From 0-3 loss against India at home soil to 2-0 win against Pakistan at away, Sri Lanka; what a turn around, what a transformation.
Absolutely top performance.
Pakistan looses their first Test series in their adapted home; UAE, never lost a series from 2010 till today.
What a series, it feels so great to witness a thumping test series win after some time. A thrilling, unpredictable series.
1st Test – Both teams scoring over 400 in the 1st innings, then failing to pass 150 in the 2nd innings; Sri Lanka successfully defending a score under 150 for the first time and being victorious by 21 runs. It was indeed a miracle from Sri Lanka. For a good part of 4 days the match was heading towards a draw but 16 wickets in the last day turned the match on its head.
2nd Test – Sri Lanka scored 482 in the first innings bowled out Pakistan cheaply and was leading by 220, in the 2nd innings failed to pass even 100. Chasing a challenging target of 317 Pakistan was wobbling at 52 for 5 but Shafiq and Sarafaz had other ideas, took them to 225 For 5 but Dilruwan’s conventional and clinical off spin bowling ended the promising stand and then it was a matter of time for Sri Lanka to wrap up the tail. Won by 68 runs in the last day.
Dimuth’s much improved and classy batting, Chandimal’s stability, calmness and his captaincy tactics, Dickwella’s game changing attacking innings down the order, Dilruwan’s all round performance and Rangana’s left arm helped Sri Lanka to seal the deal in style.
Without any doubt I can say Dickwella is the next Gilchrist in World Cricket. Attacking opener in ODI’s, attacking number 6/7 batsmen in Tests who keeps in both the formats; there he is the exact copy of Gilly.
Sadeera and Gamage looked impressive on debut, remarkable team work from the Lion nation who were down and out a month ago.
What a series win for the boys. Test Cricket at its bloody best, still the favourite format. This is what happens when two unpredictable teams go head to head. First day / Night Test Match for Sri ends with a victory
#SLVsPAK #2ndTest #DayNightTest
