Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[YinShuiSiYuan]

Yes, Chandimal deserve to make a century. Let him make the century first and then the fun begins. We will chase down any target in two days. Never underestimate the Paksitani team.

Pakistan are never a good chasers and on pitch like Galle score of 350 is very difficult to chase. But also Pakistan are unpredictable, they can do anything anywhere. Credit goes to Srilanka for batting with care in second innings. They don't throw away wickets like they did in first innings.

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[kro55]

It seems everyone wants Babar Azam to lead the run chase. Pakistan does have other batters but it seems none of them can take on the Srilankan bowlers neither they are able to form a partnership with the only guy that can bat. Srilanka has scored more than 300 runs for 9 wickets. They still can give lead of 350 runs to Pakistan and to chase such a lead the whole batting line-up or a few need to contribute. Relying solely on Babar Azam cannot guarantee a victory for Pakistan.

Chandimal batted very well. Sri Lanka is now leading by 333 runs only because of his outstanding performance. If they give a target like 340, the match will undoubtedly be under the control of Sri Lanka. Pakistan batsmen are having a lot of trouble facing the Sri Lankan bowlers on this Sri Lankan pitch. So batting at a target of 340/350 to win is a very difficult task for Pakistani batsmen at the moment.

[laurenB7742]

Remember that this wicket is not easy to play on and any target above or near to 300 will be a good one and it wont be easy for Pakistan to chase it.  
Srilanka lead by 261 and they still have three wickets in hand. The match is in balance now but if Srilanka manage to take lead above 300, the match will tilt in favor of srilanka.

It's 269 for 8. However, Chandimal is still at the crease. I would say Sri Lanka has a high chance of losing all their wickets before 300. But Maheesh Theekshana played brilliant innings of 38 runs in the first innings. If Theekshana and Chandimal form a partnership today, Sri Lanka will be able to collect up to 350. Now Sri Lanka leads by 273 runs. If they are able to give a target like 320, the match will be under the control of Sri Lanka.

For me , Dinesh Chandimal innings of 86 runs not out was a delight to watch. 
The lead is now 333 runs and they still have one wicket left. Even if this last pair of Srilanka get out cheaply tomorrow morning, the Srilanka team will be in full control of this test match. It's always difficult to chase anything near to 350 runs in the last innings on any pitch and this will be even more difficult to chase on this turning pitch.

I'm expecting Chandimal to make a century. If Theekshana gives support Chandimal can reach 100runs by the first session of day 4. Pakistan's opening partnership will decide whether the match will be a winning for Pakistan or it is going into the hands of Sri Lanka. 350+ runs is always a big target to reach, but in recent weeks England have shattered this with the big performance. Maybe same performance can take place from Pakistan.

Chandimal remains unbeaten on 86 runs. If Prabath Jayasuriya can cooperate then no doubt Chandimal will be able to score a century tomorrow. But Jayasuriya is basically a bowler. I don't think he will be able to survive at the crease. And so, if Chandimal wants to score a century, then Chandimal will have to score runs very quickly tomorrow.

[Theones]

It seems everyone wants Babar Azam to lead the run chase. Pakistan does have other batters but it seems none of them can take on the Srilankan bowlers neither they are able to form a partnership with the only guy that can bat. Srilanka has scored more than 300 runs for 9 wickets. They still can give lead of 350 runs to Pakistan and to chase such a lead the whole batting line-up or a few need to contribute. Relying solely on Babar Azam cannot guarantee a victory for Pakistan.

Chandimal batted very well. Sri Lanka is now leading by 333 runs only because of his outstanding performance. If they give a target like 340, the match will undoubtedly be under the control of Sri Lanka. Pakistan batsmen are having a lot of trouble facing the Sri Lankan bowlers on this Sri Lankan pitch. So batting at a target of 340/350 to win is a very difficult task for Pakistani batsmen at the moment.

Pakistani batsman are in full form - they are doing it so well.
Babar Azam did pray amazing. And he has beaten the record of Virat Kholi too. Amazing person and amazing player Babar Azam is.

[Sithara007]

Pakistani batsman are in full form - they are doing it so well.
Babar Azam did pray amazing. And he has beaten the record of Virat Kholi too. Amazing person and amazing player Babar Azam is.

No one is denying the fact that Babar Azam is a good player. But at this point Sri Lanka is having a lead of 333 runs and it will be extremely hard for the Pakistani batsmen (including Babar Azam) to chase this target on 4th and 5th days. The Pakistani spinners did a poor job. Yasir Shah never looked threatening and Mohammad Nawaz/Agha Salman lacked the experience of bowling in Sri Lanka. Lower order Lankan batsmen scored too many runs and the Pakistani captain refused to even use his fast bowlers (Shaheen Shah Afridi/Naseem Shah/Hasan Ali).

