Second Test: Pakistan fightback sets up intriguing finish
67
Asad Shafiq and Sarfraz Ahmed hit fighting half-centuries on Monday to thwart Sri Lanka and set up an enthralling finish to the second and final day-night Test in Dubai.
Shafiq scored an unbeaten 86 while skipper Ahmed was 57 not out as they lifted Pakistan from a perilous position at 52-5 to 198-5 at close after being set a daunting target of 317.
The pair added 146 for the unbroken sixth-wicket stand to leave Pakistan needing another 119 runs with five wickets in hand to level the series.
Sri Lanka won a nail-biting first Test in Abu Dhabi by 21 runs.
Both Shafiq and Ahmed batted confidently to raise hopes of Pakistan maintaining their unbeaten record in nine Test series in the United Arab Emirates, their adopted home since 2009.
Pakistan have been forced to play at a neutral venue since a 2009 terror attack on the Sri Lankan team prompted authorities to suspend international cricket in the country.
Earlier, paceman Wahab Riaz grabbed four for 41 and left-arm spinner Haris Sohail took three wickets in a single over to dismiss Sri Lanka for 96 in their second innings, after they resumed on 34-5.
Shafiq brought up his 19th Test fifty with a well-timed cover drive off fast bowler Suranga Lakmal, his first 50-plus score in 12 innings.
Ahmed smashed part-timer Kusal Mendis for his fourth boundary to complete his 14th Test half-century.
It was off-spinner Dilruwan Perera who ripped apart Pakistan with a triple strike in the second session. He dismissed Haris Sohail (10), Shan Masood (21) and Babar Azam (nought) to leave Pakistan in tatters at 52-5.
He could have claimed the wickets of both Shafiq, on 26, and Ahmed, on 22, but both were dropped by Mendis at short leg off successive balls, leaving Sri Lanka to rue the missed chances.
Pakistan made a disastrous start when opener Sami Aslam fell for one, caught in the slips off Lahiru Gamage.
Masood and Azhar Ali (17) added 31 for the second wicket before the batting collapse began with Ali caught off fast bowler Nuwan Pradeep for 17.
Pakistan had needed to make early inroads in the morning and Riaz provided them with the important wicket of Niroshan Dickwella in the fifth over of the day for 21.
Leg-spinner Yasir Shah dismissed Perera for nought to leave Sri Lanka in danger of being all out for their lowest ever total of 71 against Pakistan.
But Mendis (29) and Rangana Herath (17) added 35 for the eighth wicket to frustrate Pakistan before Sohail struck thrice in his only over to give his team hope of an upset win.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (67) Closed
Oct 09, 2017 04:09pm
Hmmm, we have kept the Lankans to 96/10, giving us 317 to win. All the very best green-shirts. If not outright win, at least make us proud by focussing and fighting till the last drop of sweat. Remember that we will exchange position with Lanka if we lose this match and the series. Our aim should be number 1 again, and for more than one or two weeks!
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 04:11pm
Pakistan's run rate is the slowest in test cricket format, even if say, they get to play 130+ overs, they will only manage to draw, if they improve run-rate they will risk loosing wickets and the match.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 04:34pm
Time for Pakistan to prove that they are not only ODI champions but also test champions
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 04:35pm
Congratulations.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 04:50pm
Wow. Easily achievable !!!
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 05:03pm
A big challenge for the green-shirts to score the required 317 runs in the fourth inning of the on-going second and final test match against Sri Lanka under some very hot, humid, rough, salty, dusty and tough weather conditions at the Dubai Cricket Stadium in UAE. Let's wait and see if they can make the ends meet?
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 05:50pm
I doubt we will make it to 317. Now we will know and miss our great 2 retirees (Misbah and YK). All out under 160....
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 06:03pm
I see Lankans having better chances of winning the match.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 06:21pm
good luck team pakistan.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 06:27pm
@Aslam Qadri Seems your prediction is right, 32 runs in 22 overs. Its better to play for win bcos if we draw it then again the series is lost
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 06:52pm
Score I thought is 32 for 2.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 07:05pm
Pakistan should not have bowled out Sri Lanka with huge backlog. They have given time to Sri Lanka to complete today and some part of tomorrow to secure atleast draw. A test match requires real test of mind and application of strategy.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 07:08pm
My iconish bowler amir is missing !
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 07:15pm
Am I the only one in stadium ???
