Pakistan v Sri Lanka at Karachi: CricInfo Report

Pakistan v Sri Lanka at Karachi
12-16 Mar 2000 (Col (Retd) Rafi Nasim)

Day1 | Day2 | Day3 | Day4

Day1: Inzamam saves Pak blushes with fighting 86

Sri Lanka, having won the toss, put Pakistan into bat. The Pakistan team had five changes from the previous test. Moin Khan was the captain in place of Saeed Anwar who was down with a stiff neck. Others who made the side were Mohammad Akram, Ijaz Ahmed, Naved Ashraf and debutant Irfan Fazil.

Pakistan opened with Shahid Afridi and Naved Ashraf. While Afridi was playing confidently, Pakistan lost Naved at 40 when he was bowled by Pushpakumara for 5.

Ijaz Ahmed, recalled after a lapse of five matches, could not discover his form and was out for 7 with Pakistan 82 for 2. Inzamam-ul-Haq joined Shahid Afridi, who was batting with immense confidence. He was holding the crease as well as entertaining the crowd with some exciting shots. In the process of hitting his traditional lofted shots, Afridi lost his wicket after playing an aggressive innings of 74 leaving Pakistan at 111 for 3.

Yousuf Youhana was caught at mid-wicket having come down the pitch to play an undesirable shot. Pakistan 135 for 4.

While Inzamam-ul-Haq was holding one end by batting confidently, the wickets continued to tumble from the other end. Younis Khan was the next to go when Chaminda Vaas trapped him in front of the stumps for 7. Pakistan losing fifth wicket at 152.

Moin Khan, Pakistan's stand-in captain, was the new batsman. Having played some valuable innings in crisis situation, he was expected to stay at the crease, which he did not. Moin was the sixth man to be dismissed after scoring 6 off 25 balls. Pakistan's score at that point was 164.

While wickets were falling one after the other, the runs were also adding up. There was a common thought that a score of around 250 would be quite safe as Pakistan's strong bowling line-up was expected to restrict the Sri Lankans to a similar total.

With Pakistan's main batsmen having returned to the pavilion, all eyes were focussed on Inzamam-ul-Haq who was batting very well at 38.

Though the pitch was said to be more suitable for pace bowlers, Muttiah Muralitharan was playing his magic well. He was once again the bowler who caused Pakistan's slide.

Pakistan lost their seventh wicket at 197 when Waqar Younis was dismissed for 16. The game was now in the hands of the tail enders, having no significant batting performance to their credit. Shoaib Akhtar, however, gave an excellent stand to Inzamam. The pair put on 50 runs for the eighth wicket before Inzamam was run out at 247. Inzamam played a gladiator's role in scoring a brilliant 86. The tail enders did not last long and the whole innings got terminated at 256. Muralitharan was again Sri Lanka's best bowler with figures of four for 89.

Sri Lanka faced two overs and scored 10 runs when play ended.

The pitch is likely to maintain its character on the second day. All depends on the Pakistani bowlers how accurately they can bowl to restrict the Sri Lankans from amassing a big total.

Day 1: Session reports are appended below

JAYASURIYA PUTS PAKISTAN IN ON A GREEN PITCH

National Stadium Karachi, the venue of this Test is one of the top cricket centers of the world having the honours of hosting semi-finals of the World Cup 1987 and 1996. Commissioned in 1955, thirty-one Test matches have so far been played on this ground. The Pakistan team holds the distinction of not losing a Test on this ground.

Ranjit Fernando inspected the pitch and opined that being a grassy top track it would help the pace bowlers. Sanath Jayasuriya won the toss and put Pakistan into bat. In the absence of Saeed Anwar, down with a stiff neck, the Pakistan team is led by Moin Khan. The others finding place in the team were Speedsters Mohammad Akram and Irfan Fazil and batsmen Ijaz Ahmed and Naved Ashraf. Irfan Fazil is the lucky young man to win the Test cap.

The Sri Lankan team had only one change, De Saram coming in place of Aravinda de Silva who got hurt.

Pakistan opened the innings with Shahid Afridi and Naved Ashraf against the bowling of Chaminda Vaas, generating reasonable speed and moving the ball in. As usual, he bowled a noball in the first over. Pushpakumara opened the attack from the other end with a loud lbw shout against Shahid Afridi on his very first ball. He, however, was then forcefully driven to the mid-wicket region for a four. In the seventh over, Naved Ashraf hooked Vaas for a sparkling four to raise Pakistan's score to 26.

The first bowling change took place in the 8th over with Wickramasinghe replacing Pushpakumara. In his second over, Shahid Afridi, after being quite sedate for three overs, flicked him to fine-leg for a four, then drove to the mid-off boundary. In Wickramasinghe's next over Afridi edged him to the third-man boundary for another four. With the score reading 40, Pakistan lost its first wicket when Naved Ashraf, playing away from his body, edged a Pushpakumara delivery onto his stumps after scoring five runs.

AFRIDI SHINES WITH A HARD-HITTING 67*

In the 14th over Afridi hit Wickramasinghe for two consecutive fours, continuing with his belligerent stroke play. He again cut him over the gully area for another four. With this, Pakistan crossed 50 of the innings. In Wickramasinghe's next over Afridi again chopped him for a four, hitting him for another four through slip and gully taking his individual score to 45.

Ijaz Ahmed, having come in at the fall of first wicket, drove Pushpakumara to mid-on for a four, taking Pakistan to 67 for 1. Afridi also pulled a short-pitched delivery from Pushpakumara to the mid-wicket boundary for an exciting four.

