Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[posi]

Today Pakistan got to see something amazing from Babar Azam which is truly unbelievable. I assumed at one stage of the game that Pakistan might not be able to go much further. But this prediction did not work anymore. As a captain he gave the maximum. Early on, many predicted that in the same way Pakistan might not be able to survive this match. But Babar Azam did it alone. Now a favorable match can be expected from Pakistan team. On the other Sri Lanka will try to give more pressure by collecting more runs. Approximately try to collect 260-270 that will much effective to defend them. So let’s see what will happen tomorrow.   

There is no doubt first session was completely in Sri Lankan control but after this Captain done amazing job and bring back his team in better position with now trailing by just 4 runs which is much better than as we have in first session now with the end of second day play Sri Lanka is having 41 runs lead with 9 wickets in hand tomorrow first session is going to be very important for both teams if Pakistani bowlers take few early wickets then surely they are going to be in commanding position but if Sri Lankan batting lineup reach again at the figure of 200 then surely it's going to be hard job for Pakistani batting line which is not good in first inning with two batsmen missing like Fawad Alam and Shan Masood its surely miserable decision from team.

It was really amazing batting from Babar Azam. It was really like he was the only player who was playing in the whole team. Isn't it amazing that Pakistan's second-highest score in this series of test crickets so far is 19?

He has produced something special and I also have to give credit to the bowlers from Sri Lanka who did really well. If they could get Babar Azam for cheap I don't think Pakistan could have even reached the 100 mark. Babar Azam was the only player playing for Pakistan who had been trailing by 4 runs at the end of their innings. Now Pakistan is trailing by 40 runs and Sri Lanka is in line to face a lot of trouble in the first session of the next day. I hope Pakistan will be able to maximize the effect of the first session.

[kro55]

Good, come back by Pakistan! All thanks to Babar Azam. I never expected them to even come near the 200 number I was expecting them to cross the 222 mark but they got all out at 218. Babar Azam scored 119 runs, almost half of the runs by Srilanka. Pakistan still trails by 4 runs but I am not expecting Srilankan batters to perform well. They still need to score more than 200 runs to win this test match. Pakistan bowling has been spot on and it would not be easy for the Srilankan batters to bat on that pitch.  

There is no doubt today we have one of the best knock from captain Babar Azam in difficult conditions but still this is poor from all other top ranked batsmen they fail completely on this pitch which is not easy for batsmen another five wicket haul for young debut man Jayasuriya he ends with 5 wickets which is third consecutive for him.
Now match is again at level with both teams having equal chance to win, but tomorrow first session is very important for both teams which team going to have some steady performance can win this match here Shaheen and Yasir both are very important bowlers for Pakistan because if they want to win this match then needs to complete Sri Lankan inning under 200 figures otherwise it's going to be difficult for them to bat in fourth inning.

In just 2 days, 2 innings have ended. So I don't see any possibility of this match being a draw. They will win only if Sri Lankan batsmen can bat with responsibility. Because the performance of the bowlers is good enough. Tomorrow's first session will be challenging for the Sri Lankan batsmen. At the crease are Kasun Rajitha and Oshada Fernando. Sri Lanka's performance largely depends on the performance of their middle order players. Sri Lanka can collect big only if the middle order players play well.

[n0ne]

In just 2 days, 2 innings have ended. So I don't see any possibility of this match being a draw. They will win only if Sri Lankan batsmen can bat with responsibility. Because the performance of the bowlers is good enough. Tomorrow's first session will be challenging for the Sri Lankan batsmen. At the crease are Kasun Rajitha and Oshada Fernando. Sri Lanka's performance largely depends on the performance of their middle order players. Sri Lanka can collect big only if the middle order players play well.

This match will surely have its result. The match is no more a draw, and it looks like both the teams having equal chance of making a win looking the scoring on the first innings. Sri Lanka have started good the second innings, and it needs to make atleast 350 runs. If the scoring is done same as the first innings there is more chances of Pakistan making the win.

[kro55]

In just 2 days, 2 innings have ended. So I don't see any possibility of this match being a draw. They will win only if Sri Lankan batsmen can bat with responsibility. Because the performance of the bowlers is good enough. Tomorrow's first session will be challenging for the Sri Lankan batsmen. At the crease are Kasun Rajitha and Oshada Fernando. Sri Lanka's performance largely depends on the performance of their middle order players. Sri Lanka can collect big only if the middle order players play well.

This match will surely have its result. The match is no more a draw, and it looks like both the teams having equal chance of making a win looking the scoring on the first innings. Sri Lanka have started good the second innings, and it needs to make atleast 350 runs. If the scoring is done same as the first innings there is more chances of Pakistan making the win.

