Sri Lanka’s Revival: A Victory Against the Odds

When Kumar Sangakkara bid farewell to international cricket, Sri Lanka entered a phase of uncertainty—a familiar yet daunting period of transition. While the emergence of new talents offered glimpses of hope, the results on the field painted a grim picture. Defeats piled up, and the once-proud cricketing nation found itself struggling to stay competitive. Transition, a term often used to soften the blow of such setbacks, began to wear thin as humiliations became more frequent. 

The nadir came when Sri Lanka succumbed to low-ranked teams, sides that barely played active cricket. These losses were not just defeats but symbolic of a deeper malaise. A heavy thrashing on home soil without putting up even a semblance of resistance amplified fears that Sri Lanka might be heading down the same path as the West Indies—a cricketing powerhouse unable to navigate the void left by its legends. 

What Sri Lankan cricket desperately needed was a spark, a morale-boosting victory to reignite belief and uplift a team searching for its identity. The question, however, was when and where that spark would come. 

A Test of Resolve in Abu Dhabi 

The first Test against Pakistan in Abu Dhabi seemed poised to deliver yet another blow to Sri Lanka’s fragile confidence. Chasing a modest 136 on the final day, Pakistan appeared to be in control. Yasir Shah had spun a web around Sri Lanka earlier, and the hosts seemed destined to cruise to victory. 

But Test cricket, as always, had other ideas. Its beauty lies in its unpredictability, and when Pakistan is involved, drama is never far away. 

Enter Rangana Herath, the veteran spinner whose guile and perseverance epitomized Sri Lankan cricket’s fighting spirit. With Pakistan’s top and middle order crumbling under pressure, Herath turned the game on its head. From a position of comfort, Pakistan spiraled into chaos, losing ten wickets on the final day—a collapse that has become alarmingly familiar for them in recent years.  

Since 2016, Pakistan has lost ten wickets in a fourth-innings chase on five occasions, with another instance where nine fell in quick succession. This vulnerability on the final day, reminiscent of Bangladesh’s struggles, once again reared its head. 

The Significance of Victory 

For Sri Lanka, this was more than just a win; it was a moment of catharsis. After months of despair and self-doubt, they had orchestrated one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent Test history. The victory in Abu Dhabi not only ended a streak of disappointments but also provided a much-needed injection of confidence to a team in transition. 

Herath’s spell symbolized resilience, a reminder of what Sri Lanka could achieve when they combined skill with belief. It was a performance that harkened back to the glory days, offering a glimmer of hope that the future might not be as bleak as it once seemed. 

A Triumph for Test Cricket 

This victory was not just important for Sri Lanka but for Test cricket itself. In an era where the longest format often finds itself overshadowed by the glitz of T20 leagues, such dramatic turnarounds reaffirm its unique charm. The sight of a team clawing its way back from the brink, defying the odds to script an improbable win, is what keeps the format alive and cherished. 

Sri Lanka’s triumph serves as a reminder that transitions, while painful, can also be transformative. It is never easy to replace legends, but moments like these show that the road to recovery is paved with resilience and belief. For Sri Lanka, the win in Abu Dhabi was not just a victory; it was a statement—a declaration that they still belong among the elite. 

In the grander narrative of cricket, this victory was a beacon of hope, a testament to the enduring spirit of the game.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Zimbabwe’s Gallant Fight in Colombo: A Testament to Grit Amid Adversity

 

The one-off Test between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe at the Khettarama Stadium in Colombo was a spectacle that defied expectations, a testament to Zimbabwe’s grit and tenacity in the face of adversity. Though victory eluded them, the visitors left an indelible mark with their spirited performance, showcasing the resilience of a team battling not just their opposition but the systemic challenges that plague cricket in their country. 

Craig Ervine’s Heroics: A Study in Composure

In the cauldron-like heat of Colombo, Craig Ervine stood tall, a picture of determination against the wiles of Rangana Herath. Walking in at 38 for 2 and later witnessing the fall of two more wickets, Ervine displayed remarkable composure. His initial restraint—spending 13 deliveries before getting off the mark—was a masterclass in adapting to both the turning wicket and the oppressive conditions. 

