Sri Lanka vs. Pakistan 1st Test Prediction

South Africa won the two Test series at 1-0 against Sri Lanka recently and the Lankan Lions will take over Pakistan at home for another two Tests. Both countries have played 46 Tests, Pakistan has won 17, lost 11 whereas 18 of them ended in a draw. The touring side is well balanced almost in all departments of the game but the Islanders will try to make an impact right from the first game.

Players to watch

Mahela Jayawardene powered his 34^th Test hundred in the second Test against South Africa on July 24, 2014 at Colombo. Angelo Mathews, Kumar Sangakkara and Upul Tharanga are efficient with the willow. Dilruwan Perera and Rangana Herath were the most effective bowlers in the previous home series while Suranga Lakmal and Ajantha Mendis can assist them well.

The entire batting line of Pakistan revolves around their skipper Misbah-ul-Haq and the seasoned Younis Khan. The young batting trio of Ahmed Shehzad, Azhar Ali and Umar Akmal is able to handle the rival bowling attack effectively. Junaid Khan, Wahab Riaz, Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman form a lethal bowling combination.

Time & Venue

Wednesday, August 6 – Sunday, August 10, 2014 @ 04: 30 GMT, 10:00 local at Galle International Stadium.

Weather

Mostly sunny with temperatures around 26- 32ᵒC

Toss

The winning captain will opt to bat first

The Pitch

The strip at Galle will favour the bowlers, Pakistan lost their previous Test played there in June, 2012.

Teams

Sri Lanka – Angelo Mathews (C), Upul Tharanga, Kaushal Silva, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kithuruwan Vithanage, Niroshan Dickwella, Dilruwan Perera, Rangana Herath, Suranga Lakmal, Ajantha Mendis.

Pakistan – Misbah-ul-Haq (C), Ahmed Shehzad, Khurram Manzoor, Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Asad Shafiq, Umar Akmal, Sarfraz Ahmed, Shan Maqsood, Junaid Khan, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Talha, Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman.

Prediction

Sri Lanka will most likely win the opening Test