Misbahul Haq-led Pakistan have a mountain to climb as they start their three-Test match series against Sri Lanka at Galle today. Pakistan have a woeful recent record in Sri Lanka under Misbah having lost their last two series, including a 0-2 whitewash last year. Since the 2009 series when Pakistan lost 0-2 under Younus Khan, the visitors have lost five out of eight Tests they have played on Lankan soil. Pakistan’s last Test victory in Sri Lanka was registered way back in 2006 under Inzamamul Haq.

Sri Lanka have maintained a stranglehold in their own conditions throughout the last 10 years. Rangana Herath has been the tormentor-in-chief, with the spinner taking 88 wickets against Pakistan in a mere 17 Tests, and will provide the main threat to the Pakistan batsmen this time around too. The 37-year-old spun a vicious web around them in the series last year where he collected a staggering tally of 23 wickets. The other main threat will Kumar Sangakkara, who is set to bow out from international cricket this season. The legendary batsman is available for two Tests against Pakistan and the visitors must be worried considering his remarkable record against them. On the other hand, Pakistan enter the fray on the back of some fine Test performances last season. The top six batsmen look settled and hungry for runs and the return of Ahmed Shehzad at the top of the order should further stabilise the batting. The bowling stocks, too, look decent on paper; the spin twins Yasir Shah and Zulfiqar Babar have a vital role to play on tracks that are likely to suit them. Fast bowler Wahab Riaz — the World Cup hero — needs to take the bull by the horns and lead the attack with aggression, as the left-armer will be a vital cog in Misbah’s armoury. This should be an interesting contest and Pakistan will have to perform to the best of their abilities to beat the hosts. A series win will put them in the right frame of mind ahead of the limited-overs matches that follow.

(The Express Tribune)