Day4: The Target of 294 - A Challenge for Pakistan
The play started with Sri Lanka enjoying the clean advantage of a 198 runs lead plus five wickets in hand. Having raised his team to such a position of strength, Russel Arnold was still batting at 63. Aravinda De Silva, his partner at the other end was also a batsman of outstanding merit. They were quite capable of holding the inning to any level and a posting good total for Pakistan to face.
The play started with the two umpires taking post, among the Nazir Junior celebrating his 54th Birthday. He received messages of congratulations from all around.
Having pulled a thigh muscle. De Silva came in to bat with a runner. The pitch being docile was not helping the batsmen. Commencing at the overnight score of 129 for 5, Russel Arnold and Aravinda De Silva played with immense confidence raising the score to 188. After playing a fine inning of 31, Aravinda was out. This was an excellent break for Pakistan but Russel Arnold acting as the sheet anchor for his side was still at the crease with 93, golden runs. Bad luck struck Arnold, when Arshad Khan came to bowl again. Surprisingly Arnold looking nervous against him got out at 99. Having played a gallant inning he some how fell into the off spinner's trap. Chaminda Vaas was the next man to go. Sri Lanka was now 206 for 8. With Pushpakumara and Wickramasinghe going down on after the other. Sri Lanka was all out for 224 runs.
A GIGANTIC TASK FOR PAKISTAN.
Sri Lanka having taken a lead of 293 runs, winning the match was a big challenge for Pakistan. Though Pakistan team had the capability, its batting line had lost the ability to dig in and bat with restraint. Its trail was also pretty fragile.
Pakistan opened with Saeed Anwar and Shahid Afridi, a matinee idol of the people of the Frontier Province. He was basically a prolific one day batsman. Opening the inning in a test was a trial of his nerves. Pakistan had a day and a half to achieve the target and should have thus played a steady game. They started with requisite confidence but lost Shahid Afridi at 59. Saeed Anwar being the main stay of the inning they raised the total to 77 when Inzamam was out for 9. With his departure, Pakistan had lost a match winnerAamer Sohail and Younis Khan having gone out cheaply Pakistan was 103 for 4.
Although Sri Lanka was keeping Pakistan under pressure the batsmen were keeping the score hoard moving. The 5th wicket fell at 145 when Razz was out for 6. Except for Yousuf Youhana when held the crease with full determination, the other batsmen fizzled out quick, Young Atiq-uz-Zaman kept his company, playing some very enterprising cricket.
They had almost swung the match to Pakistan's favour. Pakistan had piled up a very good score of 200 runs with Yousuf Youhana (77) still at the crease, playing a gallant inning. Atiq also contributed 25 runs was out at 208.
Saeed Anwar who had left the field after a small injury returned to the crease to provide confidence to his team. Pakistan almost had the victory in sight when the big tragedy occurred. Youhana was out after playing a heroic inning of 88 runs. Waqar Younis came and was out first ball, leaving Muralitharan at hat trick. Pakistan was 222 for 8. Having taken 4 wickets for 71, Muralitharan was again the hero of the 4th day.
Pakistan lost the initiative that it got in the midstream. It trails behind by 72 runs, with Saeed Anwar, the only batsman to survive such a pressure, it is a gigantic task for Pakistan. His performance with depends on how good a stand the left over tail enders can provide him.
Day 4 session reports are appended below:-
SRI LANKA GIVES A CHALLENGING TARGET TO PAKISTAN
Sri Lanka starts the game with a lead of 198 runs and 5 wickets in hand. Russel Arnold (63) and Arvinda De Silva (7) holding the crease were both accomplished batsmen. Sri Lanka was in an advantageous position. How efficiently and how accurately the Pakistan bowler could bowl during the day was the key note. It would indicate the total that Pakistan shall have to face. The Sri Lankan captain having opted for the heavy roller, the pitch did not seem to have undergone any change in its character.
