Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 2023: SL vs PAK 2nd Test Preview, Playing XI, Live Streaming Details & Updates

Sri Lanka take on Pakistan in the second Test of the series from July 24.

Published - 23 Jul 2023, 14:15 IST | Updated - 23 Jul 2023, 14:23 IST

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Sri Lanka and Pakistan will square off in the second Test of the two-match series which will begin on July 24 at the Singhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground. The tourists began their new World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle on a high note, winning the first Test at Galle by four wickets.

Speaking of the first Test, Sri Lanka skipper Dimuth Karunaratne won the toss and opted to bat first. Dhananjaya de Silva (122) scored a century as the hosts scored 312 runs in the opening innings. Pakistan bowlers were crucial during the first innings, with Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmed claiming three-wicket hauls.

Pakistan got off to the worst possible start in the second innings as the top-order batters were dismissed quickly for paltry scores. However, Saud Shakeel came in to rescue the hosts, scoring his first-ever double-century as Pakistan scored 461 runs. The middle-order batter scored an unbeaten 208 off 361 deliveries, becoming the first Pakistan cricketer to score a double ton in Sri Lanka.

Later, Pakistan bundled out Sri Lanka for 279 runs in their second innings, thanks to Abrar Ahmed and Noman Ali's three-wicket haul. Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq scored an unbeaten half-century as Pakistan chased down the 131-run target on Day 5 and registered a four-wicket win.

Pitch and conditions

Batting first might be the best course of action at the Singhalese Sports Club Cricket Ground. The team bowling first hasn’t earned a favorable result in recent years. The pacers have to do well in the first two days since the spin will dominate after that.

Probable Playing XI For SL vs PAK

Sri Lanka will seek a win in order to prevent Pakistan from completing a whitewash. The top-order batters must establish their dominance early on. Bowlers, on the other hand, are in fine shape and are anticipated to maintain their consistency in the upcoming encounter.

Probable Playing XI: Nishan Madushka, Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Kasun Rajitha, Vishwa Fernando

Pakistan

Pakistan will be focused on winning the game in order to finish the two-match series on a high note. Top-order batters will have to spend more time at the crease. In fact, Babar Azam and Co. will rely heavily on both the bowling and batting departments.

Probable Playing XI: Babar Azam (c), Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Afridi, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wk), Salman Ali Agha