OTD: Sri Lanka’s first Test in the Middle East ended in a draw in 2011

Sri Lanka played their first Test in the Middle East against Pakistan and ended up playing a high-scoring draw. Pakistan were still playing its home Tests in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah. This was the first Test of the three-match series against Sri Lanka, played from October 18 to 22, 2011, at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

Pakistan captain Misbah Ul Haq won the toss and chose to bowl first. Angelo Mathews made 52*, while there were contributions from Tharanga Paranavitana (37), Mahela Jayawardene (28), and Lahiru Thirimanne (20). Pakistani bowlers had a field day, with Junaid Khan taking 5/38, while Saeed Ajmal and Umar Gul took two wickets.

Pakistan hammered 511/6d in their first innings as Taufeeq Umar scored 236 in 496 balls with 17 fours and one six, adding 118 runs for the first wicket with Mohammed Hafeez, who scored 75 runs with eight fours and one six. Azhar Ali made 70, while Misbah Ul Haq made 46 runs. Rangana Herath took three wickets, while Chanaka Welegedara took two wickets for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka had a better time in their second innings. Despite losing Tharanga Paranavitana for a first-ball duck, Lahiru Thirimanne made 68, while Kumar Sangakkara held the innings together with a sensational 211 in 431 runs with 18 fours to his name.

Prasanna Jayawardene also scored 120 runs with 12 fours, as Sri Lanka ended up with 483 runs in the second innings. Umar Gul took four wickets for Pakistan, who were set 170 runs to win the Test. However, Pakistan ended the fifth day on 21/1. The three-test series ended up 1-0 in Pakistan’s favor, who won the second test in Dubai.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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