Pakistan v Sri Lanka – 3rd Test- 1st Day’s Summary
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 245/2 (86.0 ov) v Pakistan - Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat
The first day of the third Test between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on November 03, 2011 at Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium proved to be a hectic day for the Men in Green as they faced a defiant opposition, which was adamant on staying on the wicket.
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka chose to bat first in a bid to amass a humongous total against a resilient http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 bowling arsenal.
A win for Sri Lanka would level the series; while a win for Pakistan would earn them the series against the Lankans as Pakistan already lead by 1-0 after winning the second Test at Dubai International Cricket Stadium by nine wickets.
For the Lankans it was surely former skipper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KC-Sangakkara-c1779’s day as not only did he play well, but also left Pakistan flabbergasted by standing defiantly against any bowler who came at his way.
Sangakkara played an inspirational knock to leave even the opponents impressed and also laid down a befitting example for the remaining batsmen to look forward to.
Meanwhile, on the other hand, Pakistan gave distasteful performance in the field as the fielders looked clumsy and slow causing a barrage of dropped catches.
Pakistan surely lacked in fielding and had they held on to their catches, Sri Lankan might have lost four to five wickets on the first day, but instead the Lankans only suffered the loss of two wickets.
Earlier, starting the day’s proceedings Pakistan made early inroads by grabbing the wicket of opener http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Umar-Gul-c94604.
With Tharanga back in the pavilion, Pakistan had got a perfect start to the Test finale, however, they had no idea of what was about to come their way in the form of Sangakkara.
The arrival of the Lankan veteran at number-three was a good move as he forged a sensational batting-partnership with reigning skipper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/TM-Dilshan-c2691 as the duo played handsomely against the opposition.
With the two Lankans batting so well, Pakistan Captain http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Misbah-ul-Haq-c1972 desperately needed another wicket before letting things get out of hand, but every time he tried a new bowler, the Lankans neutralized the threat by exhibiting tremendous zeal and character.
The batsmen piled 173 runs in the second-wicket partnership, taking the sting out of the Pakistan bowling.
It was then in the 61st over of the day when Pakistan finally managed to grab their second wicket as the Sri Lankan skipper after playing a stupendous knock of 92 runs was caught by Younis Khan at first slip off the bowling of right-arm spinner http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Saeed-Ajmal-c87859. At the time of his departure Sri Lanka had managed to post 177 runs on the board.
Meanwhile, Sangakkara was then joined by another veteran http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DPMD-Jayawardene-c1397 as the two prevented Pakistan from taking another wicket at the end of the first day’s play.
The highlight of the day was Sangakkara’s unbeaten knock of 112 runs as he pulverised the Pakistan bowlers.
At stumps, Sri Lanka had managed to post 245 runs for the loss of two wickets with Sangakkara on 112 and Jayawardene on 32 runs.
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