Pakistan and Sri Lanka have made it an annual cricketing fixture where both South Asian teams fight fiercely in all three formats. The 2015 edition starts on June 17th with the commencement of the first Test in Galle.
A few years back, India vs Sri Lanka was the regular confrontation but now the charm has shifted to Pakistan vs Sri Lanka as they have played 11 Test matches since 2011. Pakistan has managed only 2 wins against Sri Lanka’s 4.
Incidentally, both teams are going through a transition period of harnessing young talent and stabilizing a strong side but this will be the final Test series where the age-defying legends Kumar Sangakkara and Younis Khan will go head to head and will definitely steal the show.
Younis Khan has the ability to convert good starts into big centuries. The 37-year old will quietly fight through any difficult situation to get his team to safety and he is expected to be the most prized wicket for Sri Lanka and the biggest headache for Angelo Mathews and co.
Kumar Sangakkara is expected to make his final appearance against India but he will be itching to break Sir Donald Bradman’s record of double centuries during the Pakistan series. The Australian great has scored 12 and the Lankan superstar is just one behind equaling the feat. It will be interesting to see how the left-hander chases this milestone as he is back from a successful stint with the English county team, Surrey. Sanga has always loved playing with Pakistan as he has stroked 10 centuries enjoying an average of 80.25.
Herath vs Babar
All eyes will be on the battle of left-arm spin as the pitches in this tiny Island will favour the spinners. The Lankan Rangana Herath has been tormenting Pakistan for the last couple of years and he will be the main strike weapon for Angelo Mathews this time as well. Saeed Ajmal is not included in the squad as he is suffering badly with his remodeled action but Zulfiqar Babar is expected to be the lead spinner for Pakistan and he is still eight-matches old but he must be consistent dishing out strong performances against the Lankans.
Angelo vs Misbah
The hosts skipper Angelo Mathews has been touted as the next big thing in World Cricket and if he is to maintain his position in the top five in the Test batting rankings, he will need to lead his team to victory while producing scintillating knocks. The visiting captain Misbah Ul-Haq popularly known as ‘Tuk Tuk’ has had many successful outings against the Lions but he will be very keen to perform in the twilight of his career.
The Rising Stars – Azhar Ali, Thirimanne, Sarfraz Ahmed and Dinesh Chandimal
Pakistan and Sri Lanka need their young batting stars to perform consistently. Ali was the Man of the Series against Bangladesh and the current Pakistani ODI captain is one of the technically correct batsmen around. Thirimanne has the world to conquer and the stylish left-hander will need to put up big scores in the upcoming series to make a name of himself.
Sarfraz Ahmed and Dinesh Chandimal will play the dual roles of number 7 batsman and stumpers for their respective sides. They are very attacking in their approach but they will need to be sensible in batting with the tail later on.
Weather Conditions
The monsoon rains have hit Sri Lanka badly and much to the disappointment of all the cricket fans, it looks like rain may prove a dampener on proceedings.
Pakistan Test team
Mohammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad, Shan Masood, Azhar Ali (vice-captain), Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Younis Khan, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Sarfraz Ahmed, Yasir Shah, Zulfiqar Babar, Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan, Imran Khan, Ehsan Adil.
Sri Lanka Test team
Angelo Mathews (captain), Lahiru Thirimanne (vice-captain), Kaushal Silva, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kumar Sangakkara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kithruwan Vithanage, Jehan Mubarak, Kusal Perera, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Tharindu Kaushal, Nuwan Pradeep, Dhammika Prasad, Dushmantha Chameera, Suranga Lakmal (subject to fitness).
Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka 2015 fixtures
1st Test: June 17 – June 21 at Galle International Stadium (10.00 local)
2nd Test: June 25 – June 29 at P. Sara Oval Stadium (10.00 local)
3rd Test: July 3 – July 7 at Pallekelle International Stadium (10.00 local)
1st ODI: 11th July at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium (10.00 local)
2nd ODI: 15th July at Pallekelle International Stadium (14.30 local)
3rd ODI: 19th July at R. Premadasa International Stadium (14.30 local)
4th ODI: 22nd July at R. Premadasa International Stadium (14.30 local)
5th ODI: 26th July at Mahinda Rajapakse International Stadium, Hambanthota (14.30 local)
1st T20: 30th July at R. Premadasa International Stadium (19.00 local)
2nd T20: 1st August at R. Premadasa International Stadium (19.00 local)
