The 3 match Test series between the hosts Sri Lanka and Pakistan will kick off with the first Test at the Galle International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
Looking back at the past decade, the rivalry between the two teams has gained some extra zest. The relationship both on and off the field has flourished and in fact in the past ten years, Sri Lanka has been Pakistan’s most regular opponent in both Tests and ODIs. And of course, the fixture has been annual in the calendar since 2011.
Since 1982
Two weeks after Sri Lanka played their first ever Test against England, the minnows were hosted in a 3-match Test series in Pakistan as they became the second ever opponent Sri Lanka has played. The series became an indication of Pakistan’s superiority and Sri Lanka’s inexperience as the hosts won 2-0. However, the visitors managed to salvage a draw at Faisalabad, falling agonizingly short of an inaugural Test win. The game was also best remembered for opener Sidath Wettimuny becoming the first ever Sri Lankan to score a Test century.
So far, the two teams have played 48 Test matches, with Pakistan winning 17 to Sri Lanka’s 13 while 18 ending in a draw.
Recap of the last few years
In 2011 Pakistan hosted the Lions in UAE as the 3-Test series ended 1-0 in favour of the hosts. In the following year, Sri Lanka avenged for their defeat with a 1-0 series win as they wrapped up a 209-run win at Galle in the opening game. The 2013 series saw a deadlock as the two evenly poised teams ended it with a win each at UAE.
The last series perhaps was best remembered for Mahela Jayawardene’s swan song as the teams met again, 7 months after their stalemate. The legend’s final stanza was proven a sweet memory for the fans. The first Test in Galle saw Sri Lanka’s stylish reply to Pakistan’s 451 which was spearheaded by Kumar Sangakkara’s majestic double ton as the hosts piled up 533/9. Pakistan’s second innings was hampered by Rangana Herath’s crafty spin as they crumbled for a mere 180. Herath took 6 scalps. However the game wasn’t over as the Lions had to battle both rain and the fading light chasing down 99. Skipper Angelo Mathews applied the finishing touches, sealing a 1-0 lead for the hosts.
The second and final Test was played at SSC, the home ground of the retiring luminary MJ. Batting first, Sri Lanka scored 320 while Pakistan took a marginal lead with 332 which was made possible by Sarfraz Ahmed’s 103 after they were reeling on 140/5 at one point. Rangana Herath did his magic again, capturing 9 wickets. Sri Lanka’s second innings witnessed the time-tested Sanga-Mahela combination recording yet another century partnership before Mahela was caught by Ahmed Shehzad off Saeed Ajmal’s bowling for 54 shortly after the departure of his partner Sangakkara for 59. The hosts were bowled out for 282 as the target stood at 271 for Pakistan. Once again, the bowlers offered a hard time for the Pakistani batsmen and despite Sarfraz Ahmed’s grappling 55, they were bowled out for 165 with Herath taking 5 wickets. The 105-run win and a 2-0 series whitewash was a fitting finale for the legendary cricketer who graced the field for one last time in whites.
In the Lion’s Den
Sri Lanka has hosted Pakistan in 20 Tests since 1986. Both teams have won 6 games each while 8 have ended without a result. When Sri Lanka hosted them for the first time in 1986, Pakistan recorded their first win at Kandy while Sri Lanka’s first victory on home soil against the rivals came in the following Test at CCC.
For the home team, Galle has been the venue for three (in 2009, 2012, 2014) wins while the P.Sara Oval (in 2009), SSC (in 2014) and CCC (in 1986) have witnessed the remaining victories. Pakistan, on the other hand, has recorded 3 wins at Asgiriya (1986, 1994, 2006), one each at Galle (in 2000), P.Sara Oval (in 1994) and SSC (in 2000).
Galle – a place of deceiving views
With the lovely Indian Ocean on two sides, bordering the famous Dutch Fort and town, Galle is one of the most picturesque venues in international cricket. But hidden behind the panorama, deceitfully Galle has been a fortress for the Lions ever since it hosted its first Test in 1998. Galle has hosted 24 Tests while the hosts have won 13 of them, losing 5. Pakistan’s only win at Galle came in 2000 by innings and 163 runs.
Pallekele and the Oval
The Pallekele international stadium has hosted one test between the two sides which ended in a draw in 2012. The P.Sara Oval, has been the venue for three Tests as both sides have recorded one win each while the other ended in a draw.
The two teams closely connected both on and off the field, will yet again engage in an intense battle, elevating the highest spirits of rivalry and comradeship by offering 3 mouthwatering contests of the game’s oldest form.
