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Smallest of Difference

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Sri Lanka vs Pakistan

by Shazeen Ifamy

THIS WEEK’S

TOP STORIES

  • The test series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan ended in a draw after Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by 246 runs in the 2nd test, days after Pakistan won the 1st test by 6 wickets. (SL vs. PAK)

Pakistan won the first test by completing a record 4th innings chase of 342 ay Galle to beat Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, bounced back strongly to win the second test by 246 runs. (SL vs. PAK)

Award Winner:

  • Player of the Match 1st Test: Abdullah Shafique (SL vs. PAK)

  • Player of the Match 2nd Test: Dhananjaya de Silva (SL vs. PAK)

  • Player of the Series: Prabath Jayasuriya (SL vs. PAK)

Where the Games were Won?

The decisive factor of the series was the smallest of differences! In the 1st test, Pakistan had two centurions and the highest partnership of 101 in terms of runs (SL vs. PAK). This allowed Pakistan to stay in the match despite giving Sri Lanka a 1st innings lead of 4 runs and to eventually complete a record chase to win the match. In the 2nd test, it was Sri Lanka who had a centurion and the highest partnership of 126 in terms of runs (SL vs. PAK) which allowed them to bat out Pakistan from the game and to win it by 246 runs to draw the series (SL vs. PAK). So there you have it, the smallest of differences decided the games

What was the Surprise of the Series?

The series’ surprise was the Galle pitch as it didn’t behave as it usually does. As a result, it allowed Pakistan to complete a record run chase in the 1st test and required Sri Lankan spinners to work hard to win the 2nd test, however, don’t take anything away from the Pakistanis as they played brilliantly to win the 1st test.   

Summary

Overall, this was an interesting series between the two teams as always. Both teams gave it their all throughout both matches as both games went into the 5th day.  In conclusion, both teams will be happy and disappointed at the same time. Nevertheless, the series was drawn and both teams won to gain valuable ICC Test Championship points. However, Sri Lank will be the slightly happier team as they are 3rd in the ICC Test Championship table after the series (2022).

Notable Performances:

  • Babar Azam (Pakistan): 271 Runs, highest run scorer of the series (SL vs. PAK)

  • Denish Chandimal (Sri Lanka): 271 Runs, 3 consecutive fifties (50s) (SL vs. PAK)

  • Ramesh Mendis (Sri Lanka): 12 Wickets and 113 Runs, found form with bat and ball (SL vs. PAK)

  • Mohammed Nawaz (Pakistan): 10 Wickets, worked hard with the ball (SL vs. PAK)

  • Naseem Shah (Pakistan): 7 Wickets, the most by a fast bowler in the series (SL vs. PAK)

Reference:

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