As the second Test between Sri Lanka and Pakistan starts on 24 July and at the inhalese Sports Club, Colombo, memories of a similar situation come flooding back. Last year, Pakistan emerged victorious at Galle by four wickets and appeared poised to clinch the series. However, the hosts staged a stunning turnaround, thrashing their Asian rivals by a massive 246-run margin. The question on everyone’s mind now is, can Sri Lanka repeat history exactly 12 months later? Pakistan enters the second Test with confidence, having already won the opening match in Galle by the same margin as last year’s victory. A standout performance from Saud Shakeel, who notched a remarkable double century, turned the tide in Pakistan’s favor in the first Test. What worries Sri Lanka is that Pakistan’s star batsman, Babar Azam, didn’t even have to contribute significantly in that game. Babar is known for his consistent performances, and the Sri Lankan camp will be wary of his potential impact in the upcoming match. Adding to Sri Lanka’s challenges is the successful return of Shaheen Afridi to Test cricket. Afridi created problems for the Sri Lankan batsmen on the opening morning of the first Test, showcasing his class and prowess as a fast bowler. Sri Lanka’s top-order batsmen, including promising talent Nishan Madushka, who scored a fifty in the first innings, will have to step up to counter Pakistan’s bowling threat. Skipper Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis’ contributions will also be crucial for Sri Lanka’s chances of a comeback. The hosts will also need to address their fielding concerns, having dropped crucial catches in the first Test. Fielding lapses can prove costly against a quality opposition like Pakistan. Reflecting on last year’s resurgence, Dhananjaya de Silva, Ramesh Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, and Prabath Jayasuriya played pivotal roles in leading Sri Lanka’s fightback. They will be expected to replicate their heroics if Sri Lanka hopes to turn the series around.