50 for 3.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 07:17pm
Haris out to a really good ball. He was one guy with the right approach. With this, I would say the balance tilts in Sri Lanka's favour. Shaan is just tempting fate with his go slow tactics. That old fox Rangana will show his bag of tricks soon.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 07:21pm
I am leaving the stadium. 52 for 4.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 07:21pm
Interesting development, but realistically, Pakistan is in a weak position, unless our players pull their socks up and play sensibly without being pressured. Otherwise, we will lose this match as well.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 07:36pm
Hahaha pak and number 1 won't go well - may be from bottom it is possible - need 4-5 innings to topple 317 - this is considered to be home test series
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 07:37pm
Seriously 5 wicket down
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 07:41pm
PAK 62/5 (36.0 Ovs) The game is practically over bar any miracles.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 07:44pm
@Robert : Who told you that Pakistan is One day Champions? Don't be under any false sense, one fluke win in CT final will not make you what you claim. Have patience. Sri Lanka is going to route you in that format too. One fluke win doesn't make champions.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 07:46pm
Pakistan losing at 'home' against SL, my prediction went right.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 07:54pm
This defeat proves champions trophy final was just a fluke. This Pakistani team can't win against Zimbabwe or Kenya.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 07:59pm
Once again, battling failed for the millionth time since I started watching cricket in 1977.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 08:05pm
If they can't handle SL in UAE and face such heavy defeats then this team doesn't deserve to be in the top half. With performances like these at home grounds the good days are behind us.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 08:12pm
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad : The srilankans has also played under the same condition.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 08:25pm
@Joe
It's 62 for 5 now. Please hang on tough
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 08:26pm
Generally, a captain's temperament is reflected in the team's temperament but it's not the case with Pak. While Sarfaraz is a busy and attacking player, rest of the team shows little intent. Had they been a little more positive, they would have put SL bowlers under pressure which always results in a lose ball or two in an over like we are seeing now
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 08:30pm
@Khawja and Sons. Agreed! We got carried away with one fluke win at CT and awarded these cricketers too much.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 08:39pm
@Cricketer. Very true, however, Kenya does not have test status yet. I'd say this Pakistani team cannot win against AFG or IRE.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 08:51pm
Pakistan lacks some serious psychological, motivational and technical skills in cricket poor technique can be compensated if one has great motivation and psyche to succeed in any aspect of life. Pakistan players just don't seem to have that motivation to be successful. All most all Pakistani players look unfit and out of shape and to worsen they appear physically mentally drained. I think PCB should really look to condition there players with regular fitness camps and monitor there progress report extensively. As an indian cricket fan who has seen the best Pakistan bowlers and batsman trouble indian cricket team consistently is 90ʿs and early 2000 it feels sad to see such lethargic, uninspiring, substandard, disgusting and poor show by Pakistan. I think the responsibility of this failure lies on PCB management and selection committee. Feels sad that we lost CT final to such under power, one day wonder! Side.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 08:53pm
Pak can still win..it is not too late
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 08:53pm
What went wrong? Sarfaraz, Asad, Amir, and Babar failed miserably in the series. Shoail is the find of the series definitely far better than Fawad in technique and patience. Definitely, a batting allrounder.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 09:04pm
Pakistan to do long partnership to win or draw this match.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 09:09pm
The void left by King Misbah and Sir Yunus will take a long time to fill. We just have to patient and less critical.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 09:22pm
Pakistan has a very chance of winning the second test, and maintain their status quo.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 09:46pm
After loosing half the side for 50+ runs , Pakistan is fighting back due to some resolute display of batting
by Asad Shafique and skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed. Treat the ball on merit rather than unnecessary defensive
approach. In spite of their hard work and responsible batting both Shan and Azhar lost their wickets due to their too much defensive mindset. Lastly the only way Asad and Sarfaraz could make this match more interesting is by strictly sticking to their natural game.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 09:57pm
Nice recovery by the way....If they can hold srilankan team at an arms length then it could just be one of biggest upset in the recent time...but I have faith in Pakistan batting...they will allow Srilankan team to come back in the match
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 10:52pm
@Indian Cric Fan - It is not only the players who are responsible for such performance. I think it is the whole country which is responsible for this state of affairs. One need to introspect why other countries are not coming Pakistan for playing domestic series. What would be the level of morale these players carry while playing 'domestic' series in a foreign country and that too in empty stadiums. The need of the hour is to make the country livable, investment friendly and devoid of radicalism.
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 11:50pm
Great fight Asad and Sarfraz. That is what we want from the pakistan cricket team never give up. I enjoyed watching them fight and was impressed by their confidence and stroke pay particularly Asad. I happen to hear Inzamam's discussion after he selected the pakistan cricket test team and he said that UAE was a batting paradise. Well he was wrong, It is very obvious we should have had another specialist spin bowler. I liked the fact that Pakistan changed their batting order strategy in the second innings and had Asad Shafiq come in later and Sohail come in earlier. Good job Wahab bowling in the second innings. Inshallah we will win this test match and hold our record of never losing a test match in UAE. Pakistan rocks!!!
Recommend
0
Oct 09, 2017 11:54pm
Well played Pakistan. Tommorrow stay focused and yet, many a mile to go!