Sri Lanka collected 85 runs by losing 2 wickets. They lost the wicket of Kasun Rajitha at the start of the third day. Sri Lanka will depend on the performances of Mendis, Chandimal and Dhananjaya to make a big target. If these three batsmen play well, Sri Lanka will be able to collect more than 300. Mendis is now unbeaten on 21 runs.

[YinShuiSiYuan]

In just 2 days, 2 innings have ended. So I don't see any possibility of this match being a draw. They will win only if Sri Lankan batsmen can bat with responsibility. Because the performance of the bowlers is good enough. Tomorrow's first session will be challenging for the Sri Lankan batsmen. At the crease are Kasun Rajitha and Oshada Fernando. Sri Lanka's performance largely depends on the performance of their middle order players. Sri Lanka can collect big only if the middle order players play well.

This match will surely have its result. The match is no more a draw, and it looks like both the teams having equal chance of making a win looking the scoring on the first innings. Sri Lanka have started good the second innings, and it needs to make atleast 350 runs. If the scoring is done same as the first innings there is more chances of Pakistan making the win.

Sri Lanka collected 85 runs by losing 2 wickets. They lost the wicket of Kasun Rajitha at the start of the third day. Sri Lanka will depend on the performances of Mendis, Chandimal and Dhananjaya to make a big target. If these three batsmen play well, Sri Lanka will be able to collect more than 300. Mendis is now unbeaten on 21 runs.

Srilanka are very much stable in 2nd innings so far, collected 161 by losing just 3 wickets. Srilanka at the moment lead by 165 runs. Match is slipping away from the hands of Pakistan as it looks like Srilanka will give target of 300 runs which won't be easy to chase.

[BALIK]

In just 2 days, 2 innings have ended. So I don't see any possibility of this match being a draw. They will win only if Sri Lankan batsmen can bat with responsibility. Because the performance of the bowlers is good enough. Tomorrow's first session will be challenging for the Sri Lankan batsmen. At the crease are Kasun Rajitha and Oshada Fernando. Sri Lanka's performance largely depends on the performance of their middle order players. Sri Lanka can collect big only if the middle order players play well.

This match will surely have its result. The match is no more a draw, and it looks like both the teams having equal chance of making a win looking the scoring on the first innings. Sri Lanka have started good the second innings, and it needs to make atleast 350 runs. If the scoring is done same as the first innings there is more chances of Pakistan making the win.

Sri Lanka collected 85 runs by losing 2 wickets. They lost the wicket of Kasun Rajitha at the start of the third day. Sri Lanka will depend on the performances of Mendis, Chandimal and Dhananjaya to make a big target. If these three batsmen play well, Sri Lanka will be able to collect more than 300. Mendis is now unbeaten on 21 runs.

Srilanka are very much stable in 2nd innings so far, collected 161 by losing just 3 wickets. Srilanka at the moment lead by 165 runs. Match is slipping away from the hands of Pakistan as it looks like Srilanka will give target of 300 runs which won't be easy to chase.

Sri Lanka is slowly moving towards big collections. They lost only 3 wickets. Opener Oshada Fernando was able to collect 64 runs. Kusal Mendis remains unbeaten on 68 runs. Sri Lanka will get a chance to play about 51 overs today. Sri Lanka will undoubtedly be able to collect more than 310 if they bat the whole day. Sri Lanka has a good chance to provide a big target and win the match.

[fuguebtc]

Sri Lanka is slowly moving towards big collections. They lost only 3 wickets. Opener Oshada Fernando was able to collect 64 runs. Kusal Mendis remains unbeaten on 68 runs. Sri Lanka will get a chance to play about 51 overs today. Sri Lanka will undoubtedly be able to collect more than 310 if they bat the whole day. Sri Lanka has a good chance to provide a big target and win the match.

Sri Lanka lost the seventh wicket for 235 runs. If they lose all wickets before 300 then I don't think Sri Lanka can win the match. Dinesh Chandimal and Ramesh Mendis are batting now. Chandimal is an experienced player. If he stays at the crease, Sri Lanka will be able to collect more than 300. But Pakistan's bowlers are also very experienced.

[virasog]

Sri Lanka is slowly moving towards big collections. They lost only 3 wickets. Opener Oshada Fernando was able to collect 64 runs. Kusal Mendis remains unbeaten on 68 runs. Sri Lanka will get a chance to play about 51 overs today. Sri Lanka will undoubtedly be able to collect more than 310 if they bat the whole day. Sri Lanka has a good chance to provide a big target and win the match.

