Pakistan Tour of Sri Lanka – 2023
Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka will begin tomorrow where Pakistan will take on Sri Lanka in the first test match of the two test matches series at the Galle cricket stadium. Pakistan will hope to change its fate in this series compared to last year and win a test series against Sri Lanka after 4 years and in Sri Lanka after 8 years. Last time Pakistan won a test series in Sri Lanka was in 2015 where it needed the efforts of its most prolific Test batsman, Younis Khan who scored 171* to help chase down 377. It is still the highest ever successful run chase in the history of Pakistan cricket.
Pakistan Tour of Sri Lanka – 2022
In last year’s Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka, Pakistan had to settle for a draw in test series after chasing down the second highest target in its Test history in the first match. Captain Babar Azam and young Abdullah Shafique helped Pakistan secure victory in first Test match thanks to their brilliant centuries. It was the same test where Shaheen Shah Afridi suffered a knee injury which made him unavailable for selection for Asia Cup. This injury eventually costed Pakistan of its second World T20 Trophy as Shaheen’s injury reoccurred in the all-important final match vs England.
Ghost of Test Series Defeats at Home
Pakistan is desperate to lay the ghost of last five test matches where it suffered 3 losses and barely clanged to two draws. Pakistan have had a dreadful home season in which it suffered a whitewash defeat of 3-0 by the hands of England, which was the first instance of England whitewashing Pakistan in Test series in Pakistan. Pakistan did come close to victories in second and third test matches but its sudden collapses in their second innings kept victories away. Against New Zealand, Pakistan was on the verge of a second home series defeat but thanks to Naseem Shah’s cameo in the end, they were able to avoid that defeat.
Pakistan is looking forward to reviving its Test cricket team which has been down and out from the last few years. Pakistan needs series wins in Test cricket as it has seen a drastic drought in those aspects in the last two years. After missing out on WTC final this year, Pakistan will be eyeing to play the final in ongoing WTC.
Also Read : Australia have laid the ghosts of 2005’s Edgbaston Test – Ashes Series 2023
Apart from team goals, there are certain milestones which Pakistani players can achieve in this series. Babar Azam can become the number 1 Test batter in the world if he scores 350 plus. Shaheen Shah Afridi will ne also looking forward to take his 100th test wicket tomorrow. Pakistani fans are already calculating Babar Azam’s chances to get to the top of the test rankings. After Younis Khan, no Pakistani player has achieved the top ranked spot in ICC Test rankings.
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FAQs
- When and where does the Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka for 2023 begin, and what are Pakistan’s expectations for this series?
– The Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka for 2023 begins with the first test match at the Galle cricket stadium. Pakistan hopes to change its fate in this series compared to last year and win a test series against Sri Lanka after 4 years and in Sri Lanka after 8 years.
- What happened in the previous Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka in 2022, and what were the key moments in the test series?
– In the 2022 tour, Pakistan settled for a draw in the test series, with Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique playing pivotal roles in securing victory in the first Test match. This series also saw Shaheen Shah Afridi’s injury, which had repercussions in later tournaments.
- What recent struggles has Pakistan’s Test cricket team faced in terms of series losses, and what were some notable performances in those matches?
– Answer: Pakistan’s Test team has struggled in recent times, suffering losses and draws in its last five test matches. Notable performances included a whitewash defeat by England in Pakistan and close calls against New Zealand.
- What are some team goals for Pakistan in the upcoming Test series, and who are the players to watch for in terms of milestones and achievements?
– Pakistan aims to revive its Test cricket team and secure series wins. Players like Babar Azam have the opportunity to become the number 1 Test batter in the world, and Shaheen Shah Afridi is approaching his 100th test wicket.
- Why is this series significant for Pakistan, and what are the expectations for their performance in the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC)?
– Answer: This series is significant for Pakistan as they aim to improve their Test cricket performance and make it to the final in the ongoing WTC. After missing out on the WTC final this year, Pakistan is determined to make a strong showing.
