Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[YinShuiSiYuan]

This pitch is suitable for bowlers as expected. I do not expect the Srilankan side to even reach a total of 200 runs. But, batting on this pitch would not be that easy for the Pakistan batters. It is only the first day and a lot of cricket still needs to be played. 

1st day pitch so it's kind off balance condition for both bat and ball and it's just sensible bowling from Pak bowling unit and some poor shot selections from Lankans.

Sri Lanka following similar script, i suppose. Win the toss, elect to bat and collapse when pitch is good to bat on.

I was not expecting the Srilankan side to even cross 200 runs. Thanks to Chandimal they have a decent score on board. There were couple of lazy shots but the pitch is a bowling pitch. Last test with Australia the same thing happened. Let's see what happens on day 2. 

Yes it's quite a decent score seeing the pitch conditions. Dinesh Chandimal the man behind this decent total along with Maheesh Theekshana. In reply Pakistan have lost imam ul haq and they still are 200 runs behind. Shaheen was too good today.

[jostorres]

I was not expecting the Srilankan side to even cross 200 runs. Thanks to Chandimal they have a decent score on board. There were couple of lazy shots but the pitch is a bowling pitch. Last test with Australia the same thing happened. Let's see what happens on day 2. 

Yeah, this is going to be turning point for Sri Lanka even after losing eight wickets at score of 133 they are able to reach at 222 which is big achievement from last pair with poor decisions from Babar and allowing them to reach at this score which can create problems for them. But still this is good start for Pakistan on first day they bowled out home team with Shaheen Afridi and Yasir Shah contributing in good way.

But, sadly batting is creating problems for them with both openers trapped lbw against Jayasuriya and Rajitha cheaply and now veteran Azhar Ali and captain Babar at crease hopefully these both will do better and stay at crease as much they can because now this is important partnership for Pakistan if they want to stay in this match after impressive bowling.

[JSRAW]

Pakistan lost 2 wickets but still they are in good position. Only major concern is way too much defensive cricket from their batters, they are not very far from Lankan's total but so far in their 18 overs inning they seems to struggling with even rotating strikes. Scoring 1.5 run per over tactic is not going to work here as it would create unnecessary pressure and would give Sri Lanka another chance to attack them with the ball and attacking field.

They still have long batting lineup but need to be very careful.

[noormcs5]

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, 1st Test
 Sri Lanka are batting now. Sri Lanka have lost 4 wickets so far. Sri Lanka scored 80 runs in 25 overs.  Oshada Fernando was dismissed for 35 off 49 balls.

Forget about the scores when Pakistan is playing a match  They are now in complete control of this first test match. Yasir Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi would make sure Srilanka won't be able to make a big score. Anything under 200 runs is acceptable to Pakistan. The way things are going I am hoping that Pakistan can bowl them out under 150 runs.

Remember, every win in the test matches in important for Pakistan when we see at the international test championship table 

This pitch is suitable for bowlers as expected. I do not expect the Srilankan side to even reach a total of 200 runs. But, batting on this pitch would not be that easy for the Pakistan batters. It is only the first day and a lot of cricket still needs to be played. 

Yes, it's not an easy batting wicket so the Pakistan team is also struggling in their first innings and are already 2 wickets down for 24 runs on the board.

Anyways, I managed to take the snip of odds before the start of play and it seems a very good odds to bet on Pakistan. No matter how the pitch behaves, it's likely that Pakistan being the mature team will win through this, and getting 1.77 odds is not a bad deal indeed.

[UmerIdrees]

Pakistan lost 2 wickets but still they are in good position. Only major concern is way too much defensive cricket from their batters, they are not very far from Lankan's total but so far in their 18 overs inning they seems to struggling with even rotating strikes. Scoring 1.5 run per over tactic is not going to work here as it would create unnecessary pressure and would give Sri Lanka another chance to attack them with the ball and attacking field.

They still have long batting lineup but need to be very careful.

Baber Azam is the key for Pakistan. If he manages to survive, Pakistan will make a reasonable total. I also think that Pakistan should start the day aggressively. Playing too much defensive on this wicket will keep them under pressure and the Pakistan team is one who doesn't handle pressure well.

