Looking back at the two Asian Test Championships

2001-02 Asian Test Championship

In batting, if a team scored more than 400 in 100 overs 4 points were given. For a score between 350-399 3 points were awarded. 2 points were awarded for a score between 300-349 and 1 point for a score between 250-299. In case of bowling, for taking 10 wickets, 4 points were awarded. 3 points were awarded for taking 8-9 wickets, 2 for 6-7 wickets and 1 point for taking 5 wickets.

In this Asian Test Championship, Bangladesh also participated as they became a test playing nation in 2001. India pulled out of this Asian Test Championship due to the ongoing tension with Pakistan. Each team had to play with the other two in a round-robin manner and the top two teams qualified for the finals.

A win was worth 12 points and tie worth 8 points. However, a win by an innings was worth 16 points. No points were awarded for a draw and a loss. Like the previous edition of the Asian Test Championship, bonus points were awarded for batting and bowling performances.

The first match was played between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Multan.

Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first. None of the Bangladeshi batsmen were able to stay at the crease for a long time and Bangladesh was all-out for 134 in just 41.1 overs. Mehrab Hussain was the top scorer with 19 runs. Danish Kaneria picked 6 wickets for 42 runs.

In reply, Pakistani batsmen ran havoc. Five Pakistani batsmen scored a century. Saeed Anwar (101), Taufeeq Umar (104), Inzamam-ul-Haq (105), Mohammad Yousuf (102*) and Abdul Razzaq (110*). Taufeeq Umar scored a century on debut. Razzaq scored 110 from just 100 deliveries. Pakistan posted 546/3 and declared with a lead of 412 runs.

Bangladesh in reply was bowled out for 148. Habibul Bashar scored a fifty. Coincidently Bangladesh was all-out in 41.1 overs again similar to the first innings score and Danish Kaneria again picked 6 wickets. For his 12 wickets, he was awarded the man of the match.

The second match was played between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Colombo.

Sri Lanka captain Sanath Jayasuriya won the toss and invited Bangladesh for batting. In the first innings, Bangladesh was bundled out for just 90 runs 36.4 overs. Muttiah Muralitharan picked a fifer. Mohammad Ashraful the debutant was the highest scorer with 26. In reply, Sri Lanka on the back of Marvan Atapattu's double hundred posted 555/5.

Jayasuriya played a blinder of 89 from just 56 balls. Jayawardene also scored a 150. Bangladesh was railed by 465 runs. In the second innings, Bangladesh did show some grit. Ashraful scored a brilliant century and Bangladesh scored 328 runs and batted for more than 100 overs. Sri Lanka won the match by an inning and 137 runs. Murali again picked a fifer in the second innings and was awarded man of the match. Ashraful was awarded man of the match from the Bangladeshi side.

Since both Sri Lanka and Pakistan had defeated Bangladesh in their respective matches, both teams decided to play a final directly instead of playing one more game.

Final Match Sri Lanka versus Pakistan in Lahore.

Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field first. Many of Pakistan's batsman got the start but none of them was able to convert the start to big score and Pakistan was all-out for 234 in 67 overs. Murali was the pick of the bowlers picking 4 wickets. In reply, Pakistan had a dream start with Waqar Younis picking Atapattu on the first ball itself. Sanath Jayasuriya along with Sangakkara had a 203 run partnership for the second wicket.

Jayasuriya got out on the score of 88 but Sangakkara carried on and went on to score 230. With contributions from Jayawardene, Arnold, and Vaas, Sri Lanka posted 528. Mohammad Sami picked up a hattrick. Pakistan had a huge task as they were trailed by 294 runs. Shahid Afridi in his usual fashion played a whirlwind knock of 70.

Inzamam was unlucky to get out on a 99. No other batsman made a vital contribution and Pakistan was all-out for 325. Vaas and Murali picked 4 wickets each. Sri Lanka needed a mere 32 runs to win the match.

Both Sri Lanka openers scored just 1 but Sangakkara and Jayawardene ensured there was no other hiccup. Sri Lanka won the second Asian Test Championship by 8 wickets. Sangakkara for his 230 was awarded the man of the match.

Sri Lanka and Pakistan were the two finalists in the both the Asian Test Championships and both the teams managed to win it once.