Once settled, Ervine’s fluent off-side strokes began to emerge, reflecting the confidence of a batsman who understood the situation. His ability to shepherd the tail, particularly Donald Tiripano, in a vital 62-run partnership for the ninth wicket was a testament to his leadership at the crease. Ervine’s valiant 160, supported by Tiripano’s gritty 27, ensured Zimbabwe eked out a slender yet crucial lead of 10 runs—an achievement of immense psychological significance. 

Sikandar Raza and Malcolm Waller: Courage Under Fire

On Day 3, Herath returned with venom, reducing Zimbabwe to 59 for 5 in a spell of relentless precision. It seemed the visitors were destined for another collapse, but Sikandar Raza and Malcolm Waller had other plans. 

Raza’s innings was an exhibition of calculated defiance. Early on, he absorbed the pressure with defensive strokes, but as he acclimated to Herath’s guile, he transitioned into a more assertive mode, dispatching loose deliveries to the boundary. At the other end, Waller’s controlled aggression complemented Raza’s solidity, and together they forged a crucial partnership that frustrated Sri Lanka. 

Their fightback embodied Zimbabwe’s character—a refusal to capitulate despite overwhelming odds. Raza and Waller gave the tourists a lifeline, and when Graeme Cremer contributed a determined 48 on Day 4, Zimbabwe had positioned themselves as potential victors in a match that few had expected them to dominate. 

What Went Wrong for Zimbabwe?

On the final day, the experience gap between the two sides became glaring. Zimbabwe had the upper hand but faltered in critical moments, their lack of Test exposure and tactical missteps costing them dearly. 

Cremer’s decision-making was a key factor. While operating in tandem with Sean Williams, the captain maintained defensive fields, scattering players in the deep and waiting for Sri Lanka’s batsmen to make mistakes. However, Niroshan Dickwella and Asela Gunaratne were too seasoned to fall into such traps. Their strategy was simple yet effective—accumulate singles and twos, refusing to take unnecessary risks. 

The leg-stump-oriented lines bowled by Cremer and Williams reflected a one-day cricket mindset ill-suited to the longer format. Close-in fielders were conspicuously absent, allowing the Sri Lankan duo to build a match-winning partnership with minimal pressure. 

Zimbabwe’s inability to seize critical moments compounded their problems. Dropped catches and missed run-out opportunities during the most crucial passages of play gave Sri Lanka a lifeline. Additionally, the contentious stumping decision involving Dickwella—adjudged not out by the third umpire—further dented Zimbabwe’s hopes. 

Lessons for Zimbabwe

Despite the heartbreak, Zimbabwe has much to celebrate. Their performance in Colombo earned them respect and admiration from cricketing circles worldwide. However, there are lessons to be learned. 

First, tactical awareness needs to improve. Cremer, while spirited, must refine his captaincy skills to better read match situations and employ proactive strategies. Second, Zimbabwe lacks a genuine wicket-taker who can break partnerships in crucial moments. Investing in the development of such bowlers is imperative. 

Finally, Zimbabwe’s fielding must undergo a transformation. In Tests, where every run matters, a dropped catch or missed opportunity can be the difference between victory and defeat. 

A Call for Support

Zimbabwe’s valiant effort in Colombo is a reminder of their potential, but it also underscores the systemic issues that hinder their progress. The team plays far too few Tests, depriving them of the experience needed to compete against top sides. The lack of a professional cricket board and financial support exacerbates their plight, leaving the players to shoulder an extraordinary burden. 

The international cricket community must take notice. Zimbabwe’s fighting spirit deserves more opportunities, not only for the players to showcase their skills but also to inspire the next generation of cricketers in the country. 

Conclusion

Though Zimbabwe fell short of a historic victory, their performance in Colombo was nothing short of heroic. From Ervine’s masterful century to Raza and Waller’s defiance, the team displayed the kind of character that makes Test cricket special. 