Secondly, many will think Pakistan team bowl well but do we remember they were 133-8 and we have given way too many runs in getting the last two wickets 

[Mahdirakib]

Baber Azam is the key for Pakistan. If he manages to survive, Pakistan will make a reasonable total. I also think that Pakistan should start the day aggressively. Playing too much defensive on this wicket will keep them under pressure and the Pakistan team is one who doesn't handle pressure well.
Secondly, many will think Pakistan team bowl well but do we remember they were 133-8 and we have given way too many runs in getting the last two wickets 

Sri Lanka made 44 runs in the 9th wicket partnership and 45 runs in the 10th wicket partnership. Those two partnership helped them to reach above 200 runs in the first innings. I thought Sri Lankans player would get all out within 150 runs. Now Pakistan team is also struggling in that pitch condition. They have already lost two wickets. But I'm surprised for their defensive batting style. They aren't even trying to take single runs. They have made 24 runs only by batting 18 overs. They must need to play in aggressive mode tomorrow to make a good total.

[savetheFORUM]

Baber Azam is the key for Pakistan. If he manages to survive, Pakistan will make a reasonable total. I also think that Pakistan should start the day aggressively. Playing too much defensive on this wicket will keep them under pressure and the Pakistan team is one who doesn't handle pressure well.

Secondly, many will think Pakistan team bowl well but do we remember they were 133-8 and we have given way too many runs in getting the last two wickets 

Start was good for Pakistan as they were at top with just score of 133 and 8 wickets down but here they have done mistake and give opportunity to Sri Lankan lower order for fighting back which again poised match in balance which is not good signal for Pakistan even their main fast bowlers done good job and never allow batsmen to settle which is good for them here I am feeling they have done mistake with not having Fawad in batting lineup because he is a good player of spin bowling and can do handy batting at crucial stage.

At the end of first day Pakistan is having 24 for 2 with 222 from Sri Lanka mean both teams in balance for this match and can go in any way now all eyes on Babar Azam and Azhar Ali how they start second day of this test match.

[S A KHAIR]

Baber Azam is the key for Pakistan. If he manages to survive, Pakistan will make a reasonable total. I also think that Pakistan should start the day aggressively. Playing too much defensive on this wicket will keep them under pressure and the Pakistan team is one who doesn't handle pressure well.
Secondly, many will think Pakistan team bowl well but do we remember they were 133-8 and we have given way too many runs in getting the last two wickets 

Sri Lanka made 44 runs in the 9th wicket partnership and 45 runs in the 10th wicket partnership. Those two partnership helped them to reach above 200 runs in the first innings. I thought Sri Lankans player would get all out within 150 runs. Now Pakistan team is also struggling in that pitch condition. They have already lost two wickets. But I'm surprised for their defensive batting style. They aren't even trying to take single runs. They have made 24 runs only by batting 18 overs. They must need to play in aggressive mode tomorrow to make a good total.

Sri Lanka lost 4 wickets for just 68 runs. After that they managed to collect 222 runs. I would say this is a good enough collection for them. As the pitch is not conducive to batting. So Sri Lanka can control the match if they bowl well. And the Sri Lankan bowlers have already sent Pakistan's two openers to the dressing room for just 21 runs.

[ilovealtcoins]

At the end of first day Pakistan is having 24 for 2 with 222 from Sri Lanka mean both teams in balance for this match and can go in any way now all eyes on Babar Azam and Azhar Ali how they start second day of this test match.

If BabarAzam and Mohammad Rizwan will out in the first session tomorrow, then Pakistan will not be able to collect 222 runs. Pakistan lost two experienced batsmen like Abdullah Shafique and Imam-Ul-haque at the beginning of today's innings. And so now if Babar Azam and Rizwan do not play well, Pakistan's innings will not be long.

[Vaskiy]

At the end of first day Pakistan is having 24 for 2 with 222 from Sri Lanka mean both teams in balance for this match and can go in any way now all eyes on Babar Azam and Azhar Ali how they start second day of this test match.

If BabarAzam and Mohammad Rizwan will out in the first session tomorrow, then Pakistan will not be able to collect 222 runs. Pakistan lost two experienced batsmen like Abdullah Shafique and Imam-Ul-haque at the beginning of today's innings. And so now if Babar Azam and Rizwan do not play well, Pakistan's innings will not be long.