Muttiah Muralitharan came in to bowl in the 18th over and was played to short-leg for two by Shahid Afridi, who completed a hard-hitting half century. On the next ball, Afridi came down the pitch hitting Muralitharan straight over his head for a mighty six, taking Pakistan to 82 for 1. In the next Chaminda Vaas over, a loud appeal for caught behind against Ijaz Ahmed was turned down by umpire Riazuddin. A little later, Vaas, however trapped Ijaz lbw for 7. Pakistan lost their second wicket at 82. Ijaz, basically a very competent batsman, was playing his first match of the series.

Shahid Afridi, finding the pitch to his liking, continued to hammer the bowlers for repeated boundaries. At lunch Pakistan were 95 for 2 in 24 overs. Shahid Afridi, 69, dominated the session. Inzamam-ul-Haq, who took the crease after the departure of Ijaz Ahmed, was batting on two.

SRI LANKANS ROAR BACK

Pakistan resumed at 95 for 2 after lunch. Chamind Vaas finding some problems in his run-up and delivery and conceded 10 no balls in the first 25 overs of play. With Shahid Afridi driving Chaminda Vaas to the mid-wicket boundary, Pakistan hoisted 100 of the innings. With Pakistan 102 for 2, Wickramasinghe came in to bowl and launched a loud lbw appeal against Inzamam, turned down by the umpire. On the very next ball he was driven by the same batsman to mid-on for a thundering boundary.

Afridi hit Muralitharan to square-leg for a four, forgetting that he was too good a bowler for such a treatment. Muralitharan tempted him to repeat the shot on the next ball. Afridi, hitting high this time, was caught by Wickramasinghe in the midfield for an aggressive 74. The total was 111 for 3.

New batsman Yousuf Youhana played a poor shot off Muralitharan as the ball touched the hands of a diving Arnold down to the third man boundary for four. On the other hand Inzamam, playing a responsible knock, drove Muralitharan for a straight four taking Pakistan to 130 for 2.

In the 37th over there was a loud cry for lbw from Pushpakumara against Youhana but the umpire responded in the negative. Muralitharan, on the other hand, began extracting turn from the pitch, said to be designed for the spinner. The batsmen, as usual, were not feeling comfortable while facing him. Using his trick of drawing batsmen out of the crease, he bowled an easy one to Yousuf Youhana who could not resist the temptation.

Youhana came down the wicket and in an effort to loft him over mid-on, was caught by Wickramasinghe at mid-wicket for 7. Youhana faced 34 balls. Pakistan was 134 for 4.

Younis Khan, who scored century in debut Test at Rawalpindi, came in to bat with the visiting bowler taking control of the situation. At one stage only 11 runs were scored in 8 overs.

Inzamam, however, lifted Muralitharan to the mid-on boundary for a consolation four. Younis Khan then cut Muralitharan through the slips for a risky four taking Pakistan to 150 for four in 46 overs. Inzamam was playing confidently for 31 and Younis Khan 6. A little later Younis was declared lbw off Vaas for a nervous 7 off 35 balls. Pakistan 152 for five. Moin Khan, holding the reins of the captaincy, came into bat and beautifully drove Pushpakumara through the covers for four. From the other end, Inzamam pulled Vaas to the fine-leg boundary for a lusty four.

In the last over before tea, Moin drove Wickeramasinghe only to be caught by De Saram. Moin scored 6 off 25 balls. At tea, Pakistan was 164 for six with Inzamam going strong at 38.

INZAMAM SAVES PAK BLUSHES WITH FIGHTING 86

Resuming play after tea, Inzamam hit Muralitharan straight over his head for a four. Except for Inzamam batting at 44, there was hardly a recognized batsman capable of stemming the rot. Waqar Younis, batting at the other end, had some valuable innings to his credit, but could not take liberties in a situation when Pakistan was under pressure, especially against mysterious Muralitharan. According to legendary Hanif Muhammad, Muralitharan can turn the ball even on a glass surface.

In the 62nd over, Inzamam drove Wickramasinghe for a single to complete his 50. On the next ball, Waqar square-cut the same bowler for four when Atapattu misfielded. The next Muralitharan over was a costly one. It yielded a four to Inzamam, to hit him to mid-on, Waqar Younis followed with a mighty six over mid-wicket. In the next over, Muralitharan had his revenge when Waqar was caught bat and pad for a quickfire 16. Pakistan 197 for 7.

In the 66th over Inzamam hoisted 200 of the innings by smashing Muralitharan for a four. Shoaib emulated him by hitting Muralitharan for another four. After 70 overs Pakistan were 216 for 7 with Inzamam (65) and Shoaib (9) as the not out batsmen.

Having crossed the 200 mark, Pakistan seemed to have come out of crisis somewhat. The experts felt that the firepower Pakistan possesses in their bowling line-up, an around 250 would be a safe total.

Inzamam-ul-Haq, playing a determined innings, hit Muralitharan to the fine-leg boundary on a ball that swung by yards. Shoaib Akhtar, having adjusted to the condition, lofted Muralitharan for a six. He repeated the shot again but the ball fell short of the boundary. Shoaib got two runs. For some time the two batsmen played in the style of one-dayer which the situation did not demand.

Pakistan lost their crucial wicket when Inzamam-ul-Haq, having played a gladiator's role, was run out for an invaluable 86. Pakistan's score at that stage was 247 for 8. Irfan Fazil, playing his first Test match, joined Shoaib Akhtar and the Pakistan innings falling in the hand of the tail.

Wielding the long handle, Shoaib Akhtar was caught by Pushpakumara off Muralitharan for a well played 26 - his highest Test score. Pakistan 255 for 9. Muhammad Akram was caught by Atapattu off Jayasuriya for a duck as Pakistan innings ended at the score of 256.