The first over bowled by Shoaib Akhtar, though steady in nature still conceded 5 runs, Sri Lanka being now 134 for 5. In his first over Waqar Younis was driven to covers by Arnold for the first boundary of the day, taking his individual score to 67. De Silva was batting with 8 at the other end. Having pulled a thigh muscle he took the crease with a runner. Sri Lanka added 18 runs in the first 5 overs of the day and was 147 for 5 after completion of 48 overs of its 2nd inning. The pitch being docile was not helping the speedsters.
The speed merchants having created no impact on the Sri Lankan batsmen, off spinner Arshad Khan was called in. 150 of the Sri Lankan inning came in 50 overs, a clean average of 3 runs per over. On a loose delivery of Arshad, Arnold pulled him high for 3, the ball falling in between the two fielders. Playing against the spin on the next ball Arnold dragged him to square leg, but this time for a 4. In the next over by Waqar Younis, De Silva playing a flying shot in the cover point region survived a possible chance when Shahid Afridi failed to make up the ground. Sri Lanka was 170 for 5 in 56 overs, Arnold (84) and De Silva (20) holding the crease.
Abdur Razzaq replaced Waqar Younis, who had bowled a spell that was economical but did not endanger the two batsmen. Arshad bowling from the other end was smashed for a 4 to deep mid on by Arnold. De Silva also hit Razzaq for a similar shot to the mid on boundary in the next over.
Aamer Sohail replaced Arshad Khan in the 60th over. With his easy paced left arm deliveries Aamer had to his credit the dislodging of many partnerships. The side thus expected him to create the miracle.
In the next over De Silva comfortably hooked Razzaq for the four. True to his reputation Aamer struck in the next over when Arvinda De Silva trying to cut him gave the catch to Waqar De Silva played a fine inning of 31 in 70 balls. Sri Lanka was 188 for 6. Chaminda Vaas came to bat.
Though Pakistan got in excellent break, Russel Arnold (93) holding the other end with immense confidence and fully determined to hoist a well deserved century, remained a big hurdle. The suspense was growing. It grew further when Arnold smashed Aamer high to mid wicket for a sparkling six reaching 99.
Sri Lanka was now 201 for 6. Bad luck struck Arnold when Arshad Khan was called into bowl. Surprisingly after scoring a masterly 99, Arnold was pretty nervous while facing Arshad. Playing amidst a ring formed by close in fielders, he was absolutely shaky, not tackling with confidence, the first three balls that he played. On the fourth ball he gave an easy catch to Youhana at silly point. After playing such a brilliant inning of 99, it was a real tragedy for Arnold. Arshad struck again when he dismissed Chaminda Vaas, caught by Youhana for 5. Sri Lanka was now 206 for 8. Wickrama Singhe came in and banged Arshad for a straight 4.
Second sixer of the day came when Pushpakumara hit Arshad over the fence to mid wicket. Waqar Younis came in to bowl. He again hit Waqar to cover for a 4, but gave a catch to wicket-keeper Atiq-uz-Zaman on his next bowl. Sri Lanka was now 220 for 9.
Murlaitharan took the crease, hitting Waqar straight for 2 runs. In the next over Wickrama Singhe gave an easy catch to Younis Khan at cover off Shoaib Akhtar, Sri Lanka was all out for 224 runs.
Sri Lanka has taken a lead of 293 runs which can be called a challenge for Pakistan, considering their performance in the first inning. Pakistan team is quite capable of scoring 294 to win the match but of late, the team has lost its ground holding power. So let us keep our fingers crossed.
PAKISTAN FACES A BIG TARGET
Pakistan opened the 2nd inning with Saeed Anwar and Shahid Afridi, a dashing batsman from the Frontier Province, well known for his aggressive batsmanship. An ideal player for one day cricket, he had scored a century in test cricket also. The circumstances demeaned Pakistan to play a steady inning. They had ample time at their disposal to reach the target without involving in adventuresome of any sort.