Sri Lanka lost the seventh wicket for 235 runs. If they lose all wickets before 300 then I don't think Sri Lanka can win the match. Dinesh Chandimal and Ramesh Mendis are batting now. Chandimal is an experienced player. If he stays at the crease, Sri Lanka will be able to collect more than 300. But Pakistan's bowlers are also very experienced.

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.

[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.

[pakhitheboss]

At the moment Srilanka has a lead of 306 after losing 8 wickets. It would not be easy for Pakistan to chase this lead but they certainly can chase it. Only thing they need to do is not depend to solely depend on Babar Azam. Every batter needs to contribute otherwise they might lose this test match.

[KennyR]

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.

Right now Sri Lanka have a lead of 309 runs after 86 overs. Two more wickets left to end the innings. Chandimal and Theekshana on the crease with 66 and 11 runs. There is consistent play from Chandimal and that too he had played good when the match is in a critical situation. If Chandimal have lost his wicket earlier, not the innings could've come to an end.

End of day 4 we'll get the result of the match. If Pakistan makes their regular game there is more chance of chasing the target, if they make a slow game surely there'll be early fall of wickets increasing the pressure.

[BobK71]

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.

Sri Lanka has truly turned. I predicted if they can score 260-270 then it will be a good fight against Pakistan but Sri Lanka have scored more than that so Pakistan will have to extra ordinary game to win this match which is possible for one player as Babar Azam played last innings. In Sri Lanka's batting Kushal Mendis dominated the first half and Dinesh Chandimal dominated the second half. They lost their partner and stayed on the course. If Pakistan try to win this match then they have to play constructively according to Sri Lanka.

[pakhitheboss]

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.

Sri Lanka has truly turned. I predicted if they can score 260-270 then it will be a good fight against Pakistan but Sri Lanka have scored more than that so Pakistan will have to extra ordinary game to win this match which is possible for one player as Babar Azam played last innings. In Sri Lanka's batting Kushal Mendis dominated the first half and Dinesh Chandimal dominated the second half. They lost their partner and stayed on the course. If Pakistan try to win this match then they have to play constructively according to Sri Lanka.

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.

[coinerer]

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.

Sri Lanka has truly turned. I predicted if they can score 260-270 then it will be a good fight against Pakistan but Sri Lanka have scored more than that so Pakistan will have to extra ordinary game to win this match which is possible for one player as Babar Azam played last innings. In Sri Lanka's batting Kushal Mendis dominated the first half and Dinesh Chandimal dominated the second half. They lost their partner and stayed on the course. If Pakistan try to win this match then they have to play constructively according to Sri Lanka.

Pakistan played very well for the first time. But for the 2nd time Sri Lanka are playing very well and Sri Lanka collect 329. I am once again supporting Pakistan to beat this target and win.

[JSRAW]

I am sure Galle's pitch didn't flattened out or suddenly became batting heaven on 3rd day. Is it really good display of batting from the lankans or just bad bowling from the Pak? May be both.

Babar now must be kicking himself that he went with 3 seamers here, he could have extra batter (Fawad Alam) in the team.

Quite surprising that tails are wagging for both teams in this test, that's very rare in test cricket in same match. 

[onecall123]

Sri Lanka extend their lead beyond 300 thanks to Dinesh Chandimal, and he might pick up his ton on day 4. At the end of day 3, Sri Lanka led by 333 runs. There will be no completion of the job until it is completed. To win, Sri Lanka must remain humble and put in maximum effort. Despite playing good cricket, Pakistan is short of a spinner. Although it will be extremely difficult for them to chase 300+ in Galle for the fourth innings, they will surely give it their best shot.

[YinShuiSiYuan]

Pakistan played very well for the first time. But for the 2nd time Sri Lanka are playing very well and Sri Lanka collect 329. I am once again supporting Pakistan to beat this target and win.

Definitely a chance here for Srilanka to win the match as they have lead of 333 runs and I don't think Pakistan can chase such total on Galle pitch. Dinesh Chandimal is once again playing a vital knock and he can surely take the target to 350. Let's see what target Srilanka set for Pakistan.

[virasog]

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.

[Vaskiy]

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.

[UmerIdrees]

I am sure Galle's pitch didn't flattened out or suddenly became batting heaven on 3rd day. Is it really good display of batting from the lankans or just bad bowling from the Pak? May be both.

Babar now must be kicking himself that he went with 3 seamers here, he could have extra batter (Fawad Alam) in the team.

Quite surprising that tails are wagging for both teams in this test, that's very rare in test cricket in same match. 

Well, regardless of the team selection and the condition of the pitch, I think a tough target of 350+ runs for Pakistan is good to chase as they are capable of chasing big totals. If you give them a small target like 250 runs, you will find the Pakistan team always struggling. That's why we call them an unpredictable team.

I'm expecting Chandimal to make a century.

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.