Muralitharan proved his worth again taking 4/89.

Sri Lanka opened the innings with Jayasuriya and Atapattu against the fiery attack of Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar. In the two overs, Sri Lankans had scored 10 runs without any loss. Jayasuriya (5) and Attapattu (1) were the batsmen at the crease.

Day2: Karachi Test Heads For An Exciting Finish

Pakistan's first inning score of 256 runs could be called a fighting total but not good enough to dictate terms to Sri Lanka who had shown excellent batting form in the previous encounters.

Commencing the inning with the overnight score of 10 for no loss, Sri Lanka did not take a brilliant start. With Marvan Atapattu lbw Waqar Younis for 3, when Sri Lanka was at 17, the visitors lost an important wicket. On the other side Pakistan got a vital break through. After a few overs when Sri Lanka was at 41 Jayasuriya was beautifully caught by Ijaz off Shoaib Akhtar for 24. A little later Jayasuriya was out for 1. Sri Lanka 46 for 3.

Waqar and Shoaib were in full cry, Russel Arnold being the only batsman facing the speed merchants with confidence. His ouster after playing an invaluable inning of 48 when Sri Lanka was at 100 was a landmark for Pakistan. Irfan Fazil a young pace bowler having won the test cap in this match was called upon to bowl. Trying to cut him, Russel Arnold gave the catch to Younis Khan in the slips. While, it was a moment of joy for Irfan Fazil, for claiming his first wicket in test cricket, it was a big loss for Sri Lanka, having lost 4 wickets for 100 runs.

The game was dominated by the Pakistani bowlers, grabbing four wickets in the pre-lunch session was, by all means, a good performance.

After Arnold, Kaluwitharana was the batsman steering Sri Lanka towards the target, but he was run out after playing an aggressive knock of 42 runs. Sri Lanka thus lost its 5th wicket at 154 runs. A little later Shahid Afridi bowling his leg spinners got De Saram out, bringing Sri Lanka down to 164 for 6. Dilshan was the 7th batsman to go at Sri Lanka's score of 188.

Pushpakumara was the next to go. Having adopted a defensive posture he had scored only one run in 23 balls. Sri Lanka was 206 for 8. Wickramasinghe was out for a duck immediately after.

Chaminda Vaas who had scored a highly valuable half-century in the first test, tried his best to provide respectability to the Sri Lanka inning.

Muralitharan being the next batsman to leave the crease for 14, Sri Lanka was all out for 227 runs. Chaminda Vaas having played a heroic inning of 25 remained not out.

Pakistan Starts the Inning: Pakistan commenced its 2nd inning with a moderate lead of 29 runs. Shahid Afridi and Naved Ashraf gave the inning an excellent start. Both the players were playing with tremendous confidence when in the 19th over Afridi was out for a well played 34 when Pakistan had 70 runs on the board.

The second opener Naveed Ashraf was also out at the same score after scoring a useful 27.

The old stalwarts, Ijaz Ahmad and Inzamam were at the crease and were expected to hold the inning with full strength. While Inzamam had performed well in the previous matches, Ijaz needed a big inning to rehabilitate himself. Unluckily he was trapped for a bat and pad catch off Muralitharan when Pakistan was at 88. Many observers felt the decision to be doubtful.

As the game resumes on Tuesday, the Pakistani batsmen must apply themselves fully and hold the crease. To achieve a winning position Pakistan must score around 250 runs.

Day 2: All session reports are appended below

PAKISTANI PACERS DICTATE TERMS

In the two overs that Sri Lanka batted on Sunday evening, the team had scored 10 runs for no loss. Pakistan's total of 256 is a fighting score but not enough to dictate the terms to the opponents. It is a crucial day for both the teams. The pitch is said to be the good for batting, also providing some bounce to the pace bowlers.

Jayasuriya took the strike from Mohammad Akram with the first ball passing two feet away from the off stump, the second one a no ball and the third missing the leg-stump. As the next ball came closer, Jayasuriya drove it to the covers for a four. The first over yielded 5 runs. Akram's figures read 15 wickets in 8 Tests. From the other end, Atapattu faced Waqar Younis and was driven to square-leg for 2. On the fourth ball, Waqar trapped him lbw for 3, a vital breakthrough for Pakistan. Sri Lanka 17 for 1.

Russel Arnold took the crease and hooked a Waqar bouncer that yielded one run. In five overs Sri Lanka were 20 for one. In his next over Waqar was thrown over the fence by Jayasuriya for a prolific six in the cover point region. In an effort to generate maximum speed Shoaib bounced a few deliveries but the batsmen kept their cool. In Waqar's next over, fielders made a loud appeal for caught behind against Jayasuriya, politely declined by umpire Riazuddin. In the next over, Jayasuriya beautifully drove Waqar through the covers for four. Shoaib, continuing his hostility, succeeded in tempting Jayasuriya to hit a short-pitched delivery, getting him caught by Ijaz Ahmed at backward point for 24. Sri Lanka 41 for 2.

Jayawardene took the crease while Mohammad Akram returned to bowl, keeping a steady pace. In the 12th over Waqar struck again getting Jayawardene caught behind by Moin Khan for 1. Sri Lanka 46 for 3. In the 17th over, Arnold hit a no-ball from Mohammad Akram to the third man boundary taking his individual score to 17. Sri Lanka crossed 50 of the innings. The Pakistan pace bowlers were doing well, keeping the score in check as well as taking wickets. Arnold, however, finding Akram easy to play, punishing him with two consecutive fours, one in the square-leg region and the other through the covers. Sri Lanka were 59 for 3 in 15 overs. With the Sri Lankan batsmen opening up now, the score started mounting. In the 18th over, Arnold mishit a ball from Shoaib to the third-man boundary for four. In the next Shoaib over he managed to drive him straight for four. Picking up more courage now, he hooked Shoaib for another four taking his individual score to 44.

