Kridaya Cricket Blog

With only 50 runs separating Pakistan from Sri Lanka, the 1st Test match could go either way. It is difficult to predict what a good score would be. I suppose anything above 250 would mean something for the Sri Lankan bowlers to defend. But there is a lot of time still left in the match and their key spinner Mendis was ineffective in the first innings.

So far, the Test has been good to the bowlers and avoided the large partnerships that often take the fun out. We also saw Yousuf making a century on his return to the team. Pakistan will be looking forward to him and Younis to ensure that their chase will be successful. The opening batsmen for Pakistan failed, but Pakistan has some depth in its ranks.

If Sri Lanka manage to bat through the entire day, I would put the match beyond Pakistan’s grasp. The big difference so far has been the absence of Murali, but if Pakistan have to chase 300 or so on a difficult pitch, it would be very difficult.