Test Cricket Prediction and Discussion Thread [self - mod]

[Naficopa]

I still remember that first time Sachin Tendulkar was bowled by Shoaib Akhtar. I believe it was the first time Sachin Tendulkar was facing Shoaib Akhtar. Honestly, when Sachin Tendulkar walked out in the field it felt like he did not have any respect for the pace of Shoaib Akhtar. But the ball was swinging and Shoaib Akhtar got a really sharp yorker in on the first ball and got the wicket of Sachin Tendulkar.

At that time the lineup of Shoaib Akhtar, Imran Khan, and Wasim Akram was the most effective bowling lineup cricket has ever produced, in my opinion. And Pakistan was heavily dependent on these players. In my memories, Pakistan always liked to bowl second because they could defend almost anything.

There is no doubt Pakistan cricket history if full of few legendary fast bowlers, those still remembered as they were few decades back just because of their bowling patience and accuracy and having great wins for their country. But sadly they are also having many issues on and off the field which bring too many controversies and other aspects as well with the arrival of Shaheen Afridi, Harris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain we are feeling this golden era is coming back.

@posi Can you give me any test match detail where you have Shoaib Akhtar, Wasim Akram and Imran Khan because I never have these players in test match with Imran Khan retired from test cricket in 1992 and Shoaib Akhter was having test cap in 1997.

Shaheen Afridi is good but he is not a match of Imran Khan.
Imran Khan is a genius - if you happen to see how he is fighting for the rights of Pakistani people and there is a regime change tournament going on in Pakistan for last three months. The longest match of the history!

[YinShuiSiYuan]

Pakistan has managed to avoid the follow-on but they are in a very bad situation in this match now. What was worse for them is that Agha Salman was out on the last ball of day 2. Agha Salman was the only batsman who are looking good and he scored 62 runs.
Scoring 450+ runs in the last innings will be impossible for Pakistan to chase in the last innings and I see Srilanka's team favorite in this situation.

Agha went wicket less in first innings but he compensated with his bat scoring 62 runs. He may be good batsmen lower down the order. He is also highest run scorer so far from Pakistan side. Pakistan still lagging by 187 runs. They should try to minimise this trial before getting out.

[pakhitheboss]

Pakistan situation is not looking good. As expected their batters were not able to effectively utilizes the pitch or they might have forgotten how to play spin. As usual Pakistan still is the most unpredictable team in cricket for the time being. They are so dependent on their star batter & captain Babar Azam. Just check their recent records in every format of cricket, if Azam performs in a particular match the team will win it.

[YinShuiSiYuan]

Pakistan situation is not looking good. As expected their batters were not able to effectively utilizes the pitch or they might have forgotten how to play spin. As usual Pakistan still is the most unpredictable team in cricket for the time being. They are so dependent on their star batter & captain Babar Azam. Just check their recent records in every format of cricket, if Azam performs in a particular match the team will win it.

There is  no doubt Pakistan has found a gem in the form of Babar Azam and he has lots of contributions in Pakistan wins. So far Agha was the only one who played Srilanka bowlers well and scored 62 runs rest of the batting just failed in front of Srilanka spin.

[KennyR]

Pakistan situation is not looking good. As expected their batters were not able to effectively utilizes the pitch or they might have forgotten how to play spin. As usual Pakistan still is the most unpredictable team in cricket for the time being. They are so dependent on their star batter & captain Babar Azam. Just check their recent records in every format of cricket, if Azam performs in a particular match the team will win it.

The opening isn't great as the previous match and the same has caused the continuous fall of wickets. By the end of day 2 Pakistan have managed to score 191 runs losing 7 wickets. By tomorrow Pakistan will try to reach 250 runs. Yes, the dependence over few players is found much with the Pakistan team. Sri Lankan bowlers have done a good job and we can't get into conclusion on the match. Anything can happen, because the previous match was expected to be a win for Sri Lanka and finally everything got changed.

[Vishnu.Reang]

There is  no doubt Pakistan has found a gem in the form of Babar Azam and he has lots of contributions in Pakistan wins. So far Agha was the only one who played Srilanka bowlers well and scored 62 runs rest of the batting just failed in front of Srilanka spin.

Agha Salman played really well for his 62, but he got out when he was needed the most. Overall a disappointing day for Pakistan, as they lost 7 of their wickets for less than 200 runs. They need another 188 runs to take the lead. Apart from Abdullah Shafique (who got out for a duck), almost all the other Pakistani batsmen got good starts. But they got out in their 20s. Only Agha showed some fighting spirit and stayed at the crease. Now it us up to Yasir Shah and the tailenders. Hopefully they will be able to keep the Sri Lankan lead to two digits.