As they reflect on the near miss, Zimbabwe can hold their heads high. The lessons from this match will serve them well, and if their spirit remains unbroken, they may yet script the remarkable turnaround their cricketing fraternity so desperately deserves.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Bangladesh in the Fourth Innings: A Test of Patience, Technique, and Temperament

For Bangladesh cricket fans, recounting moments of grit and triumph in the fourth innings of a Test feels like an exercise in futility. These instances, sparse and scattered, are overshadowed by a string of collapses that have come to define the Tigers' narrative in Test cricket. Among the rare glimmers of hope, Javed Omar’s stoic resistance against Zimbabwe in Dhaka remains etched in memory—a defiant stand that secured a hard-fought draw and paved the way for Bangladesh's first Test series win. 

Four years later, in 2009, Bangladesh achieved an unforgettable milestone in Grenada, chasing down a target to sweep a historic series in the West Indies. Yet, these are anomalies in a broader story of struggles in the fourth innings, where they have consistently failed to save matches, even on pitches designed to favour batsmen. 

The Galle Conundrum 

The first Test of the 2017 series against Sri Lanka at Galle added another chapter to this saga. While some fans might take solace in the fact that Bangladesh took the match to the fifth day, a deeper analysis reveals yet another missed opportunity. The pitch at Galle, historically a spinners' paradise, surprisingly offered little menace this time—a flat deck reminiscent of the one in 2013, where Bangladesh had scripted their first 600-plus total. 

Sri Lanka batted first, amassing 494 runs—a challenging yet not insurmountable target. With stalwarts like Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah in their ranks, Bangladesh had the resources to mount a response. Indeed, the opening partnership provided a steady start, but the middle and lower order failed to seize the momentum, crumbling under the pressure of the final day. 

A Day of Disappointment 

The collapse began with Soumya Sarkar, whose lethargic approach to Asela Gunaratne's gentle medium pace set the tone. His dismissal, marked by indifference, seemed to infect the rest of the lineup. Mominul Haque was trapped plumb in front, Shakib misread a delivery that leapt off the rough, and Mahmudullah’s erratic footwork led to his undoing. Even the usually reliable Mushfiqur Rahim  fell victim to poor shot selection, while Liton Das, just as he began to settle, threw his wicket away with a needless stroke, gifting Rangana Herath another milestone. 

By lunch, the innings had disintegrated. Bangladesh had lost their final six wickets for a meagre addition, suffering a humbling 259-run defeat. 

The Art of Survival 

Surviving in the fourth innings of a Test is not merely about skill but also temperament, patience, and the ability to adapt to the situation. Legendary knocks—like **Hanif Mohammad’s iconic marathon against the West Indies**—are underpinned by a simple mantra: play straight, keep the ball down, and focus on preserving one’s wicket. 

Bangladesh’s failure lies in their inability to embrace these fundamentals. The numbers tell a telling story: while Sri Lankan batsmen occupied the crease for **1914 minutes** across their innings, Bangladesh could muster just **1336 minutes**, highlighting their tendency to lose concentration under pressure. 

The T20 Influence 

The modern obsession with shorter formats, particularly T20 cricket, has left an indelible mark on Bangladesh’s approach. Players like Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar are celebrated for their stroke-filled cameos, yet their inability—or unwillingness—to grind out innings is often overlooked. The result is a cricketing culture that prioritizes aggression over resilience. 

Efforts to instil a Test-centric mindset are often undermined by this culture. Coaches may preach the virtues of patience and adaptability, but the broader cricketing ecosystem in Bangladesh glorifies adventurous batting, even at the expense of match-saving pragmatism. 

Seventeen Years and Still Learning 

After 17 years in Test cricket, the Tigers remain students of the format. The nuances of occupation, consolidation, and adaptation continue to elude them, with their fourth-innings struggles symbolizing this broader learning curve. 

