LIVE – Pakistan v Sri Lanka: 2nd Test – Umar Gul strikes early – Match Update
Pakistan’s http://www.senore.com/Cricket/United-Arab-Emirates-c3033 (UAE) on Wednesday, October 26, 2011.
Sri Lanka’s skipper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/TM-Dilshan-c2691 opted to bat first after winning the toss. The pitch appeared to be dry and variable bounce was seen right from the start of the first over of the innings.
The wicket in Abu Dhabi was much different, as it had plenty of bounce and carry. The seamers got some help and opportunities were created throughout the match.
However, the pitch for the second game looks more supportive for the spinners. The first innings will be crucial for both teams, as batting might become difficult with the passage of time.
This was why Dilshan decided to bat, but he would have liked a solid start from the openers, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/NT-Paranavitana-c2132.
The former was unable to make most of the conditions and was dismissed cheaply for just one run. He was troubled by the seam and swing of the new ball and did not look comfortable at all today.
Thirimanne’s wicket fell in the third over of the day. Just one ball before his dismissal, the left-handed opener was struck onto the pads and looked out. He did get the benefit of doubt on that occasion, as the umpire http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 thought
that the ball would have missed the stumps.
Gul did not lose hope and ran in hard on the next delivery, getting the ball to move into the batsman. The ball wrapped onto the pads again and the umpire had no hesitation in mind this time around, giving Thirimanne out for one.
This allowed http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Misbah-ul-Haq-c1972, skipper of Pakistan and scored six runs each.
Sri Lanka were three down for 30 and all wickets were picked up by Gul. He will be looking for some support from the other end as well in order to put the opposition under immense pressure.
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