In the next over by Akram, Dilshan drove him beautifully to the square-leg boundary for four. In the 23rd over, debutant Irfan Fazil, a medium-pacer, was brought up and was driven straight by Dilshan for a four. It was an over-pitched delivery, which the batsman took full advantage. The boy possess a straight, smooth and balanced action with a tendency to generate speed.

Shahid Afridi, the only spin bowler in the side, was called upon to provide relief to the speed merchants. On a no-ball, he was nicely driven to the square-leg boundary by Arnold for a four.

In the second over of his Test career, young Irfan Fazil met with his first success. Russel Arnold, trying to cut him, was caught in the slips by Younis Khan for an enterprising innings of 48. Sri Lanka were 100 for 4 at lunch, debutante Irfan Fazil having claimed the wicket of the in-form batsman.

PAKISTAN AND SRI LANKA SHARE POST-LUNCH HONOURS

The pre-lunch session of the game was dominated by the Pakistan pace bowlers. Claiming four Sri Lankan wickets in the session was by all means a good performance.

The after lunch session commenced with Dilshan hitting Akram to backward point for four. The batsman slammed the same bowler for another boundary to backward-point. With repeated hits to the fence, Sri Lanka accelerated the rate of scoring quite a bit. By pitching his deliveries outside the off-stumps, Irfan was being punished by Kaluwitharana, who hit him to the extra-cover boundary twice. It was a 9-ball over from Irfan in which he conceded 18 runs including 3 no balls. In the 30th over, Kaluwitharana survived playing on, when he offered an inner edge to a delivery from Akram with the ball missing the stumps by a razor's edge. Sri Lanka 139 for 4.

Waqar Younis relieved Irfan Fazil and was hit twice by Kaluwitharana to the square and fine-leg boundaries. He then square cut Waqar for his third four of the over. Kaluwitharana reached 41 with 9 fours most of them played through the gaps.

In the face of highly aggressive batting by the Sri Lankan batsmen, Shahid Afridi managed to bowl a maiden over - a commendable effort. Tragedy struck Sri Lanka in the 33rd over when Kaluwitharana was run out after playing an aggressive knock of 42 off just 29 balls. Sri Lanka were 154 for 5. Indika De Saram took the crease. Dilshan was the other batsman having scored 23 runs in 72 balls. With Kaluwitharana's exit, the rate of scoring came down - some peace prevailed in the field.

In the 37th over, Shahid Afridi returned to bowl and was hit straight by Dilshan. A little later, Afridi struck to secure his first wicket of the match when De Saram played him across the line, offering a catch to Waqar Younis for 5. Sri Lanka 164 for 6.

Chaminda Vaas came in to bat in the 40th over. While he was in the process of settling down his partner, Dilshan became the subject of a loud lbw appeal on a Shoaib yorker which was turned down by umpire Riazuddin. Mohammad Akram came in to bowl again in the 44th over. He was bowling a good line but not meeting with success. The Sri Lankans were playing steadily without taking risks. Luck did not help Akram when his effort to take a wicket was foiled. Dilshan snicked him but the ball could not be held by Moin Khan. Had the wicketkeeper taken a step forward it would have been a simple catch. A little later, Dilshan snicked Afridi with Moin making no mistake this time. Dilshan was out after a defiant innings of 31 in 100 balls. Sri Lanka 188 for 7.

Pushpakumara took the crease while on the other end, Vaas continued adding to the total by scoring ones and twos. He was batting with 19 with Sri Lanka 201 for 7 at tea.

PAKISTAN TAKE FIRST INNINGS LEAD

A little suspense arose in the stadium after tea when Vaas lofted Afridi to the mid-wicket region. The fielders ran for the catch but it turned out to be a no ball. There was more thrill in the next over when Pushpakumara survived a run out chance. The throw had hit the stumps with batsman barely making his ground. On his first delivery after tea, Shoaib Akhtar got Pushpakumara caught behind by Moin Khan for one scored in 23 balls. Sri Lanka 206 for 8.

Wickramasinghe, having taken the crease, was clean bowled by a ferocious Shoaib delivery for his fourth duck of the series. Sri Lanka remained 206 for 9. Muralitharan came in and cracked Afridi through the covers for four. He hit a four again pulling the same bowler. Continuing to punish Afridi, Muralitharan edged one to the third man boundary for four raising his personal score to 14. M Akram ultimately struck when he got Muralitharan caught by Irfan Fazil at extra-cover for an exciting 14. Sri Lanka all out for 227, Chaminda Vaas remaining not out on 25. The last wicket pair of Muralitharan and Vaas contributed a useful 21 runs. The wickets were shared by the bowlers with Shoaib Akhtar getting three of them. Pakistan have a lead of 29 runs.

THIRD TEST EVENLY POISED

With a lead of 29 runs over Sri Lanka, Pakistan opened the 2nd inning with Shahid Afridi and Naved Ashraf. Chaminda Vaas and Pushpakumara launched the attack. It was a steady opening by the two players. In the fourth over there was a confident appeal for LBW against Afridi by Pushpapumara but was declined by the umpire. A little later Afridi cut him for a four to bring Pakistan to 26 for no loss.

