"Sanga and Dilshan establish control" - 3rd Test, Day 1, Review

[farhan1]

This was a day which was overshadowed by the jailing of three players who once represented Pakistan, a day which most of Pakistan would want to forget.

Far away from the madness in London, a Pakistani team was busy playing a game of cricket in a field in Sharjah

Even here, a solid partnership between former captain Sangakkara and Dilshan was an event that Pakistan would want to forget. The union helped Sri Lanka to attain a dominant position for first the time in the series – a superlative performance which gives them a good chance of avoiding a series defeat.

It didn't start all too well for Sri Lanka, as they suffered a early reminder of why Pakistan are leading the series after Pakistan's most experienced bowler Umar Gul managed to send Tharanga Paranavitana back to the pavillion after he edged the ball to 2nd slip. The crisis continued for Sri Lanka as Sangakkara was nearly run out after a miscommunication with Dilshan.

After a few close calls, Sri Lankan batsmen slowly settled down and adapted against the in form bowlers of Pakistan.

Dilshan and Sangakarra formed a strong partnership of 173 runs, which was finally broken by in form Saeed Ajmal who produced a doosra which ended up as a catch to first slip.

The victim was Dilshan who was a whisker away from claiming his first century since last Summer at Lords, being only 8 runs away from a ton.

Despite Pakistan finally making the break through of the long partnership they had to put up with, Sangakarra could not be denied a century - also becoming the 11th player to score past 9000 run mark, a day and achievement he will never forget.

Sri Lanka now sit on 245-2, a comfortable and strong position despite surving 3-4 tough overs from youngster Junaid Khan and Umar Gul with the new ball towards the end. Sri Lanka now can breathe easy and look forward to Sangakarra and Jayawardene, two of their most experienced batsmen who will be hoping to add more pain to Pakistan tomorrow. Can Pakistan respond?

[Ahson Afzal]

Tarapore should be punished

[Zamee]

Tarapore needs a good chitrol!!
Muchar sala :@

[A.M.]

well done Tarapore :-@

bt if we can get a couple of wickets early tomorrow we are back in the game the good thing today was that SL didnt score quickly
they havent still made 250!!

and well bowled Gul and Ajmal!!

[Watsupdoc]

Great Day for Sri Lanka...

[Watsupdoc]

Originally Posted by Zamee Tarapore needs a good chitrol!! Muchar sala :@

:tarapore

[Blitz]

This might sound like an excuse, but something tells me the 11 players on the pitch had their minds on something else.

[MVP26]

how did junaid bowl today?

[*sallu*]

Disappointing day but there was absolutely zilch in the pitch and you can't expect the lankan line-up to fail again and again

[duostyle]

Originally Posted by Blitz This might sound like an excuse, but something tells me the 11 players on the pitch had their minds on something else.

Even though they shouldn't care and focus on their cricket, totally understandable if some do have it in the back of their minds.

[Pete Rose]

i think the quality of the pitch has eventually caught up with both sides....sooner or later, Sri Lanka were going to turn it around.
I watched the first ten overs; no spin, no bounce....plenty of shots of the proud groundsman clearly impressed with the subcontinental one-day pitch he produced for a test match.
Its a shame really, the weather in the emirates is heading towards winter, so player comfort is quite good - should have tried to match with a more reponsive pitch.
Cant complain about the umpiring - which has been abysmal throughout the series - Sri Lanka would feel a little better about those decisions considered what they endured in first two matches.

[srh]

should have selected Aizaz Cheema over Abdul Rehman

[Sherlock]

Rehman and Ajmal look the easiest to play on this pitch. SL playing Randiv and Herath could well be a mistake knowing the pitch will get slower and lower.

[Zaz]

the pitch and umpiring is abysmal Draw looks likely

[venomousx]

Originally Posted by Zaz the pitch and umpiring is abysmal Draw looks likely

who the hell makes these beeped up pitches?

[Watsupdoc]

I think this pitch will take massive turn by the end of day 3.

Right now though, It's a batting paradise. Good toss to win for Sri Lanka.

[BoomBoomCricket]

draw is the best bet........

[mastermind_quad]

another century from a great player ...well played Sanga......


Pitch is very flat ....likely draw here....

[*sallu*]

Sri Lanka are playing 5 bowlers and they are looking set for a big score, so unless we trigger a collapse tomorrow, there can be only one winner in this match

[Zamee]

Tarapooore is the culprit :@

[srh]

its like Pak bowlers have to take atleast 15 wickets in each inning to bowl out the opposition (75% of those extra wickets because of their own fielding and 25% because of umpires).

[cric]

I don't see pakistan winning from here. I've said this many times. if oppostions makes more then 250-275 90% chances pak will not win the game with this line up, be it test or one day, they play way too slow for my likeing. if we cheack record for last year or so pakistan havn't won any game. meybe one or two excaption.

[osee_bhai]

We need a couple quick wickets in the morning session. Remember SL took away a middle order option and added a debutant all-rounder who is playing number 7. After Matthews at 5 we hit the keeper and the bowlers, even if we get them for around 350-400 I think it would be a job well done by the bowlers. Then we just have to bat two a half days making 600 and hope SL collapse on a turning pitch on day 5

Asking a little too much maybe?

[Love Pakistan]

Well now Pakistan got to play like themselves!

Got to occupy wicket when batting and draw the match cuz quiet honestly I don't think they can win from here...

[imshally81]

Originally Posted by Zamee Tarapooore is the culprit :@

ab kia kia is ney??

[Watsupdoc]

Hmm we need a dramatic collapse from Sri Lanka here in order for Pakistan to win.

I think which ever team has one, just one perfect (or near perfect) session with the bowl will win this test match. Otherwise I see this heading towards a draw, although It will be a lot harder to bat last on this wicket.

Spin will be key in this test match (as I think it will take massive turn on last 2 days).