Misbahul Haq-led Pakistan have a mountain to climb as they start their three-Test match series against Sri Lanka at Galle today. PHOTO: AFP
Sri Lanka have maintained a stranglehold in their own conditions throughout the last 10 years. Rangana Herath has been the tormentor-in-chief, with the spinner taking 88 wickets against Pakistan in a mere 17 Tests, and will provide the main threat to the Pakistan batsmen this time around too. The 37-year-old spun a vicious web around them in the series last year where he collected a staggering tally of 23 wickets. The other main threat will be Kumar Sangakkara, who is set to bow out from international cricket this season. The legendary batsman is available for two Tests against Pakistan and the visitors must be worried considering his remarkable record against them. On the other hand, Pakistan enter the fray on the back of some fine Test performances last season. The top six batsmen look settled and hungry for runs and the return of Ahmed Shehzad at the top of the order should further stabilise the batting. The bowling stocks, too, look decent on paper; the spin twins Yasir Shah and Zulfiqar Babar have a vital role to play on tracks that are likely to suit them. Fast bowler Wahab Riaz — the World Cup hero — needs to take the bull by the horns and lead the attack with aggression, as the left-armer will be a vital cog in Misbah’s armoury. This should be an interesting contest and Pakistan will have to perform to the best of their abilities to beat the hosts. A series win will put them in the right frame of mind ahead of the limited-overs matches that follow.
Published in The Express Tribune, June 17th, 2015.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