Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 2017: 5 reasons why Pakistan lost the Test series

#3 Not capitalizing on key moments

Sarfraz got out at key moments in the second innings of both Tests

It was not a series in which either team dominated for a large part. Instead, it was quite closely fought. But it was Sri Lanka who won the key moments and maintained their composure when they were put under pressure. Pakistan had their moments but didn't make them count.

After almost leveling the scores in the first innings of the first Test, Pakistan bowled superbly to bowl Sri Lanka out for 138. But chasing 135 on a tricky surface, they recorded their 6th collapse in the last one year to fluff a wonderful opportunity to go 1-0 up in the series.

Even in the second Test, after dismissing Sri Lanka for 482, they had a great chance to get close to the score on a decent batting surface. But almost every batsman in the top 7 got set and then got out, conceding a big lead of 220 which proved to be decisive. Even though the bowlers brought Pakistan back in to the game in the third innings by skittling SL out for 96, 316 was always going to be a bit too much for a fourth innings chase.