[romero121]

Bad day for Chandimal, missed his century. He got the opportunity, and he should've made some aggresive shots to reach 100 runs. Pakistan have started the innings with the target of 342 runs. Shafique and Imam have started the innings for Pakistan. If they were able to make 100+ runs, then it'll ease the winning chance for Pakistan.

[Swordsoffreedom]

Bad day for Chandimal, missed his century. He got the opportunity, and he should've made some aggresive shots to reach 100 runs. Pakistan have started the innings with the target of 342 runs. Shafique and Imam have started the innings for Pakistan. If they were able to make 100+ runs, then it'll ease the winning chance for Pakistan.

Considering the condition of the pitch, the target of 342 runs is definitely a big target. In the first innings, we saw a batting disaster for Pakistan. Pakistan would have lost all wickets before 150 if Babar Azam had not batted responsibly. Chasing a target of 342 runs, openers Shafique and Imam-ul-Haque will need to get off to a good start if Pakistan is to win. After that, if Rezwan and Babar Azam play well, Pakistan will be able to win very easily.

[Sithara007]

Bad day for Chandimal, missed his century. He got the opportunity, and he should've made some aggresive shots to reach 100 runs. Pakistan have started the innings with the target of 342 runs. Shafique and Imam have started the innings for Pakistan. If they were able to make 100+ runs, then it'll ease the winning chance for Pakistan.

Nope.. almost impossible. Even during the first innings, they struggled to get a total of more than 200. At one point, they were at 112/8, before Babar Azam along with the two tailenders (Yasir Shah and Hasan Ali) rescued them. Naseem Shah also did well, to give good support to Azam (10th wicket partnership added 70 runs for Pakistan). But we can't expect these sort of tail-end miracles all the time. Today so far, Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq have started well. Let's see how it goes as the game progresses.

[JSRAW]

Bad day for Chandimal, missed his century. He got the opportunity, and he should've made some aggresive shots to reach 100 runs. Pakistan have started the innings with the target of 342 runs. Shafique and Imam have started the innings for Pakistan. If they were able to make 100+ runs, then it'll ease the winning chance for Pakistan.

Nope.. almost impossible. Even during the first innings, they struggled to get a total of more than 200. At one point, they were at 112/8, before Babar Azam along with the two tailenders (Yasir Shah and Hasan Ali) rescued them. Naseem Shah also did well, to give good support to Azam (10th wicket partnership added 70 runs for Pakistan). But we can't expect these sort of tail-end miracles all the time. Today so far, Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq have started well. Let's see how it goes as the game progresses.

It's tough but not impossible tbh. Also trend in this particular test match is kinda weird, first 2 days we saw 2 batting collapse and low score but now scoring rate is getting better, it happened for SL and same thing happening with Pak in this inning.

They already got a good start and openers are looking good too. Pakistan do have a habit of collapse tho.

[Sithara007]

It's tough but not impossible tbh. Also trend in this particular test match is kinda weird, first 2 days we saw 2 batting collapse and low score but now scoring rate is getting better, it happened for SL and same thing happening with Pak in this inning.

They already got a good start and openers are looking good too. Pakistan do have a habit of collapse tho.

They need another 274 runs and Babar Azam is yet to come to bat. So far the two openers have handled the Sri Lankan spinners well. But as you said, a batting collapse can occur at any point with Pakistan. Actually I am surprised with the resilience being shown by the Lankans. Agreed that they are playing under home conditions. But with civil war like situation prevailing over the country, it is very difficult to stay focused.  Anyway, in all probability the match will be decided by today itself. Two sessions and almost 60 overs of play are remaining.

[Juggy777]

It's tough but not impossible tbh. Also trend in this particular test match is kinda weird, first 2 days we saw 2 batting collapse and low score but now scoring rate is getting better, it happened for SL and same thing happening with Pak in this inning.

They already got a good start and openers are looking good too. Pakistan do have a habit of collapse tho.

They need another 274 runs and Babar Azam is yet to come to bat. So far the two openers have handled the Sri Lankan spinners well. But as you said, a batting collapse can occur at any point with Pakistan. Actually I am surprised with the resilience being shown by the Lankans. Agreed that they are playing under home conditions. But with civil war like situation prevailing over the country, it is very difficult to stay focused.  Anyway, in all probability the match will be decided by today itself. Two sessions and almost 60 overs of play are remaining.

