Cricket: 2nd Test Match - Pakistan v Sri Lanka Odds and Betting Preview

Story by Jack Howard on 2011-10-24 13:51:04

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Pakistan face Sri Lanka in the second game of their three match test series starting in Dubai on Wednesday. The series has been scheduled to take place outside Pakistan due to the attack which targeted the Sri Lankan team bus during their last tour in March 2009. The Pakistan home advantage has sadly been lost as a result, but cricket commentators have been expecting a close and compelling series nonetheless. The first match ended in a draw, so there is still everything to play for.

Pakistan will start the second test as very slight favourites to win, and can currently be backed to do so at best odds of 5/2 (bet £2 to make £5 profit) with Boylesports. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are on offer at 3/1 with BetVictor, whilst the draw is thought to be the most likely result at evens with William Hill.

Pakistani opener Taufeeq Umar amassed a colossal 236 in the opening test match, looking utterly unmovable at the crease for over 170 overs before being run out – the only way he seemed likely to be dismissed. Umar is currently on offer to top score for Pakistan in their upcoming test match at best odds of 9/2 with Blue Square. Umar's team mate and opening partner Mohammed Hafeez is also deemed likely to top score at 4/1 with Stan James, whilst Pakistan veteran Younis Khan can be backed at an identical 4/1 with William Hill.

Sri Lanka have one of the most talented batting line-ups in world cricket, although they are held back by a bowling attack who seem increasingly incapable of taking twenty wickets in a match. Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardena are undoubtedly the two biggest stars in the Sri Lankan batting line up, holding the upper-middle-order together with a mixture of grit and elegance. Sangakkara made 211 in the opening test match, and is on offer to top score for his side again at 10/3 with Boylesports, whilst Jayawardene is available at a slightly longer 4/1 with Paddy Power. Captain Tillakaratne Dilshan is also deemed likely to amass the most runs for the Sri Lankans at 5/1 with Ladbrokes, and opener Tharanga Paranavitana can be backed at 5/1 with Stan James.

The match is expected to be close, and Pakistan can be backed to get the crucial advantage of a first innings lead at 10/11 with Ladbrokes. Sri Lanka are available to do the same at a very slightly longer 1/1 with BetVictor.

Pakistan are currently favourites to win overall in the series at 15/8 with bet365, whilst Sri Lanka can be backed by punters at 2/1 with the same bookmakers.

Play starts at 07.00 BST

Pakistan v Sri Lanka Match Odds

Pakistan Top Batsman Odds

Sri Lanka Top Batsman Odds

Pakistan v Sri Lanka First Innings Lead Odds

Pakistan v Sri Lanka Series Odds