As Bangladesh looks to the future, it is imperative to foster a mature Test culture—one that celebrates the grind as much as the glory. For only then can the Tigers truly roar, not just in flashes, but as a sustained force in the longest format of the game.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

The Tigers and the Lankan Lions: A Tale of Testing Spin and Temperament

In the early days of their Test journey, Bangladesh faced many a baptism by fire. Among those was their first tour to Sri Lanka in September 2001, part of the Asian Test Championship. Just over a year into their Test status, the Tigers encountered the formidable Sri Lankans at Colombo's SSC Ground. It was a harsh initiation, marred by the precision of Sri Lanka’s batting and the wizardry of Muttiah Muralitharan. Mohammad Ashraful’s record-breaking century on debut—a brilliant spark in the gloom—was the sole balm for the visitors' wounds. 

Two decades later, the narrative of Bangladesh’s Test cricket in Sri Lanka remains one of relentless struggles. Despite incremental growth and fleeting moments of defiance, they are yet to register a Test victory against Sri Lanka, either home or away. Their best effort came in 2013 when a defiant batting display earned them a draw at Galle—a rare glimmer in an otherwise daunting record. 

Fast forward to 2017, and the dynamics appeared to shift. Bangladesh, now boasting experience and confidence, landed on Sri Lankan shores as a competitive unit, with aspirations of rewriting history. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, were in transition. The retirements of stalwarts like Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene had left a vacuum in leadership and experience. Angelo Mathews' absence compounded their woes, and Rangana Herath—veteran spinner and reluctant captain—shouldered dual responsibilities as skipper and lead bowler. 

Herath, a giant in his own right, had spent much of his career emerging from Muralitharan’s shadow. In the six years following Murali’s retirement, Herath claimed a staggering 279 Test wickets, becoming Sri Lanka’s indispensable weapon on spinning tracks. His dominance at home was unparalleled—231 wickets at an average of 23.15, striking every 51 deliveries. The numbers soared further at his beloved Galle (84 wickets) and P Sara Oval (34 wickets), venues where the upcoming Tests were to unfold. 

Bangladesh’s Challenge: Navigating Herath’s Web 

Bangladesh’s hopes rested heavily on their ability to neutralize Herath. Historically, the crafty left-arm spinner thrived on exploiting technical flaws, especially on turning tracks. Against Bangladesh, his record spoke volumes—25 wickets at 25.60, dismissing key players like Mahmudullah, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mominul Haque with unnerving regularity. 

The Tigers' approach in 2013 offered a blueprint for success. A flat track at Galle allowed their batsmen to amass over 600 runs, forcing Herath into uncharacteristic toil for figures of 2/162. Yet, conditions had evolved. In recent years, Galle and P Sara Oval pitches had transformed into spin havens, evident from Sri Lanka’s triumphs against India and Australia, where batsmen faltered against turn, bounce, and drift. 

To succeed, Bangladesh’s batsmen needed technical resilience and strategic acumen. Herath’s modus operandi was clear—trapping batsmen with variations in flight and turn, inducing edges to slip or bat-pad, or pinning them leg-before. Of his dismissals, 37.5% were caught in the cordon, and 26.3% were LBWs. These statistics underscored the need for playing late, staying on the back foot, and getting behind the line of the ball. 

The Subtle Threats of a “Weak” Sri Lanka 

While the focus remained on Herath, Sri Lanka’s “weakness” could be deceptive. Even without their iconic batsmen, the hosts possessed players capable of seizing the moment. Youthful exuberance and home advantage often compensated for experience, and Galle’s spinning track was a leveller in itself. 

The Verdict 

Bangladesh’s growth as a cricketing nation has been remarkable, but Sri Lanka remains a fortress yet to be breached. The challenge for the Tigers is not just about skill but temperament—staying composed under pressure and adapting to unfamiliar conditions. 

As Herath readies himself to wield the ball with the precision of a scalpel, the onus is on Bangladesh’s batsmen to rise to the occasion. If they can muster the technique and character to counter the Lankan spin maestro, they might just script a chapter of redemption. Otherwise, history might repeat itself, and the Tigers could return home with another tale of missed opportunities. 