The opening pair commenced steady but the score board had to move. In the third over Saeed Anwar hits Chaminda Vaas to Square leg for a four. The second four of the inning came in the next over when Afridi hooked Pushpakumara to the boundary. Pakistan was 22 without loss in 5 overs. Realizing the Herculean task that they faced, the batsmen resorted to defence, perhaps waiting for the loose deliveries. In the 8th over, however, Sri Lanka missed a golden chance, when Saeed Anwar snicked a dangerous delivery from Pushpakumara to slips where Jayawardene fumbled to snap the catch. Vaas
An other four was added to the total when Afridi drove Vaas straight to mid on for a beautiful boundary. Pakistan's scored 32 runs in 10 overs. Wickrema Singhe came in to bowl to Shahid Afridi. The score was only building up steadily when Shahid Afridi not been able to resist the temptation hooked Pushpakumara for a towering 6. He received a thunder of applause from his home crowd. It took Afrdi to 22 and Pakistan to 44 for no loss. In 14 overs, still 250 runs away from the target.
Pakistan completed his 50 in the 18th over when Shahid Afridi hit another six over mid on boundary to Muralitharan, raising his individual score to 30. To watch the Pakistan's second inning, specially Shahid Afridi in action, the crowd kept building up gradually. In the next over Saeed Anwar flected Wickrama Singhe to fine leg for a four. On the next ball there was a loud lbw appeal against him, turned down by umpire Nazir Junior.
Sri Lanka met with its first success when Muralitharan bowling very wisely, tempted Shahid Afridi down the pitch, who missed the ball and was smartly stumped by Kaluwitharana for a well played 31 runs. Pakistan was 59 for 1.
Inzamam ul Haq took the crease. A dashing batsman, he was quite capable of taking his side out of the crises by repeating his first inning performance. Pakistan depended on him a lot. Mutiah Muralitharan, a top off spinner in the game was keeping the Pakistani batsmen in check with his deceptive bowling. Inzamam opened his account by hitting Muralitharan for a splendid six to deep mid on. In 25 overs, Pakistan was 72 for 1 with Saeed Anwar (25) and Inzamam (6) on the crease. Muralitharan was bowling with a trap around the batsmen. He succeeded in his scheme by getting the prized wicket of Inzamam who gave an easy catch to Jayawardene for 9. Pakistan was 77 for 2. With two of its best wickets down, the pressure mounted on Pakistan.
Aamer Sohail who took the crease was expected to stem the rot. He also became the victim of a bat and pad catch, held by Dilshan of Muralitharan without opening his account. Pakistan 82 for 3, at tea time, was now in a hopeless situation.
Muralitharan spins Pakistan towards defeat
The session started with Yousuf Youhana taking the crease after the fall of Aamer Sohail. Pakistan was 82 for 3 with Saeed Anwar (28) holding the fort with full confidence.
In the 32nd over Saeed Anwar, not controlling his momentum after taking a sneaky single, struck with umpire Nazir Junior with full force. Both had side rolls. While the umpire stood up, hale and hearty, Saeed got hurt and left the field for treatment.
Younis Khan came in and opened his account with a very risky single. Had the throw-in hit the stumps, Youhana would have been run out. While Muralitharan was spinning the ball too much, the two youngsters, Youhana and Younis were trying to counter his spin by attempting dangerous shots. They appeared lacking maturity in facing the master spinner.
Having gained a little confidence, Youhana drove Vaas to cover for a dashing 4. He took a risky single again almost colliding with umpire Hampshire. Continuing with his irresponsible game Younis Khan was caught by Arnold off Vaas at gully for 6. Pakistan was 103 for 4. Continuing with his dangerous display of guile Muralitharan was tempting the players to make mistakes. They were, however, facing the other bowlers well.
In the 37th over Youhana drove Vaas for a beautiful 4. In the next over he hit Muralitharan for a straight six. The situation did not demand such a violent nature of stroke play. Not realizing Youhana continued with his aggressive posture. In the next over, he again drove Vaas to mid off for a scintillating four taking his individual score to 31. In the 45th over Chaminda Vaas was warned by umpire Hampshire for running on the pitch Pakistan was 131 for 4 with Youhana (31) and Razzaq (2) holding the crease.
Jayasuriya came in to bowl and was hit for a straight six by Yousuf Youhana. In the next over Muralitharan struck again when Razzaq was declared LBW for 6. Pakistan was 145 for 5.
