Poor fielding dented Pakistan win chances

Pakistan team, which required 170 runs for victory, preferred draw against Sri Lanka at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on Saturday. Earlier, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 483 and set 170-run victory target for Pakistan in the minimum 21 over. Poor fielding from Pakistani players spoiled team's victory chances in the first Test. Pakistan players also dropped Kumar Sangakkara, let off on 50 and 56, went on to make a match-saving 211 while Prasanna Jayawardene, given a life on 11, scored 120 to guide Sri Lanka to 483 in their second innings. Pakistan called it a day on 21-1 after 10 overs of their second innings, having been set a daunting 170 from a maximum of 20 overs on the fifth day. Left-arm paceman Junaid Khan recorded a career-best 5-38 in his only second Test, while opener Taufiq Umar hit a stubborn 236 to help Pakistan establish a big lead. The most suffered bowler was Junaid Khan as he bowled outstandingly throughout the match. It is evident that a star bowler for Pakistan is in the making as he impressed everyone with his bowling. He proved himself as a real replacement of M Aamir who is presently facing match-fixing charges in London's Court. Aizaz Cheema was warned twice by the umpires either for running on the wickets or some suspicion action. Pakistani fielders looked tired during the match and failed to stop the ball on the fifth day and it seemed that Pakistanis have given up the match. Misbah's decision of ringing bowling changes went against him. Pakistan, having 300 plus first innings lead, should have gone with the offensive approach but Pakistan skipper opted defensive approach and went for draw instead of winning the match and his such approach proved that he not only saved his skin by playing the draw but also proved himself a coward caption. Umar Gul got Sri Lankan opener on the first ball of the second innings and at that stage it was needed to mount pressure on Sri Lankan but Misbah failed to grasp the situation. Lankans steadied their innings and ended the day with 47 for the loss of one wicket. Pakistan has lost win chance as they failed played without game plan on the final day. Now Pakistan team management must chalk out strategy for the remaining matches of the series and also remove the weaknesses in fielding and catching if they want to win the series.

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