Much like the first day of this Test match, the second day was also dominated by the bowlers. Although, Ahmed Shehzad and Sarfraz Ahmed scored crucial fifties for Pakistan, the real star of the day was the Sri Lankan spinner, Rangana Herath, who picked up yet another 5 wicket haul, 20th of his career, leaving Pakistan at 244/6 at stumps. A crucial day of Test cricket looms ahead for the visitors as they will look to get themselves as close as possible to the Sri Lankan total. Failure to do so will greatly reduce chances of a favourable result for Pakistan.

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first. The pitch was a typical SSC flat track and Misbah would've been hoping to bat first too in order to try put pressure on the home-side in this must win game. However, his fast bowlers (Junaid with 4 wkts, Wahab with 3 wkts) did not disappoint him as they picked up 7 wickets to make it Pakistan's day without a doubt. The only blemish for Pakistan is the fact that Sri Lanka were able to score 261 and it will be important for the visitors to wipe out the tail within the 300-320 mark and then bat with firm resolution to put themselves in charge for the remainder of the game.

Pakistan started the day with 9 wickets in hand and a deficit of 76 runs . It was always going to be a difficult day for Pakistan as the night watchman Ajmal was removed early. Pakistan was very slow in their approach and never looked like scoring runs. Sarfraz was the only positive who scored 55* to give Pakistan some hope towards the end. In the final analysis, one can only praise Sri Lanka for their drive to win this game against all odds.

The next and final Test begins on 14th August and Pakistan have a mountain to climb if they are to square the series - Can they do another Sharjah there? Only time will tell.

Another day which was mainly dominated by Sri Lanka as Pakistan bowlers failed to make an impact in the first and second session by picking only one wicket each. It was however the last session which produced some excitement when Ajmal claimed a few quick wickets to hamper Sri Lanka's progress. This meant Sri Lanka declared after taking a lead of 82 runs and put Pakistan in to bat with 20 minutes to go in the days play. The decision proved to be a shrewd one when Herath claimed the wicket of Khurram Manzoor who was caught behind leaving Shehzad and Ajmal (night watchman) to see off the remaining few overs. Sri Lanka appear to have the upper hand at the moment as Pakistan still trail by 78 runs. Day 5, thus, seems to be full of interesting possibilities with Pakistan looking to ensure that they do not give any advantage to Sri Lanka.

An exhausting day for the hosts as they only managed to take a single wicket. The match was interrupted by rain several times but the experience duo of Mahela and Sangakkara kept on scoring runs. Sangakkara reached his career 37th hundred and 10th against Pakistan. The match is most likely heading towards a draw with 2 days to go but it would be interesting to see if the overnight rain helps the bowlers with also the second new ball due.

Pakistan started strongly on Day 2 with contributions from Asad Shafiq, Younis Khan who scored a big hundred (177), Sarfraz and Rehman also chipped in with useful fifties to take the 1st Innings total to 451. In reply Sri Lanka had a shaky start with a few edges going to the boundary. Junaid Khan claimed the wicket of Tharanga early and Sangakkara had to walk in at 24-1. He steadied the ship for Sri Lanka along with Kaushal Silva to end the Day on 99-1, with Sri Lanka trailing by 352 runs.

A balanced day overall for both teams. Sri Lanka had the upper hand in the first session after they claimed the openers wickets cheaply and then Azhar Ali just before lunch. The experienced pair of Misbah and Younis bailed Pakistan out of trouble once again but it was the masterclass of Younis, who reached his 24th Test hundred, which has provided the real basis for a good Pakistan 1st innings total. He was aided by the impressive and ever reliable Asad Shafiq who provided good support with his 55* under pressure.

It was a long wait but its over now.Pakistan begin their defence of 3rd ranking status in ICC Test rankings. A win in this series will make them strong contenders for the No 2 position.

Many thanks to renowned TV presenter and Cricket Expert, Mirza Iqbal Baig for his preview of the 1st Test at Galle of the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan series.

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