Yousuf Youhana hit Jayasuriya for a 6 and a four to hoist his 50 in the 52nd over. Pakistan was 156 for 5.
Young Atiq-uz-Zaman who had come in at the fall of the last wicket opened his account by hitting Muralitharan to deep mid off. In Jayasuriya's next over Yousuf Youhana hit him for two more straight shots to the boundary. Continuing with strokes-play in one day style, Youhana was profusely cheered by the crowd. In the next over Youhana came down the pitch to smack a Muralitharan delivery for a big hit and was dropped by Pushpakumara at mid on. Muralitharan was quite vocal in displaying his disguise.
The atmosphere was shrouded in suspense when Atiq snicked Wickrama Singhe, Wicket-keeper Kaluwitharana picking up the ball from the ground and claiming the catch. Umpire Nazir Junior refered the decision to third umpire who declared the batsman "not out". The ball had touched the ground. The badly under pressure Pakistan team got some relief.
In the 58th over Youhana smashed Wickrama Singhe to mid off boundary for a quick-fire four. The chances that the two batsmen availed and the courage shown by them strengthened Pakistan's resolve to continue fighting for the target.
Pakistan completed 200 of the inning in 62nd over with Youhana (77) and Atiq (22). With 206 for 5, Pakistan needs 88 runs to win the match. Pakistan was certainly back in the game with pressure mounting on Sri Lanka. Muralitharan's venom also appeared to have been nutralized to some extent. After playing an aggressive inning of 25 Atiq was bowled by Vaas. Pakistan was 208 for 6.
Saeed Anwar returned to the crease accompnied by Shahid Afridi to act as "runner". The game having taken a dramatic turned was more in Pakistan's grip.
To strengthen the players, confidence and determination to win, it was a good move on the the part of skipper Saeed Anwar to come in to face last overs of the day and encounter the fading light, rather than leaving the difficult task to a tail-ender.
In the 69th over a big tragedy struck Pakistan when Youhana playing a sharply coming in delivery from Muralitharan was declared LBW after playing a galant inning of 88 runs.Waqar Younis came in and was out bat and pad catch at very first ball. Pakistan was 222 for 8 with Saeed Anwar batting at 32. Having taken 4 wickets for 71 runs, Muralitharan turned to be the hero again.
The Sri Lankan having turned the tables in their favour, Pakistan is in a precarious situation. It is 72 runs away from the target, with Saeed Anwar being the only batsman worth the name.
Day5: MURALITHARAN ROUTS PAKISTAN
Saeed Anwar and Arshad Khan opened the Pakistan's dwindling inning with the overnight score of 222 for 8. Saeed Anwar with 32 runs to his credit was the only hope for Pakistan, the others not capable of holding their own in such a precarious condition.
A miracle could only save Pakistan for which atleast staying at the wicket was essential. The batsmen, however, showed different designs. They came out to bat with the intention of hitting out, meaning they were not sure of their ability to achieve the target Saeed Anwar threw away his wicket, hitting a flying shot and caught by Wickeramasinghe at mid-on for 36. Pakistan was 226 for 9 with no hopes of a survival. In the next over Arshad Khan was also caught by Jayawardene of Muralitharan for 5. Pakistan was thus bundled out for 236, suffering a defeat by 57 runs. Mutiah Muralitharan was declared "Man of the Match" for his magnificent haul of 10 wickets.
A part from Pakistan's inability to hold the ground, Muralitharan was the main wrecker of the Pakistan team. He made use of the turning wicket to his best advantage. He mesmerised the batsmen to such an extent that none other than Yousaf Youhana faced him with confidence. Having not been able to adjust their style of batting with the situation, the defeat was mainly of Pakistan's own making. While the conditions required the batsmen to dig in and hold the crease, they persisted with flashy strokes, thus throwing away the wickets. With a heroic knock of 88 Yousaf Youhana had taken the team to winning position but the remaining batsmen failed to capitalize on the precious gain.
The 3rd and final test starts at Karachi on 12 March.
