Sri Lanka produced a professional performance to register their biggest victory over Pakistan by nine wickets in the second Test in Dubai, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. PHOTO: AFP
Pakistan went down by nine wickets in the second Test to concede a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after the first Test ended in a draw in Abu Dhabi.
That defeat was largely due to the ineffectiveness of Pakistan’s main weapon Saeed Ajmal, with the off-spinner having bagged only five wickets to show for in the two Tests.
Ajmal went wicketless in his 49 overs in the second-innings of the first Test.
Meanwhile, Misbah admitted that the pitches were disappointing.
“Obviously, we are not getting support as per our strength [of spinners] and that is a worry for us,” said a visibly upset Pakistan captain, whose team also lost to South Africa at the same pitch three months ago.
“Obviously, groundsmen are preparing pitches but as far as satisfaction goes, it’s not there because we have not given instructions of such flat tracks.”
Pakistan lost a crucial toss and were bowled out for a paltry 165 in their first-innings on a pitch that helped seamers.
Sri Lanka gained a big 223-run lead with experienced batsman and man-of-the-match Mahela Jayawardene notching 129.
Pakistan fought hard to score 359 in their second-innings but Sri Lanka knocked off the meager 137-run target for the loss of one wicket for their biggest win over Pakistan in 45 Tests.
“Once we lost the crucial toss, as there was lot of moisture on the pitch, we could not really get back in the Test match,” admitted Misbah, who scored 97 in the second-innings.
‘Batsmen should have applied themselves more’
Misbah blamed the faltering batsmen.
“I think the batsmen should have applied themselves more. You could see that there was some seam but still we played some bad shots and that put us in trouble,” he said.
On the other hand, victorious Sri Lankan captain Angelo Mathews acknowledged that the Dubai pitch was helpful for batsmen.
“Apart from the first day, this was a regular Dubai wicket,” said Mathews, who hit 157 not out to draw the first Test. “The spinners weren’t that successful on this wicket, it became a bit slow, but it was still good for the batsmen, as usual.”
Published in The Express Tribune, January 13th, 2014.
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COMMENTS (4)
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Misbah is a national treasure. Win or lose Pak cricket at the moment is nothing without Misbah.
Asad Shafeeq, Mohammad Hafeez, Rahat Ali should be blamed for the loss and not the pitches. Mohammad Hafeez is becoming another Kamran Akmal, as he wants to be in all the three formats and will ultimately be dropped from all three.
Anti misbah trolls...BEGIN!