Pakistan vs Sri lanka First match would be Drawn

Sri Lanka had a positive morning session against Pakistan on day five of the first Test of the three match series at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Saturday, October 22, 2011. The tourists have now gained an overall lead of 50 runs in the match and still have five wickets remaining. The star of the show for the team was veteran middle-order batsman Kumar Sangakkara, who remained unbeaten 185 runs before the session was called off.

Wicketkeeper batsman Prasanna Jayawardene also offered tremendous support to Sangakkara and was rock solid in the middle. He was not out on 66 runs at lunch.

Pakistan’s first innings lead of 314 runs looked quite impressive and the opposition had only one option to try and play defensive cricket for more than two days.

Sri Lanka needed a solid effort from one of their best three batsmen Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan.

The latter two failed to make an impression and put the team under immense pressure. However, Sangakkara did not lose focus and batted with brilliance. He was a touch lucky, as a couple of catches went down when he was batting.
However, the star middle-order player made most of these chances and continued to hurt the Pakistan team badly. He will now be looking forward to completing a double century and continue his majestic knock.
Before start of play today, the former Sri Lankan captain had stated, “It would have been nice if I had I got it in the first innings but it was a tough fight and one of my better hundreds. But there is still work left and if we can get the first session through we can put some pressure on Pakistan.”
The veteran batsman certainly lived up to his word and continued his resistance against the opposition. His aim will now be to bat out the second session of the day as well, which will ensure a draw.