The second Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium from Wednesday (October 26). This will be the second Test match at this ground. The match will be 39th Test between the two teams and first at this ground. Pakistan have won 15, lost nine and drew 14 in 38 previous encounters against Sri Lanka. Pakistan and Sri Lanka have an odd head-to-head record, with both teams being more successful in away Tests as compared to home matches. Pakistan, however, can take confidence from the fact that they are the team with the most wins against Sri Lanka. The only Test match at this ground was played between Pakistan and South Africa in November 2010. Batting first after winning the toss, South Africa made 380 in their first innings. Graeme Smith led the way in a strong South Africa display with his 22nd Test century to help his team reach a commanding 311 for 3 on the first day. He and Alviro Petersen used up a fair degree of luck in their stand of 153 before Hashim Amla and Jacques Kallis consolidated in professional style with a partnership of 117 as Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to make an impression in flat conditions. Pakistan fought back valiantly on the second day as Umar Gul sparked a South Africa collapse to 380 before Taufeeq Umar and Mohammad Hafeez responded with an opening stand of 105. Umar Gul, the one remaining frontline quick after Wahab Riaz suffered a side strain, struck three early blows before the spinners completed the resurgence. Jacques Kallis (135 not out) and Hashim Amla (118 not out) laid the platform with methodical centuries in an unbroken 242-run stand which left Pakistan needing to bat 131 overs for safety. South Africa after setting Pakistan a huge 451. On the fifth and final day of, Younis Khan took Pakistan safely to a draw, cracking an unbeaten 130 – his 17th Test hundred. The match was called off shortly after entering the final hour of the day as Pakistan reached 343 for 3, their highest fourth innings total in Tests.
