Subplots that made a thrilling contest - Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Test series

Younis Khan scored a magnificent 171 not out in the third Test

It has now evolved as a tradition for the broadcasters across the world to mark the performances of teams over sessions. A general agreement is now established over winning more number of sessions would assure you a win in the format that’s played over 15 sessions. But, there will be certain performances with durations- smaller than even sessions or sometimes extend over multiple sessions that could change the entire complexion of the game.

Pakistan’s ODI report card over the past six months is nothing but impressive. But their Test performances are encouraging. In the last five years, Pakistan has a higher success rate only after South Africa, England and Australia. With cricket returning home and with this 2-1 series win over Sri Lanka, Pakistan’s cricket fans are more hopeful about their future performances.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka is going through a phase of transition - without the likes of Mahela Jayawardene, Lasith Malinga, Dilshan and Sangakkara now (to play his last Test soon). Angelo Matthews has evolved himself as a captain and most importantly their fast bowling attack looks sharp than ever before. They might be disappointed with the loss, but they believe they had their chances in the game.

Here are the top 3 subplots that built up to an absorbing Test series:

Test 1: Yasir Shah ripped through the Sri Lankan batting lineup on the fifth day -

Pakistan win a match by 10 wickets for the first time in three years

Lunch break- SL were at 144 for 4- lead by 27 runs

Tea break- SL were all out for 206 runs- Pakistan need 90 runs to win

Sri Lankan batting looked comfortable to extend the Test match to a draw by batting Pakistan out of the match. They were 144 for the loss 4 wickets with two sessions to play with Angelo Matthews and Karunaratne at the center. But Yasir Shah had other plans for Sri Lanka. He ripped through their batting lineup and the Sri Lankan middle order had no answer. They lost 6 wickets for a meager 62 runs and Yasir picked five of them. Pakistan openers just took 68 deliveries to finish the chase.

Test 2: Rise of the Sri Lankan fast bowling attack

The Sri Lankan fast bowlers picked 13 off 20 Pakistan wickets to level the series.

Dhammika Prasad emerged as the leader of the pack for the Sri Lankan fast bowling department. Many fast bowlers tried their hand ever since Chaminda Vaas retired from cricket and Sri Lanka seems to have found a solution. Dhushanth Chameera kept the speed meter ticking since the first ball he bowled in this match. His performance not only impressed the experts but also everyone across the country.

Sri Lankan bowling best sessions:

Day 1- Session 2: 19.5 overs 68 runs for 8 wickets

Day 4- Session 2: 31.2 overs 85 runs for 6 wickets

Test 3: Younis Khan- Shan Masood’s 242 run partnership make it a record breaking chase for Pakistan

This partnership helped Pakistan win a series in Sri Lanka after nine long years.

When Younis Khan walked to the crease, Pakistan were in deep trouble and were heading for another loss – they lost 2 wickets with just 13 runs on the board. Shan Masood was just playing his fifth Test match and it needed a lot of composure and belief to take their team through.

He scored his maiden hundred but would have been disappointed to not have finished the game for himself. Younis Khan brings that composure and calmness to the center. He made sure that he is there till the end and scored a magnificent 171 runs off 271 deliveries. Playing his 101st Test, he might have been there and done that many times before. This could easily be rated as his ‘best performance’ till date.

They next play five ODIs and two T20Is in this tour. Pakistan boosted with this success would wish to win the ODI series and confirm their spot in the Champions Trophy 2017.