any series victory will close the gap. Since drawing with Australia in England last year - the context for the "Butt Asif they would do that" trial - Pakistan's results have been credible, with drawn two Test series against South Africa and West Indies and wins against New Zealand and Zimbabwe. Sri Lanka, in the same time frame, drew with India and West Indies and lost to England and Australia.

Junaid Khan

Pakistan won the toss and sent Sri Lanka in at Abu Dhabi and slow progress took them to lunch with only 50 from 27 overs but for the loss of only Thirimanne. The next session was a disaster for the batting side, as wickets tumbled. Sangakkara was caught superbly by Adnal Akmal, diving to his left in front of first slip. Paranavitana was finally out after yet another defence laden knock, when a Gul bouncer attracted a pull shot which he gloved to Adnal. Dilshan, again batting in the middle order, was fooled by an Ajmal doosra and was flabbergasted to be given out caught behind after Adnal went up for the stumping. Replays showed a decent gap between the outside edge and the ball and even a DNA teste would have proven they were not related, but with no DRS, this Tony Hill clanger not only cost Dilshan his wicket but was the start of a slide of 4-2 in the middle of the Sri Lankan batting. Sri Lanka were out after drinks in the last session, with Angelo Mathews again batting well with the tail for an unbeaten half century. The youngster, Junaid Khan, got the bowling honours with 5-38 but in truth others did the hard work as four of his five wickets came from No 7 down.

Mohammad Hafeez batted with purpose in the eight overs until stumps, cutting and driving three fours and Pakistan will start the second day with all wickets intact and a small target to chase.

1 comment:

leftriteout20 October 2011 at 13:23
From looking at the scores from day 2 Pakistan have found the most stodgy bastman (perhaps 2) in the world in Azhar Ali. They are utterly on top and it beggars belief how they can just go out on the field, roll SL for peanuts then build a lead with 1 down when there's so much happening off the field (even more than usual for Pakistan). Credit to them for putting aside the court stuff, Afridi, the PCB, coaching issues etc and just play.
They are such a talented group of players and keep unearthing more skilled cricketers - look at how the third Akmal just slots in!
Good luck Pakistan.
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