In the next over Afridi hit was to mid off boundary followed by another a drive to covers for 4, taking his individual score 17. Pakistan's total rose to 35. In the 7th over Naved Ashraf smashed a no ball from Wickramasinghe for 4. He hooked another no ball from him for a boundary. Afridi also followed suit hitting him for a 4. Wickramasinghe having bowled a nine ball over, conceded 14 runs including 3 for no balls. In the 9th over Pakistan reached 50 of the inning on a no ball from Wickramasinghe. Naved Ashraf (20) and Afridi (21) were holding the crease confidently, at the same time scoring runs at a reasonable pace. In the 12th over Afridi smashed Vaas over the slips for a four. Playing most of his shots with a straight bat, and hitting sparingly, Afridi appeared to have controlled his impulse for adventurism.

In the 16th over Afridi hit was to the point boundary for a scintillating four raising his personal score to 33 and Pakistan to 67 for no loss. In the 19th over Pushpakumara struck when he clean bowled Shahid Afridi for a well played 34. Although playing confidently Afridi missed the line of the ball. Pakistan lost the first wicket at 70.

Ijaz Ahmed who has been a regular member of the Pakistan team, with 12 test centuries to his credit came in to bat. Another damage was caused to Pakistan team when Naved Ashraf having given Pakistan a good start was LBW off Muralitharan for 27. Pakistan was 70 for 2.

Inzamam joined his old pal Ijaz on the crease. The fall of the two openers was a big blow for Pakistan. Muralitharan, the magician was on the attack. He was the deciding factor in the previous matches and could be the same again. The two batsmen at the crease have brought many laurels to Pakistan in the past. While Inzamam is doing well, Ijaz was not in the best of form. He is counted among the "fading out" players, thus desperately needed a big inning to stay in the game.

Alas it was not so. In the 28th over he become the victim of Muralitharan's trap and was caught by Dilshan at forward short leg for 3. Pakistan was 84 for 3 when Shoaib Akhtar came as the night watchman.

With the fading light and three main batsmen back in the pavilion, Pakistan was in a precarious situation, the top priority for them being to play through the evening without losing more wickets.

The game ended with Pakistan at 88 for 3 Inzamam (12) and Shoaib (0) holding the crease.

Day3: Inzamam carries the day with a sparkling century

The play commenced with Pakistan at 88 for 3. Pakistan had an overall lead of 117 runs with 7 wickets in hand. Speedster Shoaib Akhtar who came as the night-watchman gave a commendable stand to Inzamam-ul-Haq. He was out lbw to Chaminda Vaas with Pakistan at 106. Surprisingly, demonstrating his concentration, he did not score a run in 42 balls that he faced.

Yousuf Youhana took the crease. While Inzamam was playing with tremendous confidence, Youhana was not at his best. Short of nervousness, he was shaky throughout his stay at the crease. He was out after scoring 11 runs in 61 balls. Pakistan was 159 for 5.

Young Younis Khan, 7th on the list of Pakistani batsman to score a century on debut, took the crease. The cricket lovers expected a good inning from him and he certainly did not disappoint them.

The two batsmen playing a steady game with occasional strokes to the boundary took the Pakistan score to 200. Younis Khan having opened up now hit Chaminda Vaas for two fours in one over, followed by 10 runs off Jayasuriya including a six in the other.

Inzamam was already in full command of the game. In the 81st over of the game, he hoisted a glorious century, scored with the help of thirteen 4's and one six. Inzamam had shown good form throughout the series. On two previous occasions, he had held the Pakistan inning together single handedly almost running out of partners.

Playing with full determination to pile up a good total both of them took the score to 273 for 5 by tea break. Immediately after, Pakistan lost the precious wicket of Younis Khan, after he had contributed invaluable 61 runs. Pakistan was 283 for 6.

Moin Khan joined Inzamam and both of them trashed Sri Lanka's bowling, hitting all over the ground. Inzamam having contributed the lion's share of 138 runs was out while trying a big hit off Muralitharan. Pakistan was now 320 for 7, having the game fully in its control.

Moin Khan, playing a real Captain's inning completed his 50 in 74 balls and was still at the crease, when play ended with Pakistan at 375 for 7.

Pakistan has a lead of 404 runs with three wickets in hand. The score appears to be enough to put Sri Lanka to bat. It will, however, be wise for Pakistan to play the full inning. As the game has progressed so far, it will not be easy for the visitors to reach the massive target, especially when playing under the psychological pressure of the proverbial "4th inning".

Inzamam-ul-Haq, Moin Khan and Younis Khan played marvelous innings. If Pakistan wins this test, which is quite likely, some of the lost prestige will be retrieved.

Day 3: All Session Reports are appended below.

INZAMAM STEADIES PAKISTAN AGAIN

Pakistan resumed their second innings with a lead of 117 with seven wickets remaining. Inzamam-ul-Haq, the main hope for Pakistan, faced Muralitharan. Being a maiden over, Pakistan remained at 88 for 3. Chaminda Vaas opened the bowling from the other end. Two leg-byes were added to the score followed by a lbw shout against Shoaib. Another similar shout by Vaas was again turned down by umpire Riazuddin. In the next over, Inzamam hit Muralitharan to deep mid-on for a fabulous six providing some thrill to the small crowd witnessing the game. Shoaib Akhtar, who came in as night watchman, was trying to dig-in, something he was not accustomed to do.

In Muralitharan's next over Inzamam drove him to mid-wicket for four, repeating the same shot again. Pakistan crossed the 100 runs mark. After five overs play in the morning, Pakistan were 105 for 3. Inzamam, 26 not out, was playing a confident knock.

