Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, Tests: Preview, head-to-head record, and stats
Sri Lanka will host Pakistan in a two-match Test series, starting July 16. Lately, the hosts chronicled a 1-1 draw in the two-match series against Australia. Debutant Prabath Jayasuriya's twin six-fers played an invaluable role in the decider. Meanwhile, Pakistan last competed in Tests in March. They had succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against the Aussies. Here are the key stats.
A look at the head-to-head record in Tests
SL have a 16-20 win-loss record against Pakistan in Tests (19 draws). Pakistan had won the last Test series by 1-0. The Island nation had won the 2017 series in UAE by 2-0. However, they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at home in 2015.
Sangakkara is the highest run-getter in PAK-SL encounters
Kumar Sangakkara has slammed the most runs in Pakistan-Sri Lanka Test match-ups. He has 2,911 runs at 74.64. Younis Khan (2,286) follows suit. Among active players, Angelo Mathews (1,372), and Azhar Ali (1,310) have stacked the highest tally for SL and Pakistan, respectively. Sangakkara (516) has the most runs in a series as well. Meanwhile, Misbah-ul-Haq (364) has scored the most for Pakistan.
Herath has snared 106 scalps against Pakistan
Former Sri Lankan spinner Rangana Herath has claimed 106 scalps in Pakistan-SL Test duels. He has eight five-wicket hauls. Saeed Ajmal has affected the most dismissals for Pakistan (66). Among active players, leg-spinner Yasir Shah (42) has the most to his name. Muttiah Muralitharan has recorded the most wickets in a series (26). Shah (24) ranks second in this regard.
Babar, Azhar eye historic feats
Babar Azam has smashed 2,851 Test runs at 45.98. He can reach the 3,000-run mark in whites. He can surpass Wasim Akram (2,898) and Taufeeq Umar (2,963) among most runs for Pakistan in Tests. Azhar Ali has stacked up 7,021 runs at 43.07. He can leapfrog the likes of Andrew Strauss (7,037), Greg Chappell (7,110), Sourav Ganguly (7,212), and Chris Gayle (7,214) in Tests.
Fawad, Imam seek 1,000 Test runs
Middle-order batter Fawad Alam has belted 986 runs in the format, averaging a decent 41.08. Meanwhile, opener Imam-ul-Haq has hoarded 855 runs while averaging a modest 35.62. The duo can breach the 1,000-run mark in the forthcoming series.
Yasir, Shaheen in reach of these feats
Shah has notched 235 Test scalps a 31.08. He is two wickets shy of surpassing Abdul Qadir's wicket count (236). He will be the fifth-highest wicket-taker for Pakistan in Tests. Left-arm quick Shaheen Afridi has snared 95 scalps at 25.08. He can better Abdur Rehman's tally (99). He will become only the 19th bowler for Pakistan to have breached the 100-wicket mark in whites.
Mathews, Karunaratne can attain records
Veteran all-rounder Mathews has belted 6,867 Test runs at 45.78. He can trump Sanath Jayasuriya's run-tally (6,973). He will be the third-highest run-scorer for SL. Meanwhile, skipper Dimuth Karunaratne (5,905) can attain the 6,000-run mark in Tests. He will be only the fifth Lankan batter besides Sangakkara (12,400), Mahela Jayawardene (11,814), Jayasuriya, Mathews, and Aravinda de Silva (6,361) to have achieved the landmark.
ICC WTC Standings: Sri Lanka seated third; Pakistan follow suit
Post the home Tests against Australia, SL have gained three places to be ranked third in the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 Standings. They have bettered their points percentage from 47.62 to 54.17. They will host Pakistan (two Tests) and later tour NZ (two Tests). Meanwhile, Pakistan (52.38) are seated fourth, having snared three wins, two losses, and two draws so far.
A look at other achievable records for Lankan players
Kusal Mendis (3,287) can breach 3,500 Test runs. The middle-order batter is 213 runs short of the milestone.Left-arm pacer Vishwa Fernando (43) can steer to the 50-wicket mark. He will also leapfrog Nuwan Kulasekara (48).
