Tag: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka

GALLE: Sri Lanka finished the opening day of the first Test in a relatively comfortable position as their bowlers restrict Pakistan on 24/2 after the batters could only muster 222 in the first inning.

Pakistan, in response to Sri Lanka’s 222, finished the opening day at 24/2 after Prabath Jayasuriya and Kasun Rajitha removed both openers – Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq – in quick successions for a skimpy 13 and two respectively.

Following the early hiccup, Pakistan captain Babar Azam (1*) and veteran right-handed batter Azhar Ali (3*) will now resume the proceedings for the touring side with a deficit of 198 runs.

Batting first, Sri Lanka could only manage to pose 222 runs on the board despite a valiant half-century from their in-form batter Chandimal as the rest of the batters remained unable to contribute significantly to the total.

The right-handed batter top-scored for the side with 76 off 115 balls in the course of his fighting knock, laced with 10 boundaries and a six.

Besides Chandimal, Sri Lanka’s right-arm pacer Maheesh Theekshana remained the significant contributor as he scored important 38 runs down the order and bolstered the home side to a commendable total.

For Pakistan, Shaheen led the way with four wickets, while Yasir Shah and Hasan Ali bagged two each. Mohammad Nawaz, and Naseem Shah, on the other hand, struck out a batter each.

Sri Lanka, after resuming their first innings at 166/8 in the final session of the opening day, added 56 runs for the remaining two wickets as Theekshana displayed brilliance after Chandimal’s dismissal and added quick runs at the death.

The touring side earlier enjoyed a delightful second session as the hosts could only add 86 runs at the cost of four wickets at the back of a gritty unbeaten knock of Chandimal.

Resuming their score at 80/4 after Lunch, Sri Lanka soon lost half of their side on a combined score of 99 as Shaheen claimed his second wicket by removing Dhananjaya de Silva for 14.

Wicket-keeper batter Niroshan Dickwella’s stay at the crease, also remained brief as the left-arm pacer struck again to provide Pakistan with their sixth breakthrough.

Chandimal and Ramesh Mendis then attempted to anchor the proceedings for Sri Lanka as they added an important 27 runs for the seventh wicket before right-arm speedster Naseem struck his first by removing the latter on 11.

All-rounder Nawaz then further pushed the hosts on the back foot as he removed the tailender Prabath Jayasuriya for four and Sri Lanka, eventually, slipped to 133/8.

Amid the frustrating collapse, right-handed batter Chandimal displayed astounding resilience and kept the scoreboard ticking single-handedly while scoring boundaries at will. He smashed Naseem for three consecutive boundaries in the 45th over to bring up his 22nd Test half-century.

Sri Lanka, after opting to bat first, were off to a poor start as left-arm pacer Shaheen struck in his second over to remove the Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne for a mere one.

Following the early hiccup, the hosts marched towards recovery with a gritty 49-run partnership for the second wicket as opener Oshada Fernando and Kusal Mendis batted sensibly and anchored the innings.

The duo appeared settled and was ticking the scoreboard comfortably, till the 15th over before the returning leg-spinner Yasir removed Mendis for 21. He faced 35 deliveries and smashed three boundaries. Following his departure, the hosts slipped to 60/2.

Pakistan pacer Hasan then added to the misery of the home side as he struck out Fernando in the next over, who remained the top-scorer for Sri Lanka thus far with 35 runs off 49 deliveries.

With the side struggling at 60/3, the veteran Sri Lankan batter Angelo Mathews looked to settle things down and took on a defensive approach, only for bagging a 15-ball-duck to Yasir.

Following Mathews’s dismissal, the home side were in all sorts of trouble at 68/4 in the 21st over. Sri Lanka’s hero for the second Test against Australia, Dinesh Chandimal and Dhananjaya de Silva then carried their way till lunch as they added 12 runs for the fifth wicket to help Sri Lanka finish at 80/4.

READ: Sri Lanka win toss, elect to bat first against Pakistan in first Test

GALLE: Sri Lanka have won the toss and elected to bat first in the first Test of the two-match series against Sri Lanka, here at Galle International Stadium.

