Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 2014: Not much to choose between the two teams

Mahela Jayawardene

Pakistan have embarked on yet another tour to Sri Lanka with the first Test starting tomorrow at Galle. The two countries are familiar foes having played each other regularly in the recent past, yet this two Test series has a lot at stake for both the teams.

Not much to choose between the two sides

The last Test series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka was played in the UAE and ended in a draw after Pakistan completed a record chase on the final evening of the series.

In the past 3 years, the teams have played 3 Test series with Pakistan winning one, Sri Lanka winning one, and a drawn series. If that isn't close enough, the last 14 Test series between the two teams comprises of 4 drawn series, 5 won by Pakistan, and 5 won by Sri Lanka.

Furthermore, these 14 test series played between them over the past 22 years has not witnessed either team win two consecutive series.

That shows that there is not much to choose there. Both teams, however, are going to be highly motivated for the upcoming Tests given the significance attached to the series.

Significance for Pakistan

For Pakistan, this is going to be their first Test series since becoming the number 3 test side in the world, and they would want to keep their ranking intact, and look to improve it going forward.

Furthermore, Pakistan have not won a Test in Sri Lanka for 8 years. The last time they won a Test in the island was in 2006, when Mohammad Asif's magical bowing blew away the Lankans. Since then Pakistan have played 6 Tests in Sri Lanka, losing 3 and drawing 3.

Pakistan are looking to turn their fortunes around this time and want to end their drought in Sri Lanka.

Significance for Sri Lanka

For Sri Lanka, this series holds a lot of significance considering that it is Mahela Jayawardene's swansong. He has already announced his retirement from Test cricket and these two Tests against Pakistan will be his last two. He would want to leave a major mark on his last Test series, while Sri Lanka will want to win the series for him.

Moreover, Sri Lanka are coming from a rare series loss at home at the hands of South Africa and they will want to ensure that they don't lose another series at home.

With so much at stake, both teams will be looking to gain a lead, which can be a series winning one, in what is only a two test series.