A tall ask awaits Pakistan in the second test match against Sri Lanka, after being comprehensively outdone in the opening match. Sri Lanka will look to wrap up the series to register their first major triumph in over a year.
A 209-run win for Sri Lanka brought to light their dominance that had been long associated with them in home conditions. Kumar Sangakkara was at his fluent best, missing his double century by one run before the bowlers stuck to their guns and bowled Pakistan out twice cheaply.
Mahela Jayawardene, the captain, was also all praise for his team saying that his players handled the situation better.
In terms of squad, Sri Lanka have included pacer Dilhara Fernando as replacement for injured Chanaka Welegedara. Fernando last played in a test match in December 2011.
Nuwan Pradeep, the impressive pacer in the last match, has fitness shadows over him as he has a history of injuries and could be replaced by Fernando or Thisara Perera.
Pakistan’s impressive run in the test matches was brought to a shocking stop when they were outplayed in all departments of the game. Perhaps what they missed most was Misbah ul Haq’s calming influence who was serving a one-match ban for slow over-rate.
With him back at the helm again, Pakistan will look to pose a stiffer challenge. Mohammad Hafeez, the stand-in captain, is under increasing pressure to retain his place after a relatively horrendous year all round. Younis Khan and Asad Shafiq’s solid showing in the second innings would most likely mean that the axe falls on Ayub Dogar, the debutant in the last match.
Both teams will be hoping for an improved showing from the umpires as well after over a dozen decisions were incorrectly given, with Pakistan having also officially complained to ICC. The match will be played in Colombo.