Pakistan surrendered the two-match Test series to Sri Lanka after going down by 68 runs at the Dubai International Stadium today. Despite a sensational bowling effort in the 2nd innings, it wasn’t enough for Pakistan to turn the game in their favour. A fighting century by Asad Shafiq and a well-constructed half-century by Sarafaraz Ahmed wasn’t enough to save Pakistan from the blushes. The series defeat in UAE is the first time Pakistan lost a series at home since shifting their base to UAE.
Their first series in UAE was in 2010 against the Proteas which was drawn after each team won a game each. Pakistan then defeated Sri Lanka and England in the next two series which was followed by two draws against South Africa and Sri Lanka respectively. During this time, Pakistan also crushed England by a 3-0 margin in 2012 when England had risen to No.1 in the ICC Test Rankings.
The series against Sri Lanka was followed by a two-match series against the mighty Aussies. They were no match for the Pakistani as the Kangaroos lost the series by a 2-1 margin. It was again followed by a drawn series against New Zealand which was followed by comprehensive victories against England and West Indies in the subsequent two series. After losing today’s encounter, this is the very first time, Pakistan has lost a Test series in UAE since shifting their base from Pakistan.
Meanwhile coming to the 2nd match of the series, it was opener Dimuth Karunaratne for Sri Lanka who set up the match for them with a brilliant 196 in the 1st essay. Despite getting a huge 1st innings lead of 220 runs, Sri Lanka faltered in the 2nd innings after getting bowled out for a paltry 96 runs. The bowlers reduced Pakistan to 52/5 before Asad Shafiq, and Sarfaraz Ahmed shared a 170 runs partnership to bring back hopes of Pakistan. But yet again it was a dramatic collapse which eventually led to their downfall.