Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka pull off morale-boosting draw

Match Report – Day 5: 1st Test, Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi (neutral venue), 18 - 22 October 2011

The much anticipated final day turned out to be a near farce as Pakistan opted to play safe in the end. Sangakkara and Prasanna played gems to help their team come to level terms before quick fall of wickets left Pakistan to chase 170 in 21 overs. The result, however, was a disappointing draw.

Umar Gul and Aizaz Cheema started proceedings for Pakistan but got nothing off the wicket or in the air. Apart from Gul having a confident LBW shout against Sangakkara and a run out opportunity, there was nothing to cheer for Pakistan in the morning session. Junaid again impressed with his variations and determination. The match has been a break out one for him as he has been below par in international cricket so far.

At Lunch, Sri Lanka had extended their lead to 50 and Sangakkara (185*) and Prasanna Jayawardene (66*) were not looking to get out any time soon. Prasanna was let off soon after the break when Hill refused a plumb LBW. Cheema bowled a couple of stunning deliveries more but Sri Lanka kept Pakistan away successfully to the point that frustration was visible on the faces.

Sangakkara got to his 8^th double hundred by glancing Cheema down the leg. He took his guard again, a dreadful gesture for the fielding team. It was a great back-to-the-wall knock, especially after his first 100 runs when he was in total command.
Prasanna Jayawardene too was celebrating a while later as he lofted Ajmal to bring up his hundred, a match-saving effort with his captain.

With match running away from Pakistan, it was Azhar Ali who brought some life by trapping Sanga LBW, his first Test wicket. He made a magnificent 211 off 431 balls with 18 fours. Pakistan needed to blow away Sri Lankan tail, but Rangana Herath was dropped by Gul at extra cover – 6^th drop by Pakistan in the innings.

Aizaz Cheema removed Prasanna with a beauty that left him to get an edge as the 3^rd new ball was taken. His innings of 120 was vital for his team as along with Sangakkara he had added 201 runs for the 6^th wicket. Cheema would have had Welegedara too but Rod tucker turned down the LBW appeal.  

Gul, who was not given the new ball this time, came on to knock off Welegedara and Lakmal quickly before Pradeep was run out. Sri Lanka were all out for 483, leaving Pakistan 170 to chase in just 21 overs. Umar Gul was the most successful bowler with 4 for 64.

On a wicket that had improved with each day, Pakistan should have gone for the target by playing in the T20 mode, at least initially before opting for safety. Disappointingly they chose to shut the door early by showing no intent what so ever.  Taufeeq fell to Welegedara before the match was called off with mutual consent of the captains 11 overs before time.

The match which started on a high note for Pakistan ended up boosting Sri Lanka’s morale as they were the team who got most of the accolades on the final day. After defying Pakistan in the second innings, they made sure the match, which should have been won by Pakistan, ended in a draw.

The next Test starts in four day’s time in Dubai and both teams have some time to think about their weaknesses. Pakistan needs to inject some intent in their batting and improve their fielding which has once again denied them a Test win. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have some genuine concerns in their bowling department.

Summarised Scores:

Pakistan 21/1 and 511/6 dec (Taufeeq Umar 236, M Hafeez 75, Misbah 46; Herath 3/126) drew with Sri Lanka 197/10 (Mathews 52*; Junaid Khan 5/38) and 483 all out (Sangakkara 211, Prasanna Jayawardene 120; Umar Gul 4/64)

Man of the Match: Kumar Sangakkara

Heroes of the Day: Kumar Sangakkara and Prasanna Jayawardene

Disappointment of the Day: Saeed Ajmal

Flop of the Day: The pitch

Click for full scorecard

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