In the 39th over of Pakistan's innings, Shoaib was out lbw off Vaas to make Pakistan 106 for 4. In his effort to give solid stand to Inzamam, Shoaib went scoreless despite facing 42 balls. He left the crease limping, perhaps feeling some pain in his knee after being hit on the pad roll several times.

Yousuf Youhana took the crease. Vaas was trying to pressurize the umpire through repeated lbw shouts against the batsmen. In the 43rd over, Inzamam drove Vaas powerfully to mid-on for four, raising his score to 35. Pakistan was 117 for 4. In the next over, he again came down the wicket to punish Muralitharan but the shot yielded only one run. Yousuf Youhana, basically an enterprising batsman, was playing a subdued innings, which appeared to be part of the match strategy.

In the 49th over, Inzamam broke the dry spell to drive Muralitharan to covers for four followed by a dangerous sweep for yet another four, taking his individual score to 48. Pakistan 132 for 4. In the next over, Inzamam completed his 50 by hooking Wickramasinghe for a couple. Youhana scored 5 in 47 balls, something uncharacteristic of a batsman of his caliber. Even in the process of digging in, he appeared to be lacking in confidence.

In the 56th over, Inzamam hit Vaas to mid-on for a splendid four. He, however, was dropped by Dilshan off Vaas. In the next over, Inzamam flicked Pushpakumara to the fine-leg boundary raising his score to 61. Pakistan 150 for 4. Inzamam hooked Vaas again to the fine-leg boundary. Youhana also opened up and drove Pushpakumara to mid-on boundary for a four. A little later, Youhana, not coming in line, gave an easy catch to Kaluwitharana. Youhana faced 61 balls in scoring 11. Pakistan 159 for 5. Younis Khan, a youngster, who scored a century in his very first Test at Rawalpindi, took the crease. With a single off Vaas in the 60th over, Inzamam completed his 4000 runs in Test cricket. He achieved the landmark in his 61st Test. Having been appointed vice-captain for the tour of Sharjah, it was the occasion for Inzamam to celebrate. Pakistan 160 for five at lunch.

PAKISTAN TAKE CONTROL THROUGH INZAMAM AND YOUNIS

While Inzamam-ul-Haq was admirably playing the role of a veritable 'sheet-anchor', the cricket lovers were anxiously waiting for a good innings from Younis Khan. In the first over after lunch, Inzamam hooked Wickramasinghe for a thundering boundary that could not be cut-off by two fielders running at top speed. Inzamam took his personal score to 70. In the next over, Younis Khan hit Pushpakumara for two consecutive fours, the first at fine-leg and the other straight down the ground. Pakistan 173 for 5. The two batsmen, keeping a steady pace, were also adding singles and twos to the total.

In the 68th over, Younis Khan drove Wickramasinghe to mid-wicket taking his personal score to 19. In the same over Inzamam also smashed him through the covers for another four. Pakistan 193 for five. In the next over, Inzamam drove Muralitharan to mid-on for a four having come down the pitch to hit him. Heading for a well-deserved century, it was not wise for Inzamam to play such risky shots. With a drive for two, Inzamam helped omplete Pakistan's 200 in the 71st over. This was followed by a cover drive by Younis Khan off Vaas for four. In the next Vaas over, Younis Khan hit him for two boundaries, the first through the covers and the next to square-leg. Younis Khan took his score to 29.

Muralitharan came in to bowl and was hit straight for a four by Inzamam. Pakistan 214 for 5. Skipper Jayasuriya came in to try his luck with the ball. All eyes were, however, focussed on Inzamam's century. In the 77th over, Younis Khan cut Jayasuriya for a four followed by a sparkling six over deep mid-wicket. He drove him straight again and survived a chance, the ball going over the bowler's head touching Jayasuriya's fingers on its way to the boundary. Younis advanced to 47 and Pakistan 241 for 5.

In the 81st over, Inzamam drove Jayasuriya through the covers for a four followed by a single to complete his glorious century, scored with the help of 13 fours and one six. Pakistan 250 for 5. The new ball was taken in the 83rd over with Pushpakumara trying his skills. The ball was not getting the required swing. On the first ball of the 86th over, Younis Khan drove Vaas for a single to complete his 50, a very valuable innings under the circumstances. Inzamam also drove Vaas to mid-off for a four taking his own score to 107 and Pakistan to 256 for 5. An appreciable aspect of the Pakistan innings was that after crossing the personal landmarks, the two batsmen continued to play with responsibility without taking undue risks.

In the 88th over, Younis Khan hit a Chaminda Vaas bouncer over wicketkeeper's head for a four taking Pakistan to 271 for 5. At tea, Pakistan were 273 for 5 with Inzamam (112) and Younis Khan (59) as not out batsmen.

PAKISTAN PILES UP A FORMIDABLE TOTAL

Pakistan resumed at 273 for 5 after tea, Inzamam thrashing Pushpakumara to covers for a 4. Both the batsmen were handling the Sri Lankans quite well, when all of a sudden Younis Khan lost its patience. He tried to hook a bouncer from Wickramasinghe and was caught by wicket-keeper Kaluwitharana for an invaluable inning of 61. Pakistan was 283 for 6.

Moin Khan came in and cut Pushpakumara for a 4. Inzamam played almost a similar shot passing through the hands of Jayawardene for a 4. In the 94th over Moin hit Wickramasinghe to extra cover for a four, taking Pakistan to 300 of the inning. In the next over Inzamam pulled Vaas to fine leg for a stimulating four raising his personal score to 132.