[SirLancelot]

There is  no doubt Pakistan has found a gem in the form of Babar Azam and he has lots of contributions in Pakistan wins. So far Agha was the only one who played Srilanka bowlers well and scored 62 runs rest of the batting just failed in front of Srilanka spin.

Agha Salman played really well for his 62, but he got out when he was needed the most. Overall a disappointing day for Pakistan, as they lost 7 of their wickets for less than 200 runs. They need another 188 runs to take the lead. Apart from Abdullah Shafique (who got out for a duck), almost all the other Pakistani batsmen got good starts. But they got out in their 20s. Only Agha showed some fighting spirit and stayed at the crease. Now it us up to Yasir Shah and the tailenders. Hopefully they will be able to keep the Sri Lankan lead to two digits.

Reang surely after poor fielding and now batting in both departments Pakistan are down in this match with most chances they are going to lose this test match and level this series which is going to be beneficial for Sri Lanka because after having draw against Australia and now against Pakistan mean now they are capable of having some good fight against top quality teams even their bowling department is still weak, but they are improving and can do better in coming years.

Now tomorrow we have to watch how Pakistan do first in batting and then in bowling because now after watching first two days I am feeling this is going to be lost for Pakistan without any big trouble.

[romero121]

There is  no doubt Pakistan has found a gem in the form of Babar Azam and he has lots of contributions in Pakistan wins. So far Agha was the only one who played Srilanka bowlers well and scored 62 runs rest of the batting just failed in front of Srilanka spin.

Agha Salman played really well for his 62, but he got out when he was needed the most. Overall a disappointing day for Pakistan, as they lost 7 of their wickets for less than 200 runs. They need another 188 runs to take the lead. Apart from Abdullah Shafique (who got out for a duck), almost all the other Pakistani batsmen got good starts. But they got out in their 20s. Only Agha showed some fighting spirit and stayed at the crease. Now it us up to Yasir Shah and the tailenders. Hopefully they will be able to keep the Sri Lankan lead to two digits.

Salman is the one that have saved the situation of Pakistan and made them reach runs close to 200. If his wicket have fallen earlier, then the innings might've got ended within 150 runs. Anyhow the winning opportunity of Pakistan have shrunk much as Sri Lanka takes lead with its batsmen and bowlers.

[UmerIdrees]

This looks like a batting pitch.

I think the pitch helps the batsme.

This really does look like a batting pitch.

Most people here thought that this is a good batting pitch where Srilanka managed to put in a decent total. But as soon as the Pakistani batsmen started to bat, it looks like a different pitch altogether.
Don't know if it has something to do with the pitch or it is just the inconsistent nature of Team Pakistan as you never know what's coming next on their part. 

[Sithara007]

~~~
Don't know if it has something to do with the pitch or it is just the inconsistent nature of Team Pakistan as you never know what's coming next on their part. 

Same pitch where Sri Lankans managed to put a total close to 400. The Pakistani spinners (Mohammad Nawaz and Yasir Shah) picked up 5 wickets between them, but they were expensive as well. But on the other hand, the Lankan spinners (Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva) never allowed the Pakistani batsmen to settle. I mentioned this before. The lack of quality spin options is becoming a big handicap for Pakistan, especially when they play against their South Asian rivals such as India and Sri Lanka.

[onecall123]

~~~
Don't know if it has something to do with the pitch or it is just the inconsistent nature of Team Pakistan as you never know what's coming next on their part. 

Same pitch where Sri Lankans managed to put a total close to 400. The Pakistani spinners (Mohammad Nawaz and Yasir Shah) picked up 5 wickets between them, but they were expensive as well. But on the other hand, the Lankan spinners (Prabath Jayasuriya, Ramesh Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva) never allowed the Pakistani batsmen to settle. I mentioned this before. The lack of quality spin options is becoming a big handicap for Pakistan, especially when they play against their South Asian rivals such as India and Sri Lanka.

Regardless of the situation, Pakistan must play a little more aggressively, although they appear to be under pressure and fear. Test cricket is something you predict until the match is over. On day three, we'll see where it ends, as SL currently has the upper hand. As a result, Sri Lanka spinners will dominate throughout the test match, which is already over and done with, a huge lead awaits the lions. Pakistani victory would require them to be dismissed below 150 in their second innings, which will be tough.

