SL vs PAK | 1st Test | Preview & CREX XI

Amid the prevailing political crisis, cricket has been the sole source of joy for the Sri Lankan fans. 

The Lankan lions recently registered a thumping innings-victory over the Aussies at Galle, and will now face Pakistan in the first Test of the two-match series starting tomorrow.

Sri Lanka have recently been fabulous in Tests, winning two of their last three encounters. On the other hand, Pakistan are yet to win a match in the purest format this year. 

Match details: 

Venue: Galle International Stadium, Galle, Sri Lanka

Date & Time: 16 July 2022, 10.00 AM IST

Live streaming: Sony Sports network

Pitch report: 

The surface of the Galle international stadium has historically assisted spinners like most of the subcontinental tracks. 

In the last five Tests, the spinners have picked 82.63 per cent of the total wickets at this venue. 

The track deteriorates and gets tougher for batting with time.

Key Players: 

Sri Lanka

• Dinesh Chandimal has slammed 448 runs at a Bradmanesque average of 112 in his last two Test series. 

•  Angelo Matthews has amassed 435 runs in his last five Test innings at an unbelievable average of 108.75. 

Pakistan 

• Babar Azam is Pakistan’s best batter, and his wicket will be crucial for the hosts. In his last five Tests, the Pakistani captain has amassed 489 runs at a commendable average of 69.85. 

• Abdullah Shafique has scored 547 Test runs at an outstanding average of 68.38 since debuting in 2021. 

CREX XI:

Wicket-Keepers : Mohammad Rizwan, Dinesh Chandimal 

Batsmen : Babar Azam, Angelo Matthews, Dimuth Karunaratne, Abdullah Shafique

All-rounder: Dhananjaya de Silva, Mohammad Nawaz 

Bowlers: Shaheen Shah Afridi, Prabath Jayasuriya, Yasir Shah 

Captain: Dimuth Karunaratne 

Vice captain: Babar Azam