Sri Lanka vs Pakistan - Sri Lanka in sight of huge victory

Pakistan's top order failed again when they started their second innings in pursuit of an unlikely target of 510 runs. After dismissing Pakistan for an exact hundred, the hosts decided against enforcing the follow on and batted just over a session to give Pakistan another torrid short period to survive. 

  MatchReport: 1st Test, Day 3, Galle International Stadium, 22-26 June 12 

Younis Khan and Ayub Dogar looked untroubled as the wicket appeared flat at the start of the 3rd day. A howler from umpire Steve Davis gave Sri Lanka the opening from where they did not look back. Younis, who was looking in good touch, was given out LBW although there was a clear inside edge on to the pads. This was a vital wicket considering Pakistan’s longish tail. 

Ayub and Adnan Akmal too seemed to form a decent partnership as the former now looked more comfortable after getting a couple of boundaries away. Just when they looked set to take Pakistan to some respectability another howler occurred, this time not by the umpires but by the debutant Ayub Dogar who failed to respond to Adnan’s call for a second run resulting in a shocking run out. 

Adnan left the crease fuming, putting extra pressure on Ayub who again went into a shell and was the second last man out, LBW to a Herath delivery which did not turn. He made 25 but promised more. Earlier Randiv had accounted for Abdur Rehman after setting him up beautifully. He also took the last wicket, of Umar Gul, and finished with excellent figures of 4 for 13. Pakistan’s nemesis Herath took 3 while Kula grabbed 2 in a riot that exposed Pakistani batting, and quality of umpiring, badly. 

Sri Lanka did not ask Pakistan to follow on and batted instead to take advantage of the best batting conditions of the match. The logic behind the move was to give rest to their bowlers and give them the opportunity to bowl on weary 4^th and 5^th day surface. But the threat of rain and heavy first innings lead should have prompted them to go the conventional way. 

Pakistan bowled much better the second time removing five Sri Lankan batsmen also preventing them to break free. Abdur Rehman was unimpressive as Sri Lankan openers scored at around 5 an over.  It was Saeed Ajmal again who broke through first, trapping Paranavitana in front for 25. Junaid khan redeemed himself to some extent by coming good the second time. He removed dangerous looking Dilshan who given LBW, a marginal decision. 

First innings centurion, Sangakkara, was out cheaply this time as Ajmal lured him into a false prod resulting in a soft catch for the extra cover. Junaid Khan then got rid of captain Mahela and Samaraweera cheaply before Sri Lanka decided to declare the innings at 137 for 5. Pakistan needed to survive 15 overs. With two days remaining and a mammoth 510 to get, it was definitely a task beyond them barring a miracle or rain. 

Hafeez’s misery with the ball continued as he departed early as Mahela snapped him in the slips off Kulasekara. He was the only seamer in the match who got some movement in the air and off the wicket. After Herath had accounted for Azhar Ali, Kula bowled Taufeeq through the gate to leave Pakistan in tatters at 25 for 3. Night-watchman Ajmal and Younis Khan were at the crease at stumps with Pakistan staring at a huge defeat.

It is an improbable task for Pakistan to bat out two days and save this match, but at least they can try to salvage some pride by batting for longer periods. Sri Lanka would pray there is no rain as they aim for a morale-boosting 1-0 lead in the 3-match series. At least 10 umpiring errors, mainly going against Pakistan, have marred this match and absence of DRS has left a bad taste.

Summarised Scores:

 

Pakistan 36/3 (Kulasekara 2/13) require another 474 runs with 7 wickets remaining against Sri Lanka 472 and 137/5 (Dilshan 56, Junaid 3/44)

Hero of the Day: Kulasekara

Flop of the Day: Azhar Ali

Disappointment of the Day: Steve Davis (Umpire)

Image Credit: AFP

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan – Hosts right on top after day 2

By the close of play on the 2^nd day, Sri Lanka were in the driving seat as they had put Pakistan on the mat after piling up 472. Kumar Sangakkara was unlucky to miss out on his 9^th double hundred as was left stranded on 199.

 Match Report: 1^st Test, Day 2, Galle International Stadium, 22-26 June 2012

 

It was Saeed Ajmal, most predictably, who got Pakistan off to a better start on the second day, as he got rid of Mahela Jayawardene. He was bowled attempting a sweep after making 62 and sharing 128 with Sangakkara, which turned out to be the highest stand of the innings. Sangakkara was looking as if batting on another surface. He slog-swept Ajmal for a couple of fours - a tactic to negate the slowness of the pitch.

Ajmal got Pakistan back into contention with back-to-back strikes as first hour closed in. After Samaraweera was stumped by Adnan off a doosra, Mathews failed to read a flighted off-spinner handing a return catch to a delighted Ajmal. Ajmal had taken all 5 wickets to fall but Pakistan needed other bowlers to back him up. At 335 for 5, Pakistan had an opening to claw back into the match.