Pakistan have the same pitch experience as they have in the home ground, so there is less chance for wicket fall in the first session. I believe Pakistan will reach 222 runs by tomorrow. The match is going to be hard to predict the outcome, because the scoring between the two will be closer.

[Naficopa]

At the end of first day Pakistan is having 24 for 2 with 222 from Sri Lanka mean both teams in balance for this match and can go in any way now all eyes on Babar Azam and Azhar Ali how they start second day of this test match.

If BabarAzam and Mohammad Rizwan will out in the first session tomorrow, then Pakistan will not be able to collect 222 runs. Pakistan lost two experienced batsmen like Abdullah Shafique and Imam-Ul-haque at the beginning of today's innings. And so now if Babar Azam and Rizwan do not play well, Pakistan's innings will not be long.

Pakistan have the same pitch experience as they have in the home ground, so there is less chance for wicket fall in the first session. I believe Pakistan will reach 222 runs by tomorrow. The match is going to be hard to predict the outcome, because the scoring between the two will be closer.

Pakistani team is a very exciting team - they give so many surprises.
But this is not a big target though - the whole match depends on Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan. I always appreciate their partnership and bonding.

[Sithara007]

Fortunately for Pakistan, despite the loss of two quick wickets, their star batsman Babar Azam is still there. Both Azam and Azhar Ali are playing very cautiously, as they should against the Lankan spinners. The run rate as of now stands at just 1.33. Prabath Jayasuriya has already picked up one wicket, and Maheesh Theekshana is also looking very threatening. Actually I am more concerned about the 4th innings. It is going to be a very tough task for the Pakistani batsmen, to come out and face the spinners on the 4th and 5th days of this match.

[JSRAW]

Fortunately for Pakistan, despite the loss of two quick wickets, their star batsman Babar Azam is still there. Both Azam and Azhar Ali are playing very cautiously, as they should against the Lankan spinners. The run rate as of now stands at just 1.33. Prabath Jayasuriya has already picked up one wicket, and Maheesh Theekshana is also looking very threatening. Actually I am more concerned about the 4th innings. It is going to be a very tough task for the Pakistani batsmen, to come out and face the spinners on the 4th and 5th days of this match.

They were bowling with very discipline yesterday but Lankan's bowlers do have a habit of trying too many things when pitch is assisting them and in doing so they leak runs all the time so they need to avoid looseners against Babar and Azhar Ali. Both of em are great players of spin but they also score very slowly so may be keep things tight and just dry the runs from both ends, this might help Lankan's cause.

[YinShuiSiYuan]

Fortunately for Pakistan, despite the loss of two quick wickets, their star batsman Babar Azam is still there. Both Azam and Azhar Ali are playing very cautiously, as they should against the Lankan spinners. The run rate as of now stands at just 1.33. Prabath Jayasuriya has already picked up one wicket, and Maheesh Theekshana is also looking very threatening. Actually I am more concerned about the 4th innings. It is going to be a very tough task for the Pakistani batsmen, to come out and face the spinners on the 4th and 5th days of this match.

IMO srilanka are right back in the game as they have 222 in first innings and have picked up both openers early in the innings. Now its all on Babar and Azhar they must bat with caution and must not get out early like openers. The match is very much on and we must have a winners.

[UmerIdrees]

Fortunately for Pakistan, despite the loss of two quick wickets, their star batsman Babar Azam is still there. Both Azam and Azhar Ali are playing very cautiously, as they should against the Lankan spinners. The run rate as of now stands at just 1.33. Prabath Jayasuriya has already picked up one wicket, and Maheesh Theekshana is also looking very threatening. Actually I am more concerned about the 4th innings. It is going to be a very tough task for the Pakistani batsmen, to come out and face the spinners on the 4th and 5th days of this match.

They were bowling with very discipline yesterday but Lankan's bowlers do have a habit of trying too many things when pitch is assisting them and in doing so they leak runs all the time so they need to avoid looseners against Babar and Azhar Ali. Both of em are great players of spin but they also score very slowly so may be keep things tight and just dry the runs from both ends, this might help Lankan's cause.

