Third test-Pak vs. Sri Lanka. Pak clutch series!

 The third and last test of the series ends in a draw, but so what? Pakistan still win the series! (1-0) This was an exciting gane, which would have surely ended in a result if it hadnt rained during the whole first session (rain in Sharjah, i know right?). This was the first match in which victory for Pakistan looked unlikely. Mainly because our bowleers were not able to take quick wickets, allowing batsmen like Dilshan, Paranavitana and Sangakarra to score high. Heres a summary and a few facts:

• Pakistan beat Sri Lanka 1-0.
• Even though Pakistan clutch the series, Pakistan still retains its 5th place ranking and Sri Lanka its 6th place ranking.
• Sangakarra got the award for most sixes in the series. (Ridiculous award to be given in test cricket in my opinion)
• Sangakarra got the man of the match and good performance award.
• Saeed Ajmal and Sangakarra got a shared man of the series award, good decision in my opinion.
• Sangakarra the highest run-scorer of the series making 516 runs at an average of 85.
• Ajmal is the highest wicket taker with 18 wickets at 28.77.
• Sri Lanka continue their run of series losses after the retirement of the previous greats.
• Misbah continues his great captaincy form by not losing a single series yet.

 There are positives and negatives for both teams from this series. Lets start with positives.
Pakistan

• The return of Umar Guls form.
• Junaid Khan picking up wickets against a world class team, surely one for the future.
•  Azhar Ali will have gained confidence after his century.
• Pakistan finally has two settled openers.

Sri Lanka

• One word, Sangakarra, that says it all.
• Welegederas bowling. Amazing.

Negatives

Pakistan

• Fielding. Pakistan has to improve their standards of fielding and catching. Catches win matches, a lesson we have had to learn the hard way, but will not want to again.
• The batting has overall been good, with centuries each match. That shows improvement and we need that so that our usual collapses dont take place.
• Asad Shafiq may just be youngster, but there are high expectations from him. He really has to work on his technique.
• I personally feel Pakistan should have atleast one batsman in the squad who can be there to pick up the run rate when needed. We have none. We need atleast one to be able to attack the opponents.
• Pakistan should be taking risks sometimes. Its okay to play defensive so that you dont lose, but taking risks is necessary if a team wants to win.

Sri Lanka

• All the batsmen not performing. In each of their innings, it always been one or two whove made all the runs. Mahela hasnt been in good form at all and a lot more is expected from a player of his class and experience.
• The bowling. It is a generally good line up but they need a leader, or a strike bowler who can be depended on to take wickets.
• Their fitness. I personally feel the general fitness of the Sri Lankans is not good. They have to work on that.

 So overall Pakistan played good cricket, they were a bit defensive at times but the captaincy was good otherwise. If Sangakarra hadnt stood in their way, a whitewash was definite. I really enjoyed watching this series, the competition was good, not as intense as i had expected earlier though. As good as both these teams played, theres no doubt that theyre both better in the shortest formats, so looking forward to those!

Kudos to both teams :)