In the end, cricket, like life, thrives on unpredictability. Could this be the moment Bangladesh finally conquers their demons in Sri Lanka? Or will Herath conjure one last magical spell on the sands of Galle? Time will tell.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar  

A Turnaround in the Island Nation: Sri Lanka’s Resurgence Against All Odds

In the summer of 2016, amid the grey clouds of despair hovering over Sri Lankan cricket, a moment of brilliance unfolded on the dusty pitches of the subcontinent. In the first ball of the 45th over of Australia’s innings in the third Test, Rangana Herath, the evergreen warrior of Sri Lankan cricket, delivered a slider that thudded into Nathan Lyon’s pad. The appeal was instant and the umpire’s finger went up. A review later, the decision stood, sealing Australia’s fate at 160 all out. Herath had taken his 13th wicket of the match, etching his name into history as the architect of a remarkable victory. Sri Lanka had not just won the Test but completed a historic 3-0 whitewash of the former world number one side. For a team that had never before managed such dominance over Australia, this triumph was more than a statistical anomaly—it was a statement.

The Shadow of Transition

The victory was as much about perseverance as it was about skill. Only weeks earlier, Sri Lanka had endured a miserable tour of England, succumbing to James Anderson and Stuart Broad’s mastery in swinging conditions. Their performance was dissected with the harsh lens of a cricketing fraternity used to seeing Sri Lanka as a powerhouse, albeit a fading one. The post-Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara era had begun in earnest, and it wasn’t a pretty sight. Angelo Mathews, burdened with the captaincy, struggled to find solace in a team riddled with inconsistency and an absence of generational talent.

But transitions are no strangers to Sri Lanka. They had weathered the exits of Arjuna Ranatunga and Aravinda de Silva in the past, finding salvation in the likes of Muttiah Muralitharan, Chaminda Vaas, Jayawardene, and Sangakkara. These legends, in turn, became the custodians of the team during their own transition. Now, with none of these icons left, Mathews had to navigate a storm with a cast that was largely untested and unproven.

The Herath Factor: A Beacon of Hope

If there was one constant in Sri Lanka’s turbulent seas, it was Rangana Herath. The wily left-arm spinner, with his unassuming demeanour and portly frame, defied conventional wisdom about athleticism. His guile, patience, and mastery over the art of spin transformed him into the torchbearer of Sri Lanka’s legacy. When Australia faltered against him, it wasn’t just Herath’s skill on display—it was the triumph of Sri Lanka’s enduring cricketing ethos.

Herath’s success underscored a critical aspect of Sri Lanka’s resilience: their capacity to adapt. Even as their cricket board grappled with accusations of corruption, the players retained a culture of quiet determination. There were no sweeping changes or dramatic calls for heads to roll. Instead, they placed faith in their process, their players, and their ability to weather the storm.

The Seeds of a New Generation

This faith extended to the new crop of cricketers—Kusal Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva, Kaushal Silva, and Sandakan—who began to show glimpses of the future. These young guns, supported by Mathews and Chandimal, carried the promise of Sri Lanka’s cricketing revival. The victory over Australia was not merely a moment of glory; it was a harbinger of a brighter era, forged by a team that refused to yield to despair.

Lessons Beyond Cricket

Sri Lanka’s cricketing story in 2016 mirrors the ethos of its people. Despite facing adversity, both on and off the field, they chose to rebuild rather than bemoan their circumstances. This culture of quiet resilience, debate over argument, and positivity over pessimism, became their greatest strength. Their cricket is a reflection of a society that values perseverance and hard work, where solutions take precedence over excuses.

As the cricketing world watches, there is little doubt that Sri Lanka will rise again. Their journey, though fraught with challenges, is guided by the enduring spirit of their cricketing culture. With a balanced blend of experience and youth, Sri Lanka’s resurgence is not a question of *if* but *when*.