[Sithara007]

Pathetic display from the Pakistani batsmen. All out for just 231. Perhaps I was expecting a bit too much, after the collapse yesterday. Anyway, Sri Lanka now leads by 147 runs. In case they add another 200 runs or so, then it will get almost impossible for Pakistan to win this match. Well, they made 344 in the first test, but we can't expect miracles to happen too often. Ramesh Mendis picked up 5 wickets for Sri Lanka, while Prabath Jayasuriya got three. Now we can agree that Sri Lanka is having the best spin attack in the world (at least in test format).

[JSRAW]

Pathetic display from the Pakistani batsmen. All out for just 231. Perhaps I was expecting a bit too much, after the collapse yesterday. Anyway, Sri Lanka now leads by 147 runs. In case they add another 200 runs or so, then it will get almost impossible for Pakistan to win this match. Well, they made 344 in the first test, but we can't expect miracles to happen too often. Ramesh Mendis picked up 5 wickets for Sri Lanka, while Prabath Jayasuriya got three. Now we can agree that Sri Lanka is having the best spin attack in the world (at least in test format).

So far there are no demon on deck so they clearly batted very poorly. Almost every batter in this match getting a good start but keep throwing his wicket, this happened with Lankan batters also in the 1st inning but they managed to build 3-4 good partnership in which pakistan failed royally. In morning too Yasir shah and Hasan Ali were batting without any pressure.

SL should target 250-300 runs in the 2nd inning and hope pitch deterioration in next couple of days, if not then this test still wide open as Pakistan would fancy chasing anything below 400, considering pitch remains the same and just odd ball doing something weird for the bowler, happened in the 1st test too.

[Juggy777]

Pathetic display from the Pakistani batsmen. All out for just 231. Perhaps I was expecting a bit too much, after the collapse yesterday. Anyway, Sri Lanka now leads by 147 runs. In case they add another 200 runs or so, then it will get almost impossible for Pakistan to win this match. Well, they made 344 in the first test, but we can't expect miracles to happen too often. Ramesh Mendis picked up 5 wickets for Sri Lanka, while Prabath Jayasuriya got three. Now we can agree that Sri Lanka is having the best spin attack in the world (at least in test format).

So far there are no demon on deck so they clearly batted very poorly. Almost every batter in this match getting a good start but keep throwing his wicket, this happened with Lankan batters also in the 1st inning but they managed to build 3-4 good partnership in which pakistan failed royally. In morning too Yasir shah and Hasan Ali were batting without any pressure.

SL should target 250-300 runs in the 2nd inning and hope pitch deterioration in next couple of days, if not then this test still wide open as Pakistan would fancy chasing anything below 400, considering pitch remains the same and just odd ball doing something weird for the bowler, happened in the 1st test too.

@Sithara007 I wouldn’t rule out Pakistan entirely, because they have shown strong performances in test cricket and they could yet bounce back in the second innings.@JSRAW you’re spot on if the pitch further breaks down then Pakistan batsmen will really struggle but even then I feel that they won’t go down without a fight, hence Srilanka will have to put up a really big total to put maximum pressure on Pakistan’s batsmen.

[JSRAW]

So far there are no demon on deck so they clearly batted very poorly. Almost every batter in this match getting a good start but keep throwing his wicket, this happened with Lankan batters also in the 1st inning but they managed to build 3-4 good partnership in which pakistan failed royally. In morning too Yasir shah and Hasan Ali were batting without any pressure.

SL should target 250-300 runs in the 2nd inning and hope pitch deterioration in next couple of days, if not then this test still wide open as Pakistan would fancy chasing anything below 400, considering pitch remains the same and just odd ball doing something weird for the bowler, happened in the 1st test too.

@Sithara007 I wouldn’t rule out Pakistan entirely, because they have shown strong performances in test cricket and they could yet bounce back in the second innings.@JSRAW you’re spot on if the pitch further breaks down then Pakistan batsmen will really struggle but even then I feel that they won’t go down without a fight, hence Srilanka will have to put up a really big total to put maximum pressure on Pakistan’s batsmen.

Yeah piling runs on the board is necessary, they need to bat out pakistan from this match if they want some points. They've lost 2 wickets but they are scoring at very good pace, almost 5rpo. If they keep this run rate or even close to 3.5 rpo and survive for 70 more overs then this is good sign for SL.

As of now lead is 196 runs. Pakistan desperately need wickets, idealy in clusters.

