Pakistan taught unforgettable lesson

Sports Watch Sri Lanka has taught the newly crowned Twenty20 World Champions an unforgettable lesson in the established game.

At the beginning of the three-Test series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan, I stated that the team which could quickly adjust from the shortest version to five-day Test cricket would have the advantage. This is precisely what Sri Lanka has done with their convincing back to back wins.

Swung both ways

Both the First Test in Galle and the Second Test at Sara Stadium swung both ways. Despite some anxious moments, the home team came from behind to taste victory on both the occasions. Tuesday's win gave Sri Lanka a winning 2-0 lead in the three-Test series their first series victory against Pakistan on home soil.

When Sri Lanka slumped to 160 for 5 after being put into bat in the first Test in Galle, none expected Sri Lanka to end up with a sweet 50-run win. Nevertheless, Kumar Sangakkara and his men battled to the very end to make Pakistan eat humble pie.

When Pakistan gained a good 50-run first innings lead in the first Test, it appeared that the slim lead could give Pakistan the winning edge. The match swung completely towards Pakistan when the home team was bundled out for 217 runs in the second essay, leaving the visitors to score only 167 runs to win.

Pakistan were well set for that win in their run chase with the total reading at 71 for two at one stage, needing just 96 runs with eight second innings wickets in hand. But it was then the Lankan spin duo Rangana Herath and Ajantha Mendis came into the picture as Pakistan lost their last eight wickets for the addition of only 46 runs, once again proving the glorious uncertainties of cricket.

Inaugural Test

It was nice to see Test cricket returning to Sara Stadium, which hosted Sri Lanka's inaugural Test against England way back in 1982. Though Sri Lanka lost the first ever Test by seven wickets, it was a different story at Sara Stadium in the second Test against Pakistan.

Initially, it appeared as if Sri Lanka had taken total control of the second Test when they bowled out Pakistan for a hopeless first innings total of 90 runs on Sunday. However, the home team did not get that thumping first innings lead they were expecting as Pakistan bowlers fought back to restrict Sri Lanka to a modest 240 all out in the first innings. But the match once again swung in Pakistan's favour as the visiting batsmen fought back to end the day two at an impressive 178 for one in their second essay. The man who brought Pakistan back into the picture was none other than debutante Fawad Alam. The 23-year-old left handed opener from Karachi made a dream debut to score a majestic 168 during his gallant 384-minute stay at the middle.

Unfortunately, there was no support for him on day three as Alam had to battle alone after he lost one drop bat Younis Khan with the total on 285. Similar to their second innings debacle in the first Test, the visitors' second inning at Sara Stadium too collapsed. From a commanding position of 285 for one, Pakistan were bowled out for 320 runs as the last nine Pakistan wickets produced only 35 runs.

Out of danger

Sri Lanka team did exactly what the doctor had ordered! When Pakistan appeared to be out of danger scoring 178 for one at the close of day two, Sri Lanka coach Travor Bayliss sounded a warning sating that his boys would be launching a fresh attack when the third day's play resumes, adding that the main task will be to find a way of dismissing debutante Fawad Alam and skipper Younis Khan who are threatening to take the game away from them. It was very true as none of the other Pakistan batsmen lived to fight for another day.

Full credit should go to young paceman Nuwan Kulasekera (who has a match bag of eight wickets, four in each inning) and spinner Rangana Herath who finished with 5 for 99 in the Pakistan second innings. It was Herath who turned the Galle Test in Lanka's favour too.

Sri Lanka's relatively new set of bowlers have made the home team proud - playing well under crunch situations. One should not forget the fact that Sri Lanka earned these two creditable wins without two of their most experienced bowlers Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas, who have spearheaded the spin and pace departments for many years. Under the circumstances, Kulasekera, his new ball partner Thilina Thushara and spinner Herath have filled the vaccum.

Blend of experience

But that could not justify the omission of veteran quick bowler Vass in any way. As I have stated before, it would have been more appropriate if Sri Lanka had tried the new set of quickies along with Vaas so that there would be a blend of experience and youth. The most heartening news is that spin wizard Muralitharan would be fit for next weeks third Test at SSC grounds, which carries only an academic interest as the three-Test series has already been won by the home team.