SL vs PAK | 2nd Test | Match Preview, Key Players, CREX XI

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The 2nd Test match between Sri Lanka and Pakistan series will kick off on Sunday (July 24) at Galle International Stadium. As the caravan moves on, there's a lot is at stake, with 12 World Test Championship (WTC) points up for grabs.


Pakistan started the tour on a high as the hosts succumbed to a four-wicket loss in the series opener. 


For Sri Lanka, Dinesh Chandimal emerged as the top-scorer in both innings. The veteran batter gathered a collective total of 170 runs in the previous fixture. 



On the bowling front, Prabath Jayasuriya continued his rich vein of form. While playing only the second Test of his career, the left-arm spinner claimed nine scalps to push Sri Lanka closer to victory.


However, with a lack of support from the other end, Dimuth Karunaratne and Co. failed to close down on what would have been a memorable win.


On the other hand, Babar Azam's Pakistan had a task cut out for themselves. While the skipper was at his imperious best in the first innings, Abdullah Shafique's unbeaten 160-run knock helped the team chase down their second highest target in Test history of 342 runs.



Both sides suffer from injury concerns as Maheesh Theekshana and Shaheen Shah Afridi have been ruled out from tomorrow's fixture due to respective injuries.


Read more: Jos Buttler wants England to persist with aggressive approach after ODI win against South Africa

Key Players


  • Dinesh Chandimal: The Sri Lanka veteran is going through a terrific run with the bat and remains a key player.

  • Prabath Jayasuriya: Despite being a newbie in the Test arena, the wily left-arm spinner is emerging like a force. He will head to the upcoming clash on the back of a nine-for.

  • Babar Azam: Pakistan's skipper was a lone warrior in the first innings. While at one stage, Sri Lanka was set-up for a massive lead, he reduced the deficit with his 119-run knock.

  • Abdullah Shafique: He cannot be left out of this list. The man-of-the-match of the last game is vital to Pakistan's chances of winning the ongoing series.

Match Details 


  • Venue: Galle International Stadium 

  • Date & Time: July 24, 10:00 AM IST

  • Live Streaming: Sony Sports Network 

Pitch Report


As seen in the previous encounter, the pitch at Galle International Stadium supports bowlers during the early part of the match. However, as the game progresses, batting tends to get easier.

CREX XI Suggestion


Wicket-Keeper: Dinesh Chandimal, Kusal Mendis, Mohammad Rizwan

Batters: Babar Azam, Dimuth Karunaratne, Abdullah Shafique

All-Rounders: Ramesh Mendis, Mohammad Nawaz

Bowlers: Yasir Shah, Hasan Ali, Prabath Jayasuriya


Captain: Babar Azam

Vice-Captain: Prabath Jayasuriya

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