PLAYING XIs

Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Prabath Jayasuriya, Kasun Rajitha

Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Azhar Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman Mohammad Nawaz, Yasir Shah, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah

HEAD TO HEAD

Matches-55, Pakistan-20, Australia-16, Draw-19

KARACHI: Several cricket fans have expressed their disappointment over the exclusion of left-handed batter Fawad Alam from Pakistan’s recently-announced Playing XI for the first Test against Sri Lanka.

Fawad, who had been an integral part of the Green Shirts’ red ball team since his historic return to international cricket in 2020 after a gap of almost 11 years, has now been dropped from the national side for the first Test, scheduled to commence on Saturday.

The left-handed batter, who just had one century to his name before his iconic return, smashed four centuries in just 18 innings and strengthened his spot in the team.

The 36-year-old then had a series to forget when Australia toured Pakistan after a gap of 24 years in April this year. The left-handed batter could only manage to score 33 runs in two matches.

As a result of his slump, the left-handed batter has remained unable to earn a spot in the team’s Playing XI as Salman Ali Agha will be making his Test debut tomorrow.

Following this, several cricket fans have taken to Twitter and questioned his exclusion from the Playing XI.

A Sports Journalist questioned the take on backing struggling pacer Hasan Ali while dropping Fawad after failing just against Australia.

“Back Hasan Ali and drop Fawad Alam? Why this facility is not available to every player? Fawad only failed against Australia and got dropped? If there are decisions based on malice, then the destination will be difficult, friendship and make decisions out of malice, brother,” he wrote.

حسن علی کو اعتماد دیں اور فواد عالم کو ڈراپ کردیں؟ یہ اعتماد کی سہولت ہر پلیئر کو حاصل کیوں نہیں ہے ؟ فواد عالم صرف آسٹریلیا کے خلاف ناکام اور ڈراپ ؟ بدنیتی پر فیصلے ہوں گے تو منزل مشکل ہو جائے گی دوستی اور بدنیتی سے نکل کر فیصلے کریں بھائی pic.twitter.com/ZKlGGz9axZ

— ٰImran Siddique (@imransiddique89) July 15, 2022

 

On the other hand, a cricket fan expressed his joy over Agha’s Test debut while also lamenting the fact that Fawad did not receive the support he deserved from Pakistan captain Babar Azam.

Though I am happy for Salman Ali Agha but at the same time shocked and sad for Fawad Alam also as he didn't get the backing he deserved from the skipper#FawadAlam #SLvPAK #WTC23

— 🇵🇰 | Hassan™🏏🎮 (@HassanEmpire007) July 15, 2022

Another cricket fan questioned the wisdom of the choice after mentioning Fawad’s recent performance.

#FawadAlam made a Come Back in the Playing XI after 11 years, 4 back to back 💯 in 4 consecutive tours. He was named in the ICC Test Team of the year last year But 2/3 bad innings has dropped him again from the XI that tells you about the merit of this Team Simply Pathetic 👎 pic.twitter.com/AmjDceeqRN

— Arslan Sonuu (@arslany2j) July 15, 2022

A cricket fan criticized Babar for motivating Virat Kohli, while, on the other hand, benching Fawad after two bad matches.

کوہلی کی ہمّت بڑھا دی اور اپنا کھلاڑی صرف دو ٹیسٹ میں رنز نہ کرے تو باہر کردیا #PAKvsSL #SLvPAK #PAKvSL #fawadalam#BabarAzam𓃵 #BabarAzam

— Danish Naeem Abbasi (@abbasidanish) July 15, 2022

A number of netizens quoted Babar’s message for the former Indian captain Kohli “This too, shall pass. Stay Strong” while expressing solidarity with Fawad on being dropped from the national side.

This too shall pass. Stay strong. #FawadAlam pic.twitter.com/Sts27vFDqb

— Saifi🇵🇰 (@Saifi_views) July 15, 2022

READ: Agha to debut as Pakistan unveils Playing XI for first Test against Sri Lanka

GALLE: All-rounder Salman Ali Agha is set to make his debut for Pakistan on Saturday as the Green Shirts unveiled their Playing XI for the first Test against Sri Lanka.

