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Sri Lanka vs Pakistan First Test Tips - A result on the cards

By Sridhar Bhamidi

15 Jul 2023

Sridhar Bhamidi 15 Jul 2023

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Sri Lanka vs Pakistan First Test predictions to be played at the Galle International Stadium starting from Sunday morning, IST
The last 21 Tests at this venue have seen a winner
The last 7 Tests between Sri Lanka and Pakistan have seen a winner
Babar Azam has scored at least 55 in 3 of his 4 Test innings against Sri Lanka
Can Galle produce another classic between Sri Lanka and Pakistan?

Can Sri Lanka and Pakistan dish out another entertaing game? (Getty Images)

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan First Test

The new World Test Championship cycle for Sri Lanka and Pakistan will start with a two-Test series. The first match will be played at the Galle Stadium in Galle on Sunday, July 16 starting at 10:00 am IST.

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan First Test
Head to Head
Sri Lanka Form
Sri Lanka Team News
Pakistan Form
Pakistan Team News

Pakistan and Sri Lanka have been off-colour in the two previous WTC series, which puts pressure on them to start well in this cycle. The return of Shaheen Shah Afridi gives them confidence in that, but Sri Lanka would be looking to halt them at their fortress. Either way, it looks like a winner could be had one way or the other.

There has been a winner in the last 21 matches at this venue (Tests)
The 7 matches between Sri Lanka and Pakistan at this venue has seen a winner (Tests)
The last 7 matches between these side has seen a winner (Tests)
Babar Azam has scored at least 55 in 3 of his 4 innings against Sri Lanka (Tests)
Prabath Jayasuriya has taken 46 wickets from 5 matches at this venue (Tests)

Head to Head

There have been 57 Tests between Sri Lanka and Pakistan so far, with 17 wins for Sri Lanka and 21 wins for Pakistan with the remaining 19 ending as draws.

Sri Lanka Form

Sri Lanka are coming off a successful ODI World Cup campaign but will have quickly adjust to the longer format. The last time they played Tests was at this venue against Ireland, a series they won 2-0.

The Islanders will be looking at their Test specialists to do the star turn. Pathum Nissanka has been recalled to the side after a cracking ODI series in Zimbabwe, while Kasun Rajitha also earns a recall.

There’s a place for newcomers Dilshan Madushanka and Lakshitha Manasinghe too, as Sri Lanka look to start the series on a high.

Sri Lanka Team News

Sri Lanka could give a debut to Dilshan Madushanka while they have enough depth to start with three spinners.

Pakistan Form

Pakistan have missed out on qualifying for the finals in both WTC series, largely because of their poor home record. They were last seen in this format early this year when they drew both home matches against New Zealand.

The visitors are winless in six Tests, drawing two and losing four. They have happy memories of this venue, having won here when they chased 342 last year.

Babar Azam will be happy to have Shaheen Shah Afridi back in the team, as he looks to juggle his options.

Pakistan Team News

Pakistan played the two-day practice match without Naseem Shah, but he could slot back into the playing XI. Mohammad Hurraira and Aamer Jamal have got maiden call-ups but it’s unlikely that they will debut here.

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan First Test FAQs

Where can I watch the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan First Test First Test live stream?

Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the Sri Lanka vs Pakistan First Test First Test live stream.

What time does Sri Lanka vs Pakistan First Test First Test start?

This Sri Lanka vs Pakistan First Test First Test will be played at the Galle International Stadium starting on Sunday from 10:00am IST.

Verdict

Sri Lanka v Pakistan - 1st Test

Galle has been a magnet for results in the recent times with the last 21 Tests at this venue seeing a winner either way. Even these two sides have been chalking out games that have seen a winner. Pakistan have a slight edge with the bat but Sri Lanka can’t be ruled out, as their spinners can be dangerous on this track. I am putting my money on a winner in this match, while Babar Azam could continue his form and score a fifty.

Win SL or Pakistan

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