Former cricketer terms Pakistan favourites for Karachi Test after day one

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali believes that Men in Green are in an ideal position to win the Karachi Test against Sri Lanka.

While speaking in a Youtube video, Basit said that the pitch will deteriorate as the match progresses, which is likely to benefit Pakistan.

“Pakistan made a very good decision to bat first after winning the toss. It doesn’t matter if they got out on 191. From here on, even if Sri Lanka takes around 50 to 75 runs lead, it will be the best chance for Pakistan to win the match,” said Basit. “The way this pitch is behaving, the match shouldn’t go till day five as its going to get uneven every day.”

“I am saying this from my experience. The amount of softness and the turn that was on offer today clearly indicates that the pitch will deteriorate and Pakistan has eighty per cent chance to win this Test,” he added.

ALSO READ: Shafiq rues lack of adequate first innings total

Former Pakistan batsman was full of praise for Sri Lanka left-arm spinner Lasith Embuldeniya, who claimed four wickets on day one.

“I was very impressed with the spinner Lasith. The day he learns to bowl an armer, he will blow away the opposition,” he said. “He has good break and good height but doesn’t have an armer. The day he gets that like Rangana Herath, he will become one of the best left-arm spinners in the world.”

The 49-year-old also appreciated Pakistan middle-order batsman Babar Azam for continuing his rich vein of form.

“Babar Azam played well again,” he said. “He was unlucky to get a brilliant ball that got him out. I would call it ball of the series considering the sharp turn it took after pitching.”