Pakistan’s 2nd innings recovery did nothing but raise even more questions as to why the 1st innings performance was so bad, and despite the 2nd innings collapse, it was this 1st innings total which cost in the end. Had they scored even a hundred more, they would have fancied bowling out Sri Lanka for less than 270 on a 4th innings pitch.

So, where did it all go wrong? Pakistan’s 2nd innings collapse all started when Sri Lanka took the new ball and the Pakistan batsmen just did not have an answer. The Sri Lankan’s did bowl well but questions will be asked of the Pakistan batsmen, particularly the early to middle order. Though Misbah was unlucky to be given out today, he will be under pressure for the last Test having made just one 50 in four innings this series. His other scores were just 7, 0 and 3. The captain has also a lot to answer for with poor decision making throughout. I have long questioned the purpose of a reverse sweep and today you could see why as Younis gave his wicket away, triggering the collapse. The list below of our middle order’s performances in this series so far, does not make good reading:

Younis Khan: 25 – 3 – 0 – 82
Mohammad Yusuf: 112 – 12 – 10 – 6
Shoaib Malik: 38 – 0 – 39* – 6
Misbah Ul-Haq: 56 – 7 – 0 – 3
Kamran Akmal: 31 – 6 - 9 – 3

It’s about learning from mistakes; Pakistan repeated their mistakes (three batting collapses in two Tests) and Sri Lanka did not. But what is behind this? Is it the will to win? Coaching influence? Mentality? Professionalism? If it is, then it’s clear why Sri Lanka should beat us every time.

For the neutral, Test cricket is well and truly alive and for the Pakistan fan, Pakistan Test cricket is also well and truly alive. It’s not too much to suggest that we should be 0-2 up in the series, or 0-1 at least. But the reality is that Pakistan now find themselves 2-0 down, an unassailable lead in the three match series giving Sri Lanka their first series win over Pakistan on home soil.

I’d still be a Pakistan fan though, just don’t ask me why.

The ICL could have quite easily have refused the requests of the players who were under contract but have shown a gentle touch befitting this gentlemen’s game that the ICC, BCCI and other boards have lacked.

The PCB may now regret withdrawing the 3 ICL players it had included in its original World Twenty20 squad.