Muralitharan came in to bowl and was hit hard by Moin Khan to deep mid on for a four, followed by a single to mid wicket. Moin was now batting at 15. A grand inning of 138 by Inzamam-ul-Haq came to an end, when trying a big hit, he was caught by Wickramasinghe off Muralitharan at deep mid off. Pakistan was now 320 for 7.

Waqar Younis took the crease and lofted Muralitharan to mid off for a four. The game progressed steadily when after a lapse of seven overs, a hit to the boundary appeared when Moin Khan drove Muralitharan to covers for a four. In the next over Moin drove Arnold through cover for another four. Pakistan was 350 for 7.

As the closing hour was approaching Waqar lifted Jayasuriya for a straight six to enthrall the crowd. In the next over Moin swept Arnold for a four to hoist his 50 in 74 balls. The day ended with Pakistan at 375 for 7.

Day4: Pakistan register morale-boosting victory

A lead of 404 was a gigantic figure for Sri Lanka to achieve. The pitch having not changed its character, was expected to continue its support to pace bowlers. Pakistan resumed with three wickets in hand but certainly not with the intention of prolonging the innings too far. Moin Khan and Waqar Younis, the overnight not outs, were playing with immense confidence. Trying to score the maximum possible runs in minimum time, both adopted an offensive posture. Attempting a big hit off Pushpakumara, Moin was out after a glorious innings of 70. Pakistan were 406 for 8. The 74-run 8th wicket stand was Pakistan's new record against Sri Lanka.

Irfan Fazil came into bat but any addition to the total depended on Waqar Younis, who was following an offensive posture. By doing so it looked as if Pakistan had decided to end their innings and put the visitors into bat. In the process, Waqar lost his wicket after playing a fine knock of 39. Pakistan were all out for 421. Pushpakumara and Muralitharan shared four wickets each.

Facing a formidable target of 451, Sri Lanka opened their second innings knowing fully well that they could not win the match. Playing the innings was thus more of a formality. Pakistan met with immediate success when Waqar Younis trapped Jayasuriya lbw for 10 to make Sri Lanka 27 for one. For some reasons, the Pakistani bowlers were not bowling a good line.

Sri Lanka lost their second wicket at 41 when Atapattu was dismissed. Having lost Russel Arnold immediately after, the fourth wicket fell at 59 and the fifth at 86. With the wickets falling at regular intervals and half of the side back, Lankans were under pressure.

To keep the game going and to entertain the small crowd that had stayed to witness the end, the Lankan batsmen restored to a violent hitting spree. The change in posture gave them a lot of runs, taking the total to a respectable figure of 228 runs.

Kaluwitharana and Pushpakumara were the two batsmen who not only held the ground with confidence but also played enterprising cricket. Hitting all over the ground Kaluwitharana was out for 33. Pushpakumara, however, was hitting as well as snicking the ball all over. He kept the scoreboard moving and was out after playing an exciting knock of 44 runs. Chaminda Vaas also contributed invaluable 28.

Sri Lanka were all out for 228, the credit for which goes to valiant innings played by Kaluwitharana and Pushpakumara. Pakistan won the Test by a credible margin of 222 runs.

The performance of the Pakistan team in this Test has brought to light the inherent strengthen in batting. With a fabulous century, Inzamamul Haq was the hero of the match. He got commendable support from Younis Khan and skipper Moin Khan.

It's generally thought that the appointments of Javed Miandad as coach and Moin Khan as captain has helped bringing out transformation of attitude in the team. The victory has raised the morale of the players and it is hoped that they will perform well in Sharjah.

Day 4: All Sessions Reports are appended below

LANKANS FACE HUGE TARGET

With a substantial lead of 404 runs and three wickets in hand, Pakistan are in a winning position, unless, off course, something dramatic happens. The pitch has not changed its character and is likely to help the pace bowlers, also providing equal advantage to batsmen.

The play commenced with a single by Moin Khan off Chaminda Vaas. While Moin (52) showed a lot of enterprise, Waqar Younis (18), having faced 77 balls, was holding the crease with defiance. Wickramasinghe bounced the first two deliveries to Moin Khan, who tried to pull them towards the leg but missed. The first four of the day came in the fourth over when Moin Khan drove Wickramasinghe to mid-wicket.

In 6th over of the day Waqar comfortably pulled Wickramasinghe to mid-wicket four a four taking his individual score to 26. Pakistan were 394 for 7. The 8th wicket partnership of 74 runs between Moin and Waqar is a new Pakistan record against Sri Lanka. With a single by Moin off Vaas, Pakistan hoisted 400 of the innings.

Something interesting happened when Muralitharan, bowling his first ball of the day, knocked the stumps down, while Waqar had moved away, protesting some disruption in front of the screen.

Pushpakumara came in to bowl and was rewarded immediately when Moin, coming down the pitch, hit him high and was caught by Arnold for a glorious knock of 70. Pakistan were 406 for 8.

Irfan Fazil, a medium-pacer playing his first Test, came in to bat. In his next over Pushpakumara was hit high by Waqar for a boundary to mid-wicket. The ball touched the hands of the fielder who could not catch it.

In Muralitharan's next over, Waqar was out caught bat and pad by Dilshan for 39, a sedate innings, which turned into an entertaining one on the 4th day. Pakistan were 419 for 9.

The batsmen now trying to hit high all over the ground, which indicated a change in attitude. Pakistan perhaps decided to close the innings. In the process Irfan Fazil was caught by Jayasuriya at covers for 3.

Pakistan were all out for 421, gaining an overall lead of 450 that posed a formidable target for Sri Lanka. Pushpakumara and Muralitharan shared 4 wickets each.