Prasanna Jayawardene gave good company to Sangakkara and did not depart until making 48 vital runs. He was particularly severe on Umar Gul, who despite bowling his heart out remained wicketless. Sri Lanka crawled to lunch at 366 for 5. Prasanna fell to Hafeez while new man in Suraj Randiv gave Abdur Rehman his first wicket after a hard toil.

Ayub Dogar took his first catch in international cricket, a fine effort at short fine leg, as Kulasekara pushed at a Hafeez delivery, although it had missed the bat.  At this stage, with Sri Lanka on 439 for 8, Sangakkara decided to form the strike, a strange tactic. With Sanga nearing his double hundred, Herath was run out as Gul’s throw was in time to get him short for the second run. 

Although Sangakkara resorted to innovative play in order to reach the landmark, he was left stranded on 199 when Hafeez clean-bowled Nuwan Pradeep Fernando for duck. He had even celebrated his double after hitting a six as the ground scoreboard showed 194, erroneously. A disappointed Sanga left the crease but he had helped his team post a daunting target for the visitors. 

Apart from Ajmal, who took 5 for 146, it was a tough battle for the bowlers. Absence of DRS also did not help Pakistan as a couple of decisions could have easily gone their way. Hafeez got 3 important scalps but disappointingly pace duo of Gul and Junaid went wicketless. 

Needing 24 overs to bat, Pakistan started disastrously. Taufeeq Umar was given out LBW after the batsman did not offer a shot. This decision too could have been reversed by the DRS. Kulasekara, swinging the ball nicely, was on a hat-trick when Azhar Ali feathered a lovely delivery behind into the hands of the keeper. 

Although Younis Khan prevented the hat-trick, the damage had been done. The target already looking like a mountain seemed impossible when Suraj Randi came close to getting a hat-trick too. After Younis and Hafeez had taken Pakistan to 41, Randiv got Hafeez plumb LBW. Off the next ball, night-watchman Saeed Ajmal was given out bat and pad, although the ball had clearly bounced off his body. Nonetheless, Sri Lankans were over the moon after having Pakistan in dire straights on a slow but good batting surface. 

As the end of the day approached, Rangana Herath got into the act himself. Asad Shafiq was done in by a regulation delivery as Prasanna snapped another catch. What an entry into test cricket for Mohammad Ayub Dogar who walked in at 44 for 4 with his side staring at follow-on. He and Younis both survived the day but Sri Lanka had done enough to smell victory and go 1-0 up unless something miraculous happens in the remaining 3 days. 

Kulasekara’s seam and swing was enough to make Pakistan batsmen nervous, but there was nothing in the pitch for spinners to wreck havoc with the newish ball. Absence of Misbah-ul-Haq has started to haunt Pakistan as their batsmen, the last recognized pair at the crease, face an uphill task once again.

Summarised Scores:

Pakistan 48/5 (Suraj Randiv 2/5, Kulasekara 2/15) trail Sri Lanka 472 (Sangakkara 199*, Dilshan 101; Saeed Ajmal 5/146) by 424 runs with 5 wickets remaining

Hero of the Day: Kumar Sangakkara, Nuwan Kulasekara 

Disappointment of the Day: Azhar Ali 

Flop of the Day: Abdur Rehman 

Image Credit: AFP

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan – A sizzling Test series is expected under the scorching sun

Test series preview: Pakistan wary of batting collapses, as Sri Lanka search a series win sans Murali

Pakistan went into the ODI series as favourites but ended up on the losing side and badly exposed. They again are slightly favourites for the 3-Test series but have lost their captain for the first Test and the batting looks fragile once again. Sri Lanka, under the able captaincy of Mahela Jayawardene, are more confident of the two sides.

Misbah is serving a one-Test ban for slow over rate in the last ODI. In his absence, Mohammad Hafeez will lead the side for the first time in Tests. It will be a test for his character as Misbah has had an amazing run as Test captain. Misbah’s absence will hurt two fold; as a captain and as a middle order batsman. The middle-order gives even a thinner look in his absence.

Younis Kahn failed miserably in the ODIs and has a lot to prove especially when Misbah is out. There is no doubt about his credentials as Test batsman but he has to not only bat long but has to take the youngsters along as well. The opening pair is settled although Hafeez is short on confidence. Taufeeq Umar, being the sole left-hander, needs to bat deep to negate the threat of left-armer Rangana Herath.

Pakistan will rely heavily on Azhar Ali who is fast becoming lynchpin of Pakistan batting. He is in good form after scoring runs in the ODI series and this series may give us best of his batting prowess. There are four candidates for the next two batting spots; Asad Shafiq, Faisal Iqbal, Ayub Dogar and Afaq Rahim. Asad has dome enough to merit an automatic place at number 5, but Faisal and Dogar are fighting for the number 6 slot. Although Iqbal has experience, Ayub Dogar’s run of domestic form may open doors of Test cricket for him.