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2017 12:14am
The way Sarfraz and Asad batting this is how everyone has to bat. Pakistan team management has to say bye to those who are playing with less than 50% strike rate in test cricket. Babar Azam has to show that he is also good for test cricket otherwise try new players .... infect Pakistan batting order has lots of opening now submit your resumes guys :)
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2017 01:30am
Great comeback Green Shirts. Fantastic display of test class batting by Asad Shafique and Sarfaraz Ahmed.
First hour's play on the final day will be very crucial for
both Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Sri Lanka needs to 'do more' to get those 5 wickets and Pakistan needs to
'do more" to score those 119 runs.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2017 01:55am
Pakistan will lose. One early wicket is all that is needed.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2017 03:44am
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad What's your thing with adjectives?
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2017 03:49am
There is a big difference between 5-day test and limited over match like ODI. Also on UAE wickets the team batting first definitely has a better chance of taking full advantage of good batting conditions over its opponents. Lastly, it would be better if we focus our comments in this column on the technical aspects of cricket game rather than India/Pakistan politics.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2017 04:24am
I do not see anything intriguing. I see a loss.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2017 06:15am
@Guru aw you still got the chilling memories of champions trophy final. Why don't you guys come and play in UAE to prove your point then.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2017 06:26am
@Robert Rather grandiose day dreaming about being "Test champions" at a time when the first ever "home" series defeat by lowly ranked Sri Lanka looms large!
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2017 07:37am
@Robert great comment
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2017 07:45am
@Indian Cric Fan I agree with you regarding fast bowlers we need to find some in the talent we have. I don't agree with you regarding fitness, I think the players have never been this fit mainly due to Mickey playing a big role. Yes team selection needs some work we should have had another specialist spinner. Regarding pakistan beating india by over 150 runs in the CT final it was totally a one sided game. In the future, we want to play a stronger team.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2017 07:48am
@J,Gamble playing series draw with a poor team which got crushed in their home is already a shameful thing.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2017 08:05am
Both Shafiq and Ahmed are fighting back but to see these batsmen bat was not pleasant to watch....no class.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2017 08:09am
Pakistan will win this match , i dont think srilanka will put any pressure on Day 5
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2017 08:35am
@Guru
One fluke too many over India in Cricket
The head to head domination by Pakistan over the years speaks for itself :-)
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2017 09:43am
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad what away of describing the weather conditions in Dubai, using so many adjectives.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2017 09:45am
@Dr. Salaria, Aamir Ahmad nice comment about the conditions of the match.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2017 09:58am
@Haji Chanab No doubt Haris Sohail is a wonderful all rounder. He is the rising star in Pakistan cricket. He has justified his selection by superb performance both with bat and ball but making comparison between him and Fawad here in this context is irrevalent. You can compare the two only when they are playing together under the same conditions.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2017 10:47am
Though i dont like Pakistan Team, I just glanced cricinfo and saw the score 55/5, i thought in 1 more hour all over. In the even after going back home i turned on the TV and noticed sarfraz and shafiq are fighting. I just kept on watching, amazing fight back by these 2 guys. This is the first time i watched the match so long when pakistan is playing with other countries. I will follow the match today and would like to see pak winning this test. Just because of never die attitude of these 2 guys who are fighting for the pride of the country. All the best team pakistan and pakistan fans
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2017 10:49am
Win or lose, the individual who made the decision to play only one spinner in both the matches should and must be fired. Secondly, it is time to select Fawad Alam in the team.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2017 11:16am
Thousand defeats will not equal one win over India in CT final.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2017 12:10pm
Sri lankdan players celebrating wicket of Harris Sohail
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2017 01:10pm
a tough ask but still possible !! going forward to say Dubai is a home series for Pakistan is sily. I think this should still count as a away series as home is home. Also the points accumulated at Dubai should count as Double as this is not a home series!!! no matter what you make it out to be. Prime example England lost to Pakistan in the semi Final of the Champions Trophy thought the match was played in Wales Eoin Morgan said that the conditions were alien to us and that was like local!!!
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2017 02:39pm
@AMIN well rethink plz. Means you have to beat us 6000 to 7000 times to equal all your WC defeats.
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2017 03:34pm
@AMIN
That's a sad statement
Recommend
0
Oct 10, 2017 04:02pm
Reckless shot ended Sarfaraz's innings. There was no need to play that kind of stroke. For the second time in this test Sarfaraz has lost his wicket in an attempt to
play the sweep shot . Its 6 down for 224. With the score at 238/7 Herath is back into the attack. Pakistan needs
77 more runs to win. Uphill task indeed.
Recommend
0
Oct 11, 2017 12:10am
@Robert Wishful thinking, I would dare say. No hard feelings here, but that's the reality with this Pakistani outfit. Only the correct approach will bring the best out of a promising team but that's upto the captain and the coach.
Recommend
0
