Highlights Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 2nd Test, Day 4: Sri Lanka opted not to declare at lunch and then played for some more time after the interval, which might cost them dearly.
Only one wicket was taken by the hosts in the afternoon session and only six overs were completed in the final session before the players had to leave, so the Lankan bowlers haven’t had much time to make any inroads. For their bowlers to have a chance of winning on Day 5, they’ll have to perform well early. Throughout this game, Pakistan has been second best, but their fourth innings performance in the previous game has helped them as well. Due to Pakistan’s mental advantage, the opposition had to bat for a lengthy period of time, and the visitors themselves have batted well so far.
If Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq navigate the morning session on Day 5 well, they will have a good chance of drawing the game and clinching the series. Day 4 of the match has seen a lot of overs lost, around 25 overs in total, and that will certainly influence the result. In spite of the game appearing to be headed for a draw from the start, Sri Lanka will believe that if they get Babar and Imam early, Pakistan’s middle order will be vulnerable. Nevertheless, Pakistan will be determined to take advantage of the conditions and win the game. To win, Pakistan needs 419 runs.