Sri Lanka’s batting is their strength. With legends like Mahela and Kumar Sangakkara in the side, they look a strong and settled batting unit. Thilan Samaraweera has always scored heavily against Pakistan. Dilshan and Paranvitana make a solid opening pair.  Angelo Mathews and Prasanna Jayawardene extend the batting to number 7. If they decide to play second all-rounder Thissara Perera as well then Kulasekara will have to sit out.

Pakistan's main weapon will be their spin attack. The trio of Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman and Hafeez has been a success story for them in the last two years. They were the main reason Pakistan did not lose a single series out of last seven they have played during that period. Umar Gul has been consistent, but he does not have a settled partner for the new ball at the other end. Either of Aizaz Cheema or Mohammad Sami could play.

Chanaka welegedera has established himself as the front-line seamer for the hosts. Nuwan Kulasekara, who was successful against Pakistan in the 2009 series, will be preferred as his partner in all likelihood. Herath, being the prime spinner, will be paired by Suraj Randiv who is yet to have a real crack at Test level.

The last series in Sri Lanka was remembered due to hilarious batting collapses by Pakistan at Galle and Colombo. As a result they lost 2-0. But memories of recent 3-0 whitewash of England will boost their morale. Further, they have won all of their last 5 Tests. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have yet to win a series since losing Muralitharan. They can expect to turn the tables this time.

The first Test starts tomorrow at Galle followed by two more at Colombo (30 June) and Pallekele (8 July).

Pakistan probable Eleven:

M Hafeez, Taufeeq Umar, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Asad Shafiq, Mohammad Ayub Dogar, Adnan Akmal, Abdur Rehman, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, Aizaz Cheema

Sri Lanka probable Eleven:

Dilshan, Paranvitana, Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Samaraweera, Mathews, Prasanna Jayawardene, Kulasekara, Randiv, Herath, Welegedera

Players to watch:

Azhar Ali: A batsman with solid technique and dogged temperament, Azhar Ali, can give his bowlers runs to play with. If he fires then Pakistani batting would ooze rare confidence.

Angelo Mathews: He has played decent innings at Test level, but this series will be a test for his all-round ability. His confidence is sky high after leading his side to a stunning victory in the last ODI.

Prediction: 1-1

Euro 2012 Match Preview: Ukraine vs France

Despite spirited showing by Ukraine against Sweden in the first match, France are favourites to see off the co-hosts who are making their Euro debut.  Or we have an upset on our hands? France, though, themselves were held 1-1 by England.

Venue: Donbass Arena, Donetsk, Ukraine

Capacity: 52,518

Date: 15th June
 
Kick Off: 21:00 PST

Referee: B. Kuipers

Injuries: France: Striker Loïc Rémy and Tottenham Hotspur defender Younès Kaboul are out of the tournament due to injury.


Two-times champions France were good but not brilliant in their first match against England. Les Bleus, however, are still considered favourites to top the group. Laurent Blanc’s team is capable of winning its 3^rd Euro title if they play to their potential.

They were at the rock bottom in 2010 when they crashed out of the world Cup in the first round and internal disputes led to the sacking of the manager Raymond Domenech and resignation of their federation president. Laurent Blanc has managed to wipe out the bitterness and with players like Benzema, veteran Frank Ribéry and highly-talented Samir Nasri in his ranks, he succeeded to build a well-knit unit.
 
According to Blokhin, it was good for Ukraine that they were not regarded as favourites as there would be less pressure. He has not been satisfied with his team of late but he knows his team can sit back and defend well and if that strategy works out they can counter-attack to surprise the much-fancied opponents.

Their surprise win against Sweden must have lifted them as they battle for the spot in the next round. Interestingly, their last match at the venue was against France which they lost by a big margin, 4-1, in June 11.


Players to watch:


France: Karim Benzema has been instrumental in lifting French National Team in the last couple of years. But Samir Nasri would be the man to watch out for, once again.

Ukraine: Andriy Shevchenko, the captain and the striker, has vast experience at the international level to worry France on his day. He showed what he is capable of by striking home twice in the previous match. Keep note it’s his farewell tournament!


Starting Elevens:


France:

Manager: Laurent Blanc
Hugo Lloris GK (captain), Franck Ribéry, Patrice Evra, Adil Rami, Karim Benzema, Hatem Ben Arfa, Samir Nasri, Philippe Mexès, Mathieu Debuchy, Florent Malouda, Alou Diarra

Ukraine:

Manager: Oleg Blokhin
Andriy Shevchenko (Captain), Andriy Pyatov (GK), Anatoliy Tymoschuk, Yevgen Selin, Andriy Voronin, Yevhen Khacheridi, Taras Mikhalik, Oleg Gusev, Serhiy Nazarenko, Andriy Yarmolenko, Marko Devic


Prediction:

France 3 – 1 Ukraine