Sri Lanka opened their second innings with Jayasuriya and Atapattu. Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar launched the attack with three slips and a gully. Atapttu steered Waqar through the slips for first boundary of the innings. In the next over, Jayasuriya cut Shoaib for a four, repeating the shot again which yielded two runs.

In the fifth over, Atapattu whisked Waqar away to square-leg for a boundary, driving him again to the mid-on region for another four. Waqar conceded 9 runs in the over as Sri Lanka raced to 22 for no loss. Atapattu in full cry hitting Shoaib for a straight four in the next over to take his individual score to 17 while Jayasuriya (10) was holding the other end.

In the seventh over, Pakistan achieved the first success when a ball from Waqar struck Jayasuriya's pads. Having not offering a stroke, the Sri Lankan skipper was declared lbw for 10. Sri Lanka 27 for one. New batsman Russel Arnold was settling down wen play was stopped for lunch with Sri Lanka 37 for one.

During the pre-lunch spell, the Pakistani bowlers did not maintain a good line. Only a few deliveries, including the one which caused Jayasuriya's dismissal, were aimed at the stumps. In their effort to generate maximum speed, both the bowlers sacrificed the line and bowled waywardly.

PAKISTANI PACERS STRIKE CRUCIAL BLOWS

The play resumed with Mohammad Akram taking over from Shoaib Akhtar, who had some groin problem. In his second over, Akram got rid of Atapattu caught behind by Moin Khan for 23. The batsman snicked the ball that pitched well outside the off-stump. Sri Lanka 41 for 2 with Jayawardene coming in to bat.

Russel Arnold edged a very good delivery from Waqar Younis to give Moin Khan his second catch of the innings. Arnold had scored 8 off 21 balls. Having lost three wickets for 41, Sri Lanka looked under pressure. In the 14th over, newcomer Dilshan snicked a ball from Mohammad Akram to the third-man boundary which raised Sri Lanka's 50. Akram conceded another boundary to Jayawardene with slip fielders not showing agility to cut it off. Akram's next ball was again punished by Jayawardene for a four to third-man. With most of the runs scored in this region, the field placing was not upto the mark.

Pakistan got another breakthrough in the 19th over when Dilshan was run out for 5 on a direct throw from Youhana, fielding at square-leg. Kaluwitharana came in to bat with Sri Lanka 59 for 4. In the next over, Jayawardene pulled Akram for a four to deep mid-on raising team's total to 68 for 4. In the next over, Jayawardene smashed Waqar for 4 to third-man, hitting the same bowler again to the point boundary. Sri Lankans now on rampage.

In the 24th over, young Irfan Fazil was brought into the attack and was immediately smashed by Kaluwitharana for four, punishing him for another four to the extra-cover boundary. The youngster, however, met with success when he bowled Jayawardene for 29. This was a reward of the only straight delivery he bowled in the over. Sri Lanka 86 for 5. De Saram took the crease.

Shoaib Akhtar returned to the attack and was driven through the covers for four by Kaluwitharana. The Sri Lankan wicketkeeper then raised 100 of the innings with a swipe to fine-leg for four off Irfan Fazil.

In the 25th over, Kaluwitharana drove Shoaib to mid-on for a four. The Sri Lankan, batsmen undeterred by the speed of Pakistani bowlers, resorting to wild hits to the boundary. Kaluwitharana was the most furious among them. Continuing with his aggression, Kaluwitharana edged Shoaib to the third-man boundary for his fifth four. He was then bowled by Shoaib Akhtar for an exciting innings of 33. Sri Lanka 121 for 6.

With Chaminda Vaas coming in to bat, a respite was expected in the Lankan offensive. Akram replaced Irfan Fazil who had figures of one for 25 in 3 overs. Sri Lanka 127 for 6 at tea.

PAKISTAN RECORD FACE-SAVING VICTORY

Pakistan resumed bowling after tea with leg-spinner Shahid Afridi at one end and Shoaib Akhtar from the other. As Shoaib bowled a no-ball, he was furiously hit by De Saram to the point boundary, followed by a flick towards fine-leg for three. In Afridi's next over, De Saram hit a straight boundary with Mohammad Akram misfielding. A little later, however, Afridi succeeded in trapping him lbw for 18 to make Sri Lanka 145 for 7.

In the 36th over, Chaminda Vaas drove Akram, bowling from the other end, for two consecutive fours to the point region. In the 38th over, Vaas, looking in complete command, hammered Afridi for four 4s to take team's total to 182 for 7. Afridi conceded 17 runs in an over.

In the next over, Pushpakumara managed two boundaries off Shoaib just by a simple act of "bat meets the ball." He neither moved his body nor the feet to play the strokes. In the next Afridi over, Moin missed a stumping chance when Vaas came down the track. On the next ball, however, Afridi got him caught by Shoaib at deep mid-on for 28. Sri Lanka 191 for 8.

Wickramasinghe was run out without opening his account after being called for a single by Pushpakumara. This made the visitors 199 for 9. Muralitharan took the crease. The end of Lankan innings was a matter of time now. Pushpakumara was continuing to add runs through repeated snicks to the third man region. Encouraged by that, he came down the wicket to hit Afridi for a straight 6.

Irfan Fazil was brought in to bowl. An opportunity for the youngster to get a tail-end wicket. To his dismay, he was smashed for a straight four by Muralitharan. In the next over, Pushpakumara, who was on a violent hitting spree, lifted Afridi for a straight six. Trying the same shot, he was, however, caught by Irfan Fazil off Afridi for a highly entertaining innings of 44. Sri Lanka all out for 228. Pakistan winning the first Test by a convincing margin of 222 runs.

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