Get ready for an enthralling red-ball cricket showdown as Sri Lanka and Pakistan gear up for the 2nd Test at Sinhalese Sports Club, Colombo on July 24. This two-match Test series holds immense importance as part of the 2023-25 World Test Championship fixture. Both teams will be looking to kick off the new cycle on a positive note and secure valuable points. Let’s rewind and take a look at their recent performances, head-to-head record, key players, predicted XIs, and a prediction for the upcoming match.
Recent Performances: Sri Lanka had a convincing 2-0 victory over Ireland in their last Test series, but it did not count towards the World Test Championship. However, they missed a chance to make it to the WTC Final after facing a 2-0 defeat against New Zealand. On the other hand, Pakistan had drawn both Tests against New Zealand in their last series, which didn’t impact their WTC standing.
Head-to-Head Record: In their 57 Test encounters, Pakistan slightly holds the edge with 21 victories compared to Sri Lanka’s 17. The remaining 19 matches ended in draws. Looking at the last 10 clashes, Sri Lanka secured five wins, Pakistan had four, and one match resulted in a draw.
Team News: Sri Lanka’s captain Dimuth Karunaratne will lead the team, supported by key players like Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, and Angelo Mathews. Newcomers Dilshan Madushanka and Lakshitha Manasinghe will add depth to the pace attack. Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, has the experienced Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, and Shan Masood in their top order. The return of Shaheen Afridi adds strength to their bowling attack.
Key Players:
- Dimuth Karunaratne (Sri Lanka): The veteran left-handed batsman is in stellar form, averaging 83.50 in 2023. He played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s World Cup Qualifier victory, scoring 369 runs in seven innings, including a century against Ireland.
- Babar Azam (Pakistan): The prolific right-handed batter is a master of both pace and spin. With an impressive average of 67.75 in Tests in Sri Lanka and 1184 runs at an average of 69.64 in 2022, Babar will be a key player for Pakistan.
Predicted XIs:
Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lakshitha Manasinghe
Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul Haq, Babar Azam (c), Shan Masood, Saud Shakeel, Agha Salman, Mohammed Rizwan (wk), Mohammed Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmad
Prediction: With experienced players in Sri Lanka’s lineup, the home team will prove to be a tough challenge for Pakistan. Sri Lanka’s recent triumphs in the Asian Championship and World Cup Qualifier will boost their confidence. However, Pakistan’s talented batting lineup, led by Babar Azam, can pose a significant threat. It is likely to be a closely contested match.
Conclusion: The upcoming Test series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan promises an exhilarating contest for cricket enthusiasts. Both teams are eager to start the new World Test Championship cycle on a winning note. Fans can expect thrilling performances, and the battle between bat and ball will be the highlight of the series. Let’s embrace the excitement as these two cricketing giants lock horns in Galle, providing an unforgettable experience for fans worldwide.