Following his incredible run in the last three seasons of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, the all-rounder was initially named in the national team’s 18-member squad for the Test series.

The right-handed batter scored 1,629 runs at a remarkable average of 56.19 in 18 first-class matches since the 2019-2020 season. During this specific period, Agha smashed five centuries and eight half-centuries, while claiming 25 wickets with the ball.

Here's our XI for the first #SLvPAK Test tomorrow! #BackTheBoysInGreen 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/VOgFH247N6

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 15, 2022

 

Leg spinner Yasir Shah and all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz will make their return to the Test side for the first encounter of the two-match series.

Yasir, who aided Pakistan’s 2-1 series victory over Sri Lanka with his player of the series performance, will play his first Test since August 2021 after overcoming a thumb injury.

Nawaz, on the other hand, will make his return to the Test side after nearly a six-year gap, having played his last red-ball match in November 2106.

Pakistan’s XI: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (vc, wk), Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Afridi and Yasir Shah

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GALLE: Pakistan all-format captain Babar Azam opined regarding the playing conditions on offer here and claimed that the spinners dominate on these pitches ahead of the Green Shirts’ two-match away Test series against Sri Lanka.

In a scheduled pre-match press conference, the Pakistan captain acknowledged the importance of spinners in the series and claimed that they will play a key role.

“We played a warm-up game in Colombo and we found out that spinners dominate in these conditions,” Babar stated.

“Similarly, we heard that Galle pitch also supports spinners. Probably on the second and third day, or on the fourth day, spinners become too useful,” he maintained.

The right-handed batter also gave reference to the recently-concluded Test series between Australia and Sri Lanka while claiming that the touring side will plan by keeping the strength of the home side in mind.

“We have prepared ourselves strongly for the series, keeping in mind the strength of Sri Lanka at their home. We watched them play against Australia and will plan accordingly,” Babar shared.

World No.4 then expressed his hope in watching the Sri Lankan crowd in the stands despite the ongoing economic crisis and political unrest in the country, while also claiming that the Sri Lankan fans love Test cricket.

“Sri Lankan people love Test cricket. We saw their attendance in the Australia Test series, and it was impressive,” Babar said.

In response to a question regarding the safety and well-being of the touring side, the Pakistan skipper claimed that the Sri Lankan forces looked after them really well despite the ongoing tensions in the Island, while stressing that their sole focus is on cricket.

“We didn’t feel unsafe here because we have been looked after so well by Sri Lanka Cricket and security forces,” the skipper shared.

“We also played a warm-up game here and there weren’t any hurdles that made us feel unsafe. So, I think we should now focus on just our game,” he concluded.

READ: Pakistan captain Babar Azam backs out-of-form Virat Kohli

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka have announced an 18-member Test squad under the captaincy of Dimuth Karunartne for the upcoming Test series at home against Pakistan, scheduled from July 16.

Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya will be leading Sri Lanka’s spin attack along with Maheesh Theekshana and Ramesh Mendis. Jayasuriya claimed 12 wickets helping his side to defeat Australia in the second Test.

Meanwhile, all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva, pacer Asitha Fernando and spinner Jeffrey Vandersay have also been named in the squad after being ruled out of the second Test against Australia due to Covid.

The forthcoming Test series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is part of the ICC World Test Championship Cycle 2021-23, with the first Test scheduled from July 16 to 20 at Galle while the second Test will be played at Colombo from July 24 to 28.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Test team are currently in Sri Lanka and were engaged in a three-day warm-up game against SLC Xl which ended in a draw.

Squads 

Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kamindu Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella, Dinesh Chandimal, Ramesh Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka, Prabath Jayasuriya, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay

Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (vc, wk), Abdullah Shafique, Azhar Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Fawad Alam, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Nauman Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi, Shan Masood, and Yasir Shah.

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COLOMBO: Pakistan captain Babar Azam led the way for his side with a magnificent knock of 88 runs and bolstered Pakistan to finish on 277/7 on the opening day of the ongoing warm-up match against Sri Lanka XI.