[UmerIdrees]

I still remember that first time Sachin Tendulkar was bowled by Shoaib Akhtar. I believe it was the first time Sachin Tendulkar was facing Shoaib Akhtar. Honestly, when Sachin Tendulkar walked out in the field it felt like he did not have any respect for the pace of Shoaib Akhtar. But the ball was swinging and Shoaib Akhtar got a really sharp yorker in on the first ball and got the wicket of Sachin Tendulkar.

At that time the lineup of Shoaib Akhtar, Imran Khan, and Wasim Akram was the most effective bowling lineup cricket has ever produced, in my opinion. And Pakistan was heavily dependent on these players. In my memories, Pakistan always liked to bowl second because they could defend almost anything.

There is no doubt Pakistan cricket history if full of few legendary fast bowlers, those still remembered as they were few decades back just because of their bowling patience and accuracy and having great wins for their country. But sadly they are also having many issues on and off the field which bring too many controversies and other aspects as well with the arrival of Shaheen Afridi, Harris Rauf and Mohammad Hasnain we are feeling this golden era is coming back.

@posi Can you give me any test match detail where you have Shoaib Akhtar, Wasim Akram and Imran Khan because I never have these players in test match with Imran Khan retired from test cricket in 1992 and Shoaib Akhter was having test cap in 1997.

Shaheen Afridi is good but he is not a match of Imran Khan.
Imran Khan is a genius - if you happen to see how he is fighting for the rights of Pakistani people and there is a regime change tournament going on in Pakistan for last three months. The longest match of the history!

Why are you mixing politics with cricket here ? Not many know or are interested to know about the internal political issues in Pakistan. If you need to discuss about this regime change thing, either open up a thread in Politics & Society section or you can discuss the same in local Pakistan thread.

Coming to the match Srilanka 51-2 , Are we going to see another twist in this match?

[virasog]

Coming to the match Srilanka 51-2 , Are we going to see another twist in this match?

No, there is no change or twist in the match. Although Srilanka have lost 2 quick wickets but when you look at the bigger picture it is not 51-2 , it is in fact 200-2 (if you add the lead in the score too). No matter how many runs Srilanka makes in the 2nd innings, it will still be a giant total for Pakistan to chase. The big first-innings lead gives Sri Lanka a lot of freedom and advantage in this match and i don't see they can lose from here.

[jaberwock]

Most people here thought that this is a good batting pitch where Srilanka managed to put in a decent total. But as soon as the Pakistani batsmen started to bat, it looks like a different pitch altogether.
Don't know if it has something to do with the pitch or it is just the inconsistent nature of Team Pakistan as you never know what's coming next on their part. 

As I am watching cricket for nearly 30 years I can say this is typical batting track and have nothing for bowlers Sri Lanka done good job even Pakistani were good at bowling, but their fielding was never been good which helps Sri Lankan for having this score on board and after this now Pakistani batting is unpredictable for many years and in this first inning we can watch there is no improvement in this all because in first test Abdullah and Babar done good job but this time both fail and now all team is struggling which is nothing new it's a usual business for me from Pakistan in this game of cricket they have never been consistent.

Now, most chances home team will have some good lead in second inning and target could be above 400+ for Pakistan to win this match and series.

[Sithara007]

Sri Lanka is leading by 323 runs, with 5 wickets in hand. I don't think that Pakistan has got a chance in this match. If Sri Lanka could put another 80 or so runs on board, then it will be impossible for the Pakistani batsmen to chase this target. Anyway, Pakistani fans shouldn't get disheartened. There were enough positives for them so far in this series. And let's not forget the fact that even if Sri Lanka manages to win this test match, the series will be tied at 1-1. And also, they went to this test match without their best bowler.

[romero121]

Sri Lanka is leading by 323 runs, with 5 wickets in hand. I don't think that Pakistan has got a chance in this match. If Sri Lanka could put another 80 or so runs on board, then it will be impossible for the Pakistani batsmen to chase this target. Anyway, Pakistani fans shouldn't get disheartened. There were enough positives for them so far in this series. And let's not forget the fact that even if Sri Lanka manages to win this test match, the series will be tied at 1-1. And also, they went to this test match without their best bowler.

Score above 400 is always a tough target to chase in test cricket. But, how Pakistan players chased the target of 342 runs reminds me that it can be chased. I'm not into conclusion that Sri Lanka will win the match, because I predicted in favour of Sri Lanka in the first test match and it ended up with an easy winning for Pakistan.