- Joined
- Oct 2, 2004
- Runs
- 217,569
It was almost inevitable. It had to happen. Good news in the first 3 days that had been in abundance for Pakistan in the form of good bowling backed up by great catching and some resolute batting, came to a screeching end on Day 4.
Yes, Pakistan made some headway towards the all important first test victory but the clumsy manner of its approach will leave many shaking their heads tonight.
With Sangakkara holding fort for Sri Lanka with a defiant 161, the visitors have a slim chance of pulling this off – ie walkaway with a draw but its Misbah and his men who will walk away with a lot of thinking to do tonight.
Foremost amongst Pakistan’s problems today was the fielding. Sangakkara dropped on 56 By Younis Khan was the most expensive and potentially match changing miss – dropped by none other than the normally dependable Younis Khan. But this wasn’t the only misdemeanor. Five catches were dropped by Pakistan in a day - 3 By Hafeez, 1 by Younis and 1 by Wahab.
As if dropping catches at this level isn’t a bad enough, the fact that such chances were refused on a placid pitch where the bowlers were toiling away under extreme conditions makes this, in our minds, almost a criminal offence.
One is reminded of Mohsin Khans comments during the recently concluded FBt20 tournament where he singled out fielding as an issue at the domestic level. From what we saw today, the international side under his tutelage has a bigger problem in this regard.
All in all a disappointing day for Pakistan but there were a few bright sparks. The fact that Sri Lanka are down to last 5 wickets is more of an indictment on Sri Lankan batting – especially given 5 chances at redemption! However, it would be unfair not to mention some fantastic bowling by the likes of Junaid, Gul and Ajmal – all under extreme conditions and a lot of pressure.
With Sri Lanka ending the day at 298/5, just 16 runs behind Pakistans first innings lad, Pakistan have their work cut.
They need to remove Sangakkara tomorrow and end this stubborn resistance and partnership of 65 with Jayawardene.
Hopefully with a good night’s rest, they will come out with all guns blazing. What is not clear is whether they have the desire to accept chances that come their way or is it back to square one for Pakistani cricket.
[Picture courtesy of the PCB]
Yes, Pakistan made some headway towards the all important first test victory but the clumsy manner of its approach will leave many shaking their heads tonight.
With Sangakkara holding fort for Sri Lanka with a defiant 161, the visitors have a slim chance of pulling this off – ie walkaway with a draw but its Misbah and his men who will walk away with a lot of thinking to do tonight.
Foremost amongst Pakistan’s problems today was the fielding. Sangakkara dropped on 56 By Younis Khan was the most expensive and potentially match changing miss – dropped by none other than the normally dependable Younis Khan. But this wasn’t the only misdemeanor. Five catches were dropped by Pakistan in a day - 3 By Hafeez, 1 by Younis and 1 by Wahab.
As if dropping catches at this level isn’t a bad enough, the fact that such chances were refused on a placid pitch where the bowlers were toiling away under extreme conditions makes this, in our minds, almost a criminal offence.
One is reminded of Mohsin Khans comments during the recently concluded FBt20 tournament where he singled out fielding as an issue at the domestic level. From what we saw today, the international side under his tutelage has a bigger problem in this regard.
All in all a disappointing day for Pakistan but there were a few bright sparks. The fact that Sri Lanka are down to last 5 wickets is more of an indictment on Sri Lankan batting – especially given 5 chances at redemption! However, it would be unfair not to mention some fantastic bowling by the likes of Junaid, Gul and Ajmal – all under extreme conditions and a lot of pressure.
With Sri Lanka ending the day at 298/5, just 16 runs behind Pakistans first innings lad, Pakistan have their work cut.
They need to remove Sangakkara tomorrow and end this stubborn resistance and partnership of 65 with Jayawardene.
Hopefully with a good night’s rest, they will come out with all guns blazing. What is not clear is whether they have the desire to accept chances that come their way or is it back to square one for Pakistani cricket.
[Picture courtesy of the PCB]
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