Veteran right-handed batter Azhar Ali, who took up the captaincy role in the absence of Babar Azam opted for his team to bat first after the coin flipped in his favour.

Batting first, the touring side had an unwanted start to their campaign as the Green Shirts lost their both openers Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique for a mere three runs.

Azhar alongside Babar then anchored the inning for Pakistan with an astonishing 143 runs partnership for the third wicket. The former remained slow in his important knock of 43 runs as he faced a mammoth 119 deliveries.

Babar, on the other hand, scored a magnificent 88 at a decent pace with the help of eight boundaries and four sixes.

Following the Azhar-Babar partnership, Pakistan again began to lose wickets at a quick rate as wicketkeeper batter Mohammad Rizwan and Shan Masood fell cheaply for 31 and six respectively.

Left-handed middle-order batter Saud Shakeel and Salman Ali Agha then assured a great finish for the side as they put on a valiant 71 runs. Saud remained unbeaten with 30, while Agha scored 43 not-out.

For Sri Lanka Cricket XI, Lakshitha Manasinghe claimed three wickets, while Lasith Embuldeniya bagged two.

READ: ‘I advised Virat Kohli to work on his front foot’ claims Mushtaq Ahmed

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee has announced a 15-member Sri Lanka Cricket XI squad for the three-day warm-up match against Pakistan, scheduled to commence on July 11.

As per the recently-announced squad by the Sri Lanka Selection Committee, young Sri Lankan all-rounder Nipun Dhnanjaya has been given the captaincy role of the 15-member squad, scheduled to take on Pakistan in a three-day warm-up match.

The young squad further includes Lahiru Udara, Nishan Madushka (wk), Nuwanidu Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Nipun Dananjaya (c), Sahan Arachchige, Chamika Karunaratne, Lakshitha Manasinghe,  Praveen Jayawickrama, Dilshan Madushanka, Pramod Madushan, Lasith Embuldeniya, Udith Madushan, Minod Bhanuka, and Ashen Bandara.

It is pertinent to mention here that following the conclusion of the warm-up match, Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in the two-match Test series, scheduled from July 16 to 28.

READ: Pakistan Cricket Team celebrates Eid-ul-Adha amid Sri Lanka Tour

COLOMBO: Pakistan National Men’s Cricket Team, who are on the tour of Sri Lanka for the two-match Test series, celebrated Eid-ul-Adha here today.

Pakistan Test squad offered Eid prayers at the team hotel here before the team officials, players, and support staff greeted each other on this auspicious event.

Taking to Twitter, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also shared the footage of the Pakistani contingent greeting each other after performing Eid prayers.

Eid Mubarak from Colombo 🤗🫂

The players offer Eid-ul-Azha prayers at the team hotel.#EidAlAdha pic.twitter.com/03dzJD86kM

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 10, 2022

Following Eid celebrations, the Green Shirts have started their practice session today for the upcoming series as the team could not hit the training drills following the political unrest and protest in the country.

Hard work never stops! 🇵🇰

📸 Our boys are practicing at R. Premadasa International Stadium#BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/9fBitu6SFE

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 10, 2022

 

It is pertinent to mention here that the Green Shirts will kick off their Sri Lanka tour with a warm-up match on July 12, followed by two Tests, scheduled from July 16 to 28.

READ: ‘Have very fond memories of Sri Lanka’ Yasir confident for Test series

COLOMBO: Pakistan national men’s cricket team started their preparations for the upcoming away Test series against Sri Lanka, set to commence on July 16.

For the two-match Test series, part of the ICC World Test Championships, the Green Shirts have raced up the preparations by partaking in the net sessions.

In the videos, shared by the official Twitter account of the Pakistan Cricket Board, the players can be seen participating in the net sessions. The 18-member squad also went through fielding drills.

It is pertinent to mention here that the Pakistan Test squad landed in Sri Lanka on Thursday and enjoyed the rest on the following day. The Green Shirts will play a warm-up match on July 11, followed by two Tests.

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