In a contest that would etch itself into the annals of cricket history, Sri Lanka emerged victorious by a thrilling two-wicket margin, chasing down 220 runs against Pakistan in a pulsating finish. This encounter, laden with twists of fate, near-misses, and relentless determination, remains a testament to the unyielding spirit of the Sri Lankan team.
The drama began with Sri Lanka winning the toss, opting to
bowl first in what was to become a captivating Test match. Pakistan's fortunes
fluctuated on an extraordinary first day. Their batting lineup, initially in
decent shape at 135 for 4, collapsed in rapid succession to be bowled out for
just 182, their lowest score at home against Sri Lanka. The formidable duo of
Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Wickremasinghe wreaked havoc, spinning
Pakistan’s batsmen into disarray. To make matters worse for the home side,
Wasim Akram, their star bowler, was forced to limp off the field after just 13
deliveries, nursing a groin injury. This left Pakistan with only three
front-line bowlers, a significant handicap in the face of Sri Lanka's attacking
lineup.
But amidst adversity, the heart of Pakistan's resistance
came in the form of their ever-determined spinners, most notably Saqlain
Mushtaq. Despite suffering from dehydration, Saqlain bowled 33 overs in one
unbroken spell, switching ends only to maintain his rhythm. His heroics on the
fifth day underscored the sheer resilience of Pakistan's resolve. Yet, it was
not enough to curb the steady march of Sri Lanka's batsmen.
The Dominance of de Silva
On the second day, Sri Lanka's response to Pakistan's
vulnerability was both clinical and stylish, led by the composed Aravinda de
Silva. His graceful 112 was the backbone of Sri Lanka's innings. Batting for
more than six hours, de Silva faced a taxing 276 balls, caressing the ball to
the boundary 12 times. Together with Aravinda Ranatunga, who was dropped early
on by Moin Khan but made full use of his second chance, they put together a
monumental 129-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Ranatunga, ever the
strategist, played an innings of tactical brilliance, crafting a vital knock
while nursing a broken thumb—a feat of immense courage and resilience.
Even after de Silva’s departure, Sri Lanka’s tail wagged
furiously. Vaas, with a calm but unyielding 53 not out, extended the lead,
adding crucial partnerships with Zoysa and Muralitharan. The Sri Lankan total
swelled to a formidable 171-run lead, setting a daunting challenge for
Pakistan.
The Unlikely Hope of
Pakistan
As the Test progressed, Pakistan seemed to find themselves
cornered, especially after their own batting innings faltered under pressure.
But cricket, in its most dramatic form, offers both despair and hope in equal
measure. Saeed Anwar, the rock of Pakistan’s resistance, fought valiantly
against the Lankan bowlers. He faced 219 balls, contributing a gritty 84 runs,
but his defiance ended just two overs before stumps on the fourth day.
Pakistan, at 148 for 4, had nudged ahead by 65 runs, yet the advantage once
again tilted in Sri Lanka's favor.
Younis Khan's Dream
Debut and Wasim Akram’s Resilience
On the fourth day, however, the Pakistani fightback reached
new heights. It was the debut of a young Younis Khan, whose arrival in the
middle would forever change the course of this match. Younis, with the
composure of a seasoned veteran, displayed a remarkable level of patience and
skill. His century on debut was not just a personal triumph; it was the beacon
of hope that Pakistan needed. Batting for more than five hours, Younis Khan
absorbed pressure, surviving two dropped catches and playing a sublime knock of
107 runs from 250 balls, striking 11 boundaries in the process. He was
supported by Wasim Akram, who, despite struggling with a runner due to injury,
stubbornly batted for more than three hours, contributing 79 valuable runs.
Their partnership of 145 runs for the ninth wicket set a new series record and
left Pakistan with a narrow lead.
But the match remained evenly poised. Muralitharan, Sri
Lanka’s wizard with the ball, would eventually finish with a match-haul of
eight wickets, including four crucial dismissals in the second innings. His
efforts would prove pivotal in swinging the match back in Sri Lanka’s favor.
The Climactic Finish:
Ranatunga's Heroics
Pakistan’s bowlers came out with a renewed sense of urgency, and Waqar Younis immediately made an impact, removing Atapattu and Arnold early. The game appeared to be slipping away from Sri Lanka when they slumped to 177 for 8, with the target of 220 still a distant dream. Yet, as long as the indomitable Ranatunga remained at the crease, Sri Lanka’s hopes were alive. Battling not only Pakistan’s bowlers but also the pain of a broken thumb, Ranatunga proved to be the heartbeat of Sri Lanka’s chase. He was joined by Kaluwitharana in a resilient 43-run stand that took Sri Lanka to the brink of victory. Despite suffering a serious injury earlier in the match, Ranatunga's grit and determination never faltered. The thrilling finish came when, with 9.1 overs remaining, Sri Lanka reached their target.
Pakistan, on the verge of a stunning win, were thwarted by
moments of misfortune. A missed catch at 172 for six, when Kaluwitharana’s
lofted shot off Abdur Razzaq was dropped by Waqar at mid-on, allowed Sri Lanka
to escape.
A Masterclass in
Leadership
The victory was completed under the inspirational leadership
of Sanath Jayasuriya, who himself had played a steady innings. His first
half-century as captain was crucial in settling the nerves of the team, but it
was Ranatunga, like an injured tiger, who delivered the match-winning blow.
Jayasuriya, reflecting on the contest, remarked, "As long as Ranatunga was
there, we were convinced we could win." And win they did.
In this drama of cricketing ebbs and flows, Sri Lanka
emerged victorious by sheer will, determined spirit, and the brilliance of
individual performances, epitomized by the courage of a broken-handed
Ranatunga. It was not just a win, but a triumph of resilience—one for the ages.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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