Sri Lanka and Pakistan are set to lock horns in a thrilling two-match Test series, with the first Test scheduled to take place in Galle from Sunday, July 16. This series marks the beginning of their journey in the World Test Championship Cycle, and both teams will be eager to make a strong statement with a victory. Sri Lanka, led by Dimuth Karunaratne, aims to improve their standing from the previous cycle, while Pakistan, under the captaincy of Babar Azam, seeks a turnaround after a winless streak. Let’s delve deeper into the team previews, match details, pitch report, probable playing XIs, and make a prediction for this exciting encounter.
Team Previews:
Sri Lanka: The Lankans enter this Test match after a series of white-ball matches in the World Cup Qualifier. Having last played in whites against Ireland, they are determined to make their mark in the World Test Championship. Led by Dimuth Karunaratne, they possess a balanced squad, and the inclusion of Dilshan Madushanka adds depth to their bowling attack.
Pakistan: Pakistan returns to Test action for the first time since hosting New Zealand. With their Test team striving for consistency, they will be motivated to turn their fortunes around. Captain Babar Azam will rely on the experience of Shaheen Afridi’s return to bolster the bowling unit, while wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan will provide valuable contributions.
Match Details:
Date: July 16
Time: 10:00 AM IST
Venue: Galle International Stadium, Galle
Live Streaming and Broadcast: FanCode and Sony Sports Network
Pitch Report: The pitch at Galle is expected to offer a balanced contest between bat and ball. While spinners will enjoy some assistance, batsmen can still find scoring opportunities. However, as the match progresses, batting might become more challenging. Therefore, winning the toss and opting to bat first could be advantageous.
Probable Playing XIs:
Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Dilshan Madushka, Kasun Rajitha
Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam (c), Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Nauman Ali
Cricket Fantasy Tips:
Wicketkeeper: Nishan Madushka
Batters: Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, Abdullah Shafique All-Rounders: Dhananjaya de Silva, Agha Salman
Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Prabath Jayasuriya, Kasun Rajitha, Abrar Ahmed
Captain: Babar Azam Vice-Captain: Prabath Jayasuriya
Prediction: Considering Sri Lanka’s strong spin attack and home advantage, Dimuth Karunaratne and his team enter this match as favorites against Pakistan. Sri Lanka’s superior quality in these conditions gives them an edge, and they are expected to start the series with a victory.
Conclusion: The Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Test series promises an exhilarating contest between two talented teams. With both sides eager to make an impact in the World Test Championship, the Galle International Stadium will witness intense battles between bat and ball. Fans can anticipate a closely fought encounter, and Sri Lanka’s spin prowess might prove crucial in their quest for victory. Get ready for a thrilling Test match as these cricketing giants clash in the ultimate battle of skills and strategy.