@JSRAW I feel that Pakistan are in a very strong position now and they can’t lose, because they have scored 87 runs without the loss of any wicket, plus they have lots of time on their hand to win this game. @Sithara007 while we have seen in the past Pakistan batting lineup collapse, I sincerely doubt that they’ll collapse now because they don’t need to take any kind of risks, and only need to take singles hence it’s mission impossible for Srilanka to win this game.

[onecall123]

It's tough but not impossible tbh. Also trend in this particular test match is kinda weird, first 2 days we saw 2 batting collapse and low score but now scoring rate is getting better, it happened for SL and same thing happening with Pak in this inning.

They already got a good start and openers are looking good too. Pakistan do have a habit of collapse tho.

They need another 274 runs and Babar Azam is yet to come to bat. So far the two openers have handled the Sri Lankan spinners well. But as you said, a batting collapse can occur at any point with Pakistan. Actually I am surprised with the resilience being shown by the Lankans. Agreed that they are playing under home conditions. But with civil war like situation prevailing over the country, it is very difficult to stay focused.  Anyway, in all probability the match will be decided by today itself. Two sessions and almost 60 overs of play are remaining.

I think Pakistan's openers have set up a very good platform for their chase. Pakistan lost their opener Imam-ul-Haq after the launch break. A good run rate and a positive intent belong to them in that session, but they still have a long way to go. For Pakistan to win, they need three strong sessions and for Sri Lanka to get back on track they need one strong session. Neither team can afford to lose patience in this game. As soon as the heavy roller effect wears off, things may begin to happen.

[minairia3]

I think Pakistan's openers have set up a very good platform for their chase. Pakistan lost their opener Imam-ul-Haq after the launch break. A good run rate and a positive intent belong to them in that session, but they still have a long way to go. For Pakistan to win, they need three strong sessions and for Sri Lanka to get back on track they need one strong session. Neither team can afford to lose patience in this game. As soon as the heavy roller effect wears off, things may begin to happen.

I would say Pakistan's win is 80% now. Pakistan collected 130 runs. Pakistan lost two wickets of Imam ul Haque and Azhar Ali. However, opener Shafique is still at the crease after collecting 70 runs. Babar Azam also managed to collect 17 runs. Pakistan needs only 212 runs to win. If the wickets of Babar Azam and Shafique are not picked up quickly by the Sri Lankan bowlers, there is no chance for Sri Lanka to win.

[romero121]

I think Pakistan's openers have set up a very good platform for their chase. Pakistan lost their opener Imam-ul-Haq after the launch break. A good run rate and a positive intent belong to them in that session, but they still have a long way to go. For Pakistan to win, they need three strong sessions and for Sri Lanka to get back on track they need one strong session. Neither team can afford to lose patience in this game. As soon as the heavy roller effect wears off, things may begin to happen.

I would say Pakistan's win is 80% now. Pakistan collected 130 runs. Pakistan lost two wickets of Imam ul Haque and Azhar Ali. However, opener Shafique is still at the crease after collecting 70 runs. Babar Azam also managed to collect 17 runs. Pakistan needs only 212 runs to win. If the wickets of Babar Azam and Shafique are not picked up quickly by the Sri Lankan bowlers, there is no chance for Sri Lanka to win.

Shafique is making the team stronger with every runs. On the other side Babar Azam too started scoring. So, the win is almost confirmed. For now Sri Lanka need some fast wickets without which the Sri Lankan bowlers will experience pressure. While Shafique hits century, Babar Azam will come close to his half century. 202 runs with 8 wickets in hand is going to be an easy win for Pakistan.

[Iranus]

I think Pakistan's openers have set up a very good platform for their chase. Pakistan lost their opener Imam-ul-Haq after the launch break. A good run rate and a positive intent belong to them in that session, but they still have a long way to go. For Pakistan to win, they need three strong sessions and for Sri Lanka to get back on track they need one strong session. Neither team can afford to lose patience in this game. As soon as the heavy roller effect wears off, things may begin to happen.

I would say Pakistan's win is 80% now. Pakistan collected 130 runs. Pakistan lost two wickets of Imam ul Haque and Azhar Ali. However, opener Shafique is still at the crease after collecting 70 runs. Babar Azam also managed to collect 17 runs. Pakistan needs only 212 runs to win. If the wickets of Babar Azam and Shafique are not picked up quickly by the Sri Lankan bowlers, there is no chance for Sri Lanka to win.

Shafique is making the team stronger with every runs. On the other side Babar Azam too started scoring. So, the win is almost confirmed. For now Sri Lanka need some fast wickets without which the Sri Lankan bowlers will experience pressure. While Shafique hits century, Babar Azam will come close to his half century. 202 runs with 8 wickets in hand is going to be an easy win for Pakistan.

