Timely revival hands SL the edge
ESPNLIVE SPORTS
January 24, 2009
Match facts
Saturday, January 24
Start time 11.30 am
Click here to watch live matchIftikhar Anjum (left) has had an impressive series while Mahela Jayawardene is going through a lean phase, scoring 100 runs in his last 11 innings © AFP
Sri Lanka's resounding victory in the second ODI in Karachi showed all the indications of their commitment to improve on the areas in which they faltered the day before, when they lost by eight wickets. Their middle-order built on a good start provided by the openers, putting behind them the collapse in the first match, and their spinners ensured a comprehensive win - they took seven of the ten wickets - after the Pakistan batsmen had negotiated them well in the series opener. A successful remedy of their batting concerns - Thilina Kandamby's inclusion in place of Jehan Mubarak worked wonders - and restoration of their spinners' dominance amid a sorry capitulation by the Pakistan batsmen gives Sri Lanka the edge going into the series-decider.
The hosts, though, have more to gain from a series-win: it will represent a welcome conclusion to the first international series in Pakistan during what's been a tumultous few months, help generate revenue for it's cash-strapped board and bring back more fans to the grounds after lower-than-expected turnouts for the first two games.
However, they have more reasons to worry. Only three Pakistan batsmen reached double figures in their 129-run defeat, and while Salman Butt was fluent with Shoaib Malik scoring freely at the other end, the way the rest surrendered augurs badly for the decider. Moreover, the form of their new-ball pair is a major worry: Shoaib Akhtar bowled just six overs for 45 at below-par speeds in the previous match and has drawn criticism from his own captain, while Sohail Tanvir has gone for around seven runs per over in both ODIs.
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