Until the second ODI at Pallekele, it seemed that Pakistan held a distinct advantage over Sri Lanka. Except for the first T20 at Hambantota, it looked like the visitors would continue dominating the hosts. However, the Lankans came up with a professional performance just in the nick of time, which not only ensured that the ODI series was squared one all, but also gave the Lankans the confidence that they are on equal terms with Pakistan if they play to potential -- in spite of the latter’s impressive record against Mahela Jayawardene’s men in recent times.
Pakistan did not play badly in the second ODI; it was just that the Lankans were way better on the day. Tillakaratne Dilshan’s return to form with an uncannily steady century was the biggest plus for the home team in the massive 76-run win. Their bowling was also up to the mark, with Thisara Perera coming up with a sensational six-wicket spell and the experienced Nuwan Kulasekara and Lasith Malinga supporting him well, sharing the remaining wickets between themselves. It was a good team effort from Sri Lanka all round, which helped them in squaring the series rather comfortably.
There are still areas where the Lankans will need to improve though. Primarily, their batting hasn’t fired in sync with their potential. The move to send Upul Tharanga back up the order worked albeit briefly. If you look at the Lankan innings as a whole in the game, only Dilshan and Jayawardene came up with noteworthy contributions. Had Dilshan not carried on till the end, and but for Perera’s trademark cameo towards the end, Lankans might have struggled to post a match-winning total on the board. That’s way it will be crucial for the likes of Kumar Sangakkara, Tharanga and Chandimal to get bigger scores.
As for Pakistan, they need to rethink their basic strategy first. Going in with an extra bowler and putting Shahid Afridi at number six was too much of a risk, and Pakistan had to pay for it. Rahat Ali, who was brought into the team, clearly looked out of sorts while their batsmen succumbed to the pressure of a big chase. Praise must be in order for Azhar Ali, who answered critics who had termed him a Test batsman with a wonderfully compiled knock at the top of order.
Pakistan could have competed in the game had only Ali found support. When he and skipper Misbah Ul Haq were at the crease, the batting side was still in with a decent chance. However, what followed was a familiar collapse, which would concern the Pakistan management for sure.
In spite of the loss,Pakistan can make a comeback just like Lanka did at Pallekele. In Sri Lanka-Pakistan games, it is tough to pick favourites.