The pair of Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique are making the match easy for Pakistan. Shafique's collection is 77 and Babar Azam's collection is 26. Both the batsmen are batting very responsibly and carefully. And so the Sri Lankan bowlers are not able to pick up any wickets. Today, Pakistan will probably get a chance to bat 29 overs. And if Pakistan doesn't lose any wickets today. Then they will surely win the match tomorrow.

[Sithara007]

As long as Babar Azam is there, Pakistan will be hopeful. Now less than 200 runs needed for a win. Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis have picked up two wickets between them so far, but at the same time they have conceded a total of 113 runs. Abdullah Shafique is handling both of them with ease and Babar is looking quite confident. It is 4th day of play, and therefore no need to take unnecessary haste. All they need to do is to frustrate the Sri Lankan bowlers. Once they make mistakes, the batsmen can capitalize on them and step up the scoring rate.

[laurenB7742]

As long as Babar Azam is there, Pakistan will be hopeful. Now less than 200 runs needed for a win. Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis have picked up two wickets between them so far, but at the same time they have conceded a total of 113 runs. Abdullah Shafique is handling both of them with ease and Babar is looking quite confident. It is 4th day of play, and therefore no need to take unnecessary haste. All they need to do is to frustrate the Sri Lankan bowlers. Once they make mistakes, the batsmen can capitalize on them and step up the scoring rate.

Pakistan has plenty of time to reach the target of victory. So there is no rush. If Pakistan bats slowly and does not lose wickets then Pakistan will not face any problem in winning this match. Pakistan has already collected 176 runs. Abdullah Shafique is unbeaten on 93 runs. On the other hand, Babar Azam is 11 runs short of his half-century. It seems that the Sri Lankan bowlers will not be able to break this pair today.

[Vaskiy]

As long as Babar Azam is there, Pakistan will be hopeful. Now less than 200 runs needed for a win. Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis have picked up two wickets between them so far, but at the same time they have conceded a total of 113 runs. Abdullah Shafique is handling both of them with ease and Babar is looking quite confident. It is 4th day of play, and therefore no need to take unnecessary haste. All they need to do is to frustrate the Sri Lankan bowlers. Once they make mistakes, the batsmen can capitalize on them and step up the scoring rate.

Pakistan has plenty of time to reach the target of victory. So there is no rush. If Pakistan bats slowly and does not lose wickets then Pakistan will not face any problem in winning this match. Pakistan has already collected 176 runs. Abdullah Shafique is unbeaten on 93 runs. On the other hand, Babar Azam is 11 runs short of his half-century. It seems that the Sri Lankan bowlers will not be able to break this pair today.

There is no more chance for Sri Lanka to win the match. Shafique is in good position at 112 runs. Babar Azam have lost his wicket to Jayasuriya at 55 runs. Pakistan is in need of 120 runs in the last day of the match. Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan on the crease makes it easy. If there is fall of wickets in the first session, then there arises some difficulty in reaching the target.

[JSRAW]

There is no more chance for Sri Lanka to win the match. Shafique is in good position at 112 runs. Babar Azam have lost his wicket to Jayasuriya at 55 runs. Pakistan is in need of 120 runs in the last day of the match. Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan on the crease makes it easy. If there is fall of wickets in the first session, then there arises some difficulty in reaching the target.

we shouldn't write off Sri Lanka just yet. It's true pakistan is favorite atm but before Pak's 4th inning, Sri Lankans were favorite and situation completely changed with in 2 sessions.

2 quick wickets in the morning and Sri Lanka would fancy their chances again. In such situation batting collapse is very much possible.

[onecall123]

There is no more chance for Sri Lanka to win the match. Shafique is in good position at 112 runs. Babar Azam have lost his wicket to Jayasuriya at 55 runs. Pakistan is in need of 120 runs in the last day of the match. Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan on the crease makes it easy. If there is fall of wickets in the first session, then there arises some difficulty in reaching the target.

we shouldn't write off Sri Lanka just yet. It's true pakistan is favorite atm but before Pak's 4th inning, Sri Lankans were favorite and situation completely changed with in 2 sessions.

2 quick wickets in the morning and Sri Lanka would fancy their chances again. In such situation batting collapse is very much possible.

Pakistan returned to the game with a 101-run partnership between Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique. Watching this beautiful test is a real treat. I can't believe how thrilling the comeback has been! On the final day, a target of 120 runs is what we're looking forward to, along with a few magic spells!