Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – Butter fingers hurt Pakistan as Sanga makes merry

Match Report – Day 4: 1st Test, Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi (neutral venue), 18 - 22 October 2011

The match which could easily have ended today was dragged into the final day due to some atrocious fielding by Pakistan. Sri Lanka, riding on Sangakkara’s big ton, have lived for another day. There is now prospect of an intriguing final day ahdead.   

Sri Lanka started with an earnest desire not to lose a wicket in the morning session, and that wish was granted by Pakistan who dropped as many as 4 chances including two half chances and a debatable 3^rd umpire decision. Sangakkara and Thirimanne started cautiously as Pakistan attacked from the outset.

After a few overs from Gul and Cheema, Ajmal was introduced and he immediately had huge impact. Thirimanne first survived a close LBW shout and then was close to get stumped. The real disappointment for Pakistan came when first innings destroyer Junaid Khan was introduced into the attack.

Hafeez dropped Thirimanne twice at second slip on successive deliveries from Junaid, the second one a dolly. It did not end here as it was Sangakkara’s time to survive. Junaid bowled a beauty that came in and left Sanga who could only poke at it and saw Younis pouch it by diving forward. He stood his ground and looked at Younis who waved as if he too wanted a 3^rd umpire’s verdict. After several replays umpires gave it in favour of Sangakkara.

Thirimanne then tested Hafeez again who couldn’t hold on to a sharp chance off Ajmal. Hafeez came back to try to redeem himself and immediately had Sangakkara to edge behind, but Younis overdid his dive resulting in another drop, a tough but catchable chance. Sri Lanka ended Lunch at 125/1 with luck firmly behind them and both batsmen having crossed 50.

The lady luck changed sides after Lunch as Pakistan broke through in the form of a run out. Thirimanne deflected the ball towards backward point and called for two. Azhar ran several yards and the throw was perfect for Adnan Akmal to break stumps with Thirimanne half a foot short. He made 68 but importantly shared 153 runs with Sri Lanka's former captain.

Pakistan made use of the opportunity and got two more in quick succession. First, in the form of Mahela Jayawardene who tried to cut Saeed Ajmal but played on, and then Dilshan who had no clue against Junaid khan who castled him from around the wicket ala Wasim Akram.

In between the two dismissals Sangakkara reached his 26^th ton in Tests with a cut shot for four. It was an important innings for his team, albeit a lucky one. Angelo Mathews and Sangakkara saw off the Tea safely, still 112 runs behind.

Gul again repeated his first innings feat, getting Mathews out immediately with the new ball with a vicious inswinger. He was denied another wicket when substitute Wahab Riaz dropped a sitter as Prasanna Jayawardene pulled awkwardly. That wicket could have hastened Sri Lankan collapse as he was the last recognised batsman. On top of that Tony Hill’s nightmare continued as he gave Prasanna not out when he was plumb in front. The bowler again was a disconsolate Junaid.

A lucky edge got Sanga to 150 as Sri Lanka neared to erase the deficit. At close Sanga remained not out on 161 while Prasanna was on 25. Pakistan had created enough chances to skittle Sri Lanka out but after avoiding a batting collapse they could not stave off catching horrors. Junaid Khan and Ajmal were unlucky not to be among handful of wickets. 

On the other hand Sangakkara enjoyed fair bit of luck but has revived his team’s hopes with a marathon knock. First session tomorrow may well decide the fate of the match.


Summarised Scores:

Sri Lanka  298/5 (Sangakkara 161*, Thirimanne 68; Umar Gul 2/49) and 197/10 (Mathews 52*; Junaid Khan 5/38) trail Pakistan 511/6 dec (Taufeeq Umar 236, M Hafeez 75, Misbah 46; Herath 3/126) by 16 runs with 5 wickets remaining in the 2nd innings

Hero of the Day: Kumar Sangakkara

Disappointment of the Day: Mohammad Hafeez (for his dropped catches)

Flop of the Day: Tillakaratne Dilshan

Click for full scorecard

Credits: cricketArchive.com (scorecard), AFP (photo)