Thank You

Faisal Caesar 

Sri Lanka’s Masterclass in Galle: Herath’s Redemption and Chandimal’s Chaos

A Turnaround Written in Spin

Not long after chasing 377 with an air of ease against Pakistan, Sri Lanka returned to an older, more familiar script—transforming a modest target into a mountain. On the fourth day at Galle, the script was executed to perfection. India, beginning with nine wickets in hand and needing just 153 to win, were undone by the relentless guile of Rangana Herath and the youthful vigour of Tharindu Kaushal.

The 192-run first-innings deficit was not just overturned—it was alchemised into victory. Excluding forfeitures, this was the eighth-highest deficit ever turned into a Test win, and it came with a distinctly Sri Lankan flavour: runs in the bank, clever in-and-out fields, and spinners unerringly landing the ball on a postage stamp.

The Fortress Breathes

Galle International Stadium—open, breezy, flanked by fort walls and an indifferent sea—felt claustrophobic for India on that final day. Twenty-four hours earlier, they were near-certain victors. But a sequence of events, starting with Dinesh Chandimal’s counterattack and India’s stubborn resistance to the DRS, had reversed the emotional momentum. By the fourth morning, a sense of inevitability hung in the air: Sri Lanka would make them toil for every run.

Instead of grafting, India collapsed—recording their lowest total against Sri Lanka.

The Old Master’s Spell

Herath, omitted from the previous match and anonymous in the first innings, summoned a spell of rare vintage. Fighting sore knees and a complaining back, he bowled as though the years had reversed. In an 18-over marathon, interrupted only by lunch, he conceded just 35 runs and took six wickets.

Each dismissal was a study in variation:

Ishant Sharma—lbw to one that might have struck outside the line.

Rohit Sharma—bowled, stranded beside the ball’s turning arc.

Wriddhiman Saha—lured down the track, beaten by flight and dip.

Harbhajan Singh—caught pad-bat, the ball kissing both surfaces.

R Ashwin—holing out in a desperate counterattack.

Ajinkya Rahane—edged to slip, the last bastion breached.

Herath’s bowling was not about unplayable deliveries alone—it was about suffocating pressure. Every over was a net closing in.

The Supporting Cast

Dhammika Prasad and Nuwan Pradeep, though wicketless in that decisive phase, softened India’s resistance. They probed relentlessly outside off, especially against Shikhar Dhawan, who—batting with a bruised hand—adopted discipline over adventure. Yet this discipline turned to stagnation, and stagnation to errors.

Kohli’s dismissal, prodding far in front of his body, epitomised the batting lapse. Dhawan’s own end came via a soft leading edge after an ill-conceived sweep change. From 45 for 4, the slope steepened rapidly.

Chandimal’s Day of Anarchy

If Herath’s spell was a symphony of control, Chandimal’s innings the day prior was pure chaos jazz. Arriving when Sri Lanka teetered, he lashed sweeps and reverse-sweeps against the turn, struck Ashwin past cover, and clobbered Harbhajan for six. He made 51 of the last 65 runs scored by Sri Lanka, all while Galle’s backdrop played its own percussion: election rally speeches, sea winds, bus horns, and kite-flying children.

It was cricket as street theatre—noise, unpredictability, and audacity.

Herath’s Redemption Arc

For eighteen months, whispers had grown: Is Herath done? Figures like 1/99 and 1/154 fed the narrative. But this was a man forged in resilience—summoned back into the Test side after playing club cricket in England, often overlooked for flashier, mystery spinners.

His victory was as personal as it was national. This was the Herath who, in 2011 Durban, willed Sri Lanka to victory; the Herath whose craft lived in the subtleties, whose career was a testament to squeezing every ounce from modest natural gifts.

“Being dropped is my bread and butter,” he quipped afterwards, smiling as if adversity were just another opponent to outlast.

An Ending with Memory

When the final wicket fell, it was not just India’s chase that had ended, but a narrative that had threatened to define Herath’s twilight years. In Galle, he reminded cricket that greatness can be quiet, and redemption can be slow-burning—but when it arrives, it can suffocate as thoroughly as a perfect spell of left-arm spin.

Thank You 

Faisal Caesar