Azhar Ali is gone already and he had scored only 3 runs in 41 balls. This will not help paksitani team cause as they should score at a faster rate.

Baber Azam and Rizwan is probably the best pair for the Pakistani team and they are now batting at a good strike rate too.

Edit: Rizwan is gone too. 64-4  Are we going to see another typical Pakistani batting collapse as Pakistan is never good when chasing low totals???

[Swordsoffreedom]

Azhar Ali is gone already and he had scored only 3 runs in 41 balls. This will not help paksitani team cause as they should score at a faster rate.
Baber Azam and Rizwan is probably the best pair for the Pakistani team and they are now batting at a good strike rate too.

Edit: Rizwan is gone too. 64-4  Are we going to see another typical Pakistani batting collapse as Pakistan is never good when chasing low totals???

Pakistan is in trouble now. Now it is very difficult for Pakistan to collect more than 200 runs. But I would say Pakistan's last hope Babar Azam is still at the crease. As long as he stays at the crease, Pakistan's innings will continue to grow. Pakistan's innings will not go far if Babar Azam is out. So Babar Azam needs to play carefully and stay at the crease in any way.

[virasog]

Azhar Ali is gone already and he had scored only 3 runs in 41 balls. This will not help paksitani team cause as they should score at a faster rate.
Baber Azam and Rizwan is probably the best pair for the Pakistani team and they are now batting at a good strike rate too.

Edit: Rizwan is gone too. 64-4  Are we going to see another typical Pakistani batting collapse as Pakistan is never good when chasing low totals???

Pakistan is in trouble now. Now it is very difficult for Pakistan to collect more than 200 runs. But I would say Pakistan's last hope Babar Azam is still at the crease. As long as he stays at the crease, Pakistan's innings will continue to grow. Pakistan's innings will not go far if Babar Azam is out. So Babar Azam needs to play carefully and stay at the crease in any way.

Salman Ali is also out. He had taken the review but the decision of the third umpire was in the favor of the ground umpire's decision. Baber Azam is losing batsmen at other end.  Someone needs to stand with baber if not then it looks like the Pakistan team will be bowled out by the Srilankan team and they might even get a decent lead in the first innings.

[pakhitheboss]

As expected the pitch is very good for bowlers. Srilankan bowlers have done good job by taking down 5 important batters of the Pakistani side. Pakistan still has Babar Azam but he is also struggling to score runs. If Pakistan continues to lose wickets in regular intervals then it will be hard for the Pakistani captain to keep on batting.

[laurenB7742]

As expected the pitch is very good for bowlers. Srilankan bowlers have done good job by taking down 5 important batters of the Pakistani side. Pakistan still has Babar Azam but he is also struggling to score runs. If Pakistan continues to lose wickets in regular intervals then it will be hard for the Pakistani captain to keep on batting.

The situation in Pakistan is now very bad. They lost 7 wickets. Although Babar Azam is still at the crease. But no batsman is able to build a partnership with Babar Azam. Pakistan lost their seventh wicket by 85 runs. Now their collection is 104/7. Babar Azam scored 34 runs. Probably Pakistan's innings will end within 160. Pakistan's batting performance depends on certain players like Babar Azam, Rizwan and Shafique.

[pakhitheboss]

As expected the pitch is very good for bowlers. Srilankan bowlers have done good job by taking down 5 important batters of the Pakistani side. Pakistan still has Babar Azam but he is also struggling to score runs. If Pakistan continues to lose wickets in regular intervals then it will be hard for the Pakistani captain to keep on batting.

The situation in Pakistan is now very bad. They lost 7 wickets. Although Babar Azam is still at the crease. But no batsman is able to build a partnership with Babar Azam. Pakistan lost their seventh wicket by 85 runs. Now their collection is 104/7. Babar Azam scored 34 runs. Probably Pakistan's innings will end within 160. Pakistan's batting performance depends on certain players like Babar Azam, Rizwan and Shafique.

Out of the 7 wickets 5 have been claimed by Jaisurya the spinner. It seems Pakistani batters are struggling to play spin. Babar Azam is still on the pitch but the problem with Pakistan is that none of the other batters are able to form a partnership because Srilankan bowlers are going after other batters. Not much batting left in the Pakistani side now.