Pakistan v Sri Lanka, 1st Test, Day 5 - 5 Talking Points

It was a dead-rubber, lackluster and not the most entertaining Tests till the 4th day, but Sri Lanka and Pakistan turned the tables on day 5. With Yasir Shah spinning a web around the Lankans, it seemed as though Pakistan might register a mind-boggling victory at Abu Dhabi. But Rangana Herath and Dilruwan Perera emulated something much more brilliant and Sri Lanka took a 1-0 lead completely out of the blue.

Sri Lanka resumed at 69 for the loss of four wickets on day 5 and it took only one session for Yasir Shah and co to pack them up. Mohammad Abbas started the wicket-taking process by sending Kusal Mendis and Suranga Lakmal in no time. Yasir Shah joined the party later and Dickwella’s 40-run knock propelled them to 148 in 66.5 overs.

Pakistan firmly looked as the favorites to go one-up in the series, but that didn’t happen. Chasing 135 runs, they fell 21-runs short of the target thanks to a magnificent spell from Rangana Herath, who returned with figures of 6/43. Dilruwan Perera picked up three crucial wickets as well and this helped them bowl out Pakistan for 114 runs in 47.4 overs. This will go down as one of the most sensational Test matches of all time and the amount of entertainment this one gave will loiter in people’s minds for a long time.

Here are five major talking from the final day of this enthralling game.

1. Rangana Herath – The history maker!

What a day it has been for the spin king! Apart from winning the game on his own for his side, he also became the first left-arm bowler in the history to pick 400 Test wickets. With match figures of 11/136, hands down he was the player of the match and he deservedly collected the award. The 39-year-old is getting better with every passing day, just like wine and Sri Lanka needed this victory quite badly.

2. Dilruwan Perera – The Dark Knight of the day!

Rangana Herath hogged the limelight for today, but let’s take moment to appreciate the efforts of Dilruwan Perera, who picked up three humongous wickets in context of the game. First, he sent Shan Masood back and in his second spell, he picked up the very dangerous Babar Azam. Haris Sohail, who was looking resolute with his approach, had no answer to an absolute screamer from the 35-year-old and what a role he has played in scripting this fairytale.

3. Niroshan Dickwella does it again!

Batting was getting incredibly challenging on day 5 and Niroshan Dickwella was up for it. The wicket-keeper batsmen made a brilliant 83 in the first innings, which played a crucial role in helping them get over the 400 mark. Once again, he chipped in with a crucial 40 off 76 balls, which helped them go past the 100-run mark and gave the bowlers something to defend.

4. No dearth of drama

Dilruwan Perera gave a mini cardiac arrest to all the Lankan fans. With 9 wickets down and almost 18 overs remaining, he picked up the final wicket and the Islanders were jumping up and down with joy. But when the TV Umpire intervened to tell that Perera had stepped over the popping crease, the fielding unit was heartbroken and thankfully, Herath got the final scalp in the immediate next over.

5. Yasir Shah’s efforts go in vain

If Pakistan had won this Test match, Yasir Shah’s incredible spell of wrist spin bowling would’ve been lauded as one of the best ever. He absolutely ripped apart the Lankan batters, showing no mercy. For a moment, it was reminiscent of Shane Warne agonizing the English players in the Ashes. He returned with figures of 8/181, but his spell in the second innings was spine chilling and beautiful to the eye.