Are Sri Lanka indeed the best side in Asia?
Kumar Sangakkara, who scored 230 in the first innings, led Sri Lanka to their victory target of 32 runs and to the Asian Test Championship.
Pakistan had begun Sunday on 248 for five in their second innings, but their last five wickets tumbled for just 77 runs in the evening session.
It was a ninth consecutive Test win for the Sri Lankans.
But can Sri Lanka really claim to be the best Test side in Asia?
Sri Lanka are the best team playing in Asia at the moment. But they have yet to prove anything outside the region. The only Asian team that plays good cricket outside of Asia is Pakistan.
Mark Hili,
Australia
How can you say that Sri Lanka are the best in Asia after a one off Test match? One game doesn't prove anything. Although Sri Lanka are in terrific form and have a more organised and balanced line up, in a full series, Pakistan would crush them.
Zim,
England
Yes, they are the best side in Asia. However, as a Sri Lankan, the aim is for us to be world beaters. The problem is we are poor away from home. We rely on individuals too much. We have some star players but the problem is we do not have real quality pace. Vaas is good, but I feel he should be first change after an awesome duo of opening bowlers.
Kajam Maheswaran,
England
Yes, Sri Lanka have proved to the rest of the cricketing world that they are the best Asian side. They have great all round strengths and play as a team. Good luck to them.
Mal Walker,
Australia
Yes, Sri Lanka is the best. However, one should accept the fact that Sri Lanka is yet to beat India in India, but can anybody play decent cricket in India - remember the things happened in Eden gardens. Not once, how many times cricket matches had to be abandoned.
Senarath,
Sri Lanka
We all know Sri Lankans are the tough nuts not to crack on home soil. Well done Sri Lankans, you are now a very professional side in world cricket. They have beaten the Pakistan team comprehensively. Well done, all credited to Whatmore, Alex and the Sri Lankan team.
Keep it up and I'll hope they can reach best very soon.
Mangala Hewawasam,
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka have been playing good cricket of late, but how can they be crowned Asian champs without even playing against India. As far as some guy's comment about us dreaming, let me see when was the last time Pakistan beat anyone outside Sharjah, hmmm... Man, even the zimbabweans gave them a serious run for their money on home turf, I just can't remember.
Koushik,
India
Sri Lanka is the better organized team in Asia. Unlike India, the Sri lankan team does not depend on one or two players. They may not big stars but capable players. That is why they won.
Gaminda,
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka undoubtedly outplayed Pakistan in the recent Test match but saying that they are the best side in the sub-continent is a bit too much. I think all the three nations i.e. India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, are worthy of a good status in Test cricket.
India is a side which defeated the mighty Australians in that historical Test series last year and Pakistan on their day can challenge the best in the world.
Hence the best in the sub-continent can only be decided if these sides play against each other more often. Outcome of one Test match cannot and should not decide the best side in the region.
Ali Kamil,
US/Pakistan
I agree with the notion of Sri Lanka being the best Asian side. For the past few years they have been playing good cricket and more importantly performing consistently. These are the feelings of a Pakistani. I will rate them somewhere alongside Australians, and the upcoming series of England and Australia will be a true test of character and strength.
About them beating Pakistan in ATC final, they thoroughly deserved it. Let's take no credit away from them. On the grounds they performed better and lifted the crown. Pakistan's batting and fielding let them down, it was of club standard. I would have loved to see Saeed Anwar and Saqlain back in Pakistani side.
Last not least I am sure Wasim Akram would have made a big difference. The old lion is in the habit of bouncing back when under pressure and he surely is under pressure at the moment.
India are a good side, and on paper they are probably the strongest batting line up ... but unfortunately for India, they don't hit their prime performance together as a team. One or two players shine and rest of the side looks awfully frail. Anyway cricket is about who plays good on the day... and at the moment amongst the four Test playing nations in Asia, Sri Lanka is doing that more often than not!
Usman Khan,
Pakistan
Sri Lanka is the best team in Asia for the simplest reasons. They have a 'keep who can bat; they have the fundamentals; and they play as a team. The final being the most important part. Think about it, when was the last time you heard about members of the Australian team not getting along? Yet the Waqir/Wasim feud has been going on forever (just to name one).
To be the best team in the world, you have to not miss your chances and play as a team. Sri Lanka does that, and they're getting better - I can't wait 'til they play the Aussies later this year, it should be a great contest!
Stephen,
USA
A one-off Test match doesn't necessarily decide the best team in the Indian sub-continent. It should have been a three match series.
The winner perhaps could claim to be the best side in Asia.
Hassan,
Australia
Well, let's only talk about countries who can play some cricket outside their home. And they are Sri Lanka and Pakistan. I think Pakistan has an edge over Sri Lanka. The Lankans are the Asian Champs, but they are not the best.
As far as the Indians go, someone should tell them that winning on home soil does not make them best. That is why I feel sorry for greats like Sachin Tendulkar. He is the best batsman, but belongs to a losing side. A sad story.
Yubakar Singh,
USA
Congrats to Sri Lanka for winning the recent Asian Championship. The way they performed, they deserved this win. But besides all, Pakistan is the best team in the Asia. Nobody has such a winning combination as Pakistan.
The players, like Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Inzamaulhaq, Yousuf Youhana, are individually enough to play for winning their team. We don't have any comparison of the above players. But anyway, Congrats Sri Lanka. Losing is also the part of the game.
Adeel Akhlaq,
USA
Uthams, wake up. It is really is a close race. We have seen Lankans beat full strength Indian team with Tendulkar, Kumble, Dravid, and Gauguly in Sharjah. (India all out for 55, Sri Lanka 299) in one dayers. Sri Lanka also beat India 2-1 in the Test series. It is not worth giving excuses. Fitness has always been an issue with Indian cricketers. The rest of the world can do nothing about it. Just face the reality and wake up.
Namasi Navaretnam,
USA
Sri Lanka need another wicket-taking bowler alongside Vaas and Murali to be regarded as a good, quality side and rank alongside Australia and South Africa. Them two sides usually have four wicket-taking bowlers. They've got a long way to go yet.
Smaqsood,
UK
I am not the biggest cricket buff but I can't stand Indians always proclaiming that they are the best because they have a decent home record. Give credit when it is due, the Sri Lankans are much better then both India and Pakistan. PS. Pakistan are better then India, that just shows how rubbish India actually are.
Kashif Sheikh,
England
There's no doubt that Sri Lanka is the best team in Asia. This victory over Pakistan brings the ninth consecutive win (including two white-washes) for them, which also shows their consistency of winning matches. For sure they're getting better and better...
Chint Gomes,
United Kingdom
Sri Lankans are ahead of India and Pakistan if current form is taken into consideration. Pakistan remains to be an inconsistent side while India always struggles outside the sub-continent.
Sri Lankan players, not as talented as players of India and Pakistan, are a much more responsible and hard working side. Sanath is also a better captain compared with Waqar and Saurov. With a very well knitted side I see Sri Lanka as one of the favourites to win the coming World Cup.
Usman,
Pakistan
I guess Pakistan is the best in the subcontinent. Sri Lanka hasn't won any Test matches in India. The real test will be playing a three match Test away series against India or Pakistan.
Jerald H D'Souza,
India/USA
Sri Lanka are definitely the best side in Asia, and this comes from a Pakistani. You have got to give credit where credit is due. They have a deep batting line-up, excellent fielding and in Murali and Vass two wicket taking bowlers, ably backed up. In fact I think they are now the second best side in the world behind Australia.
As for those dreaming Indians who claim their side is the best. All I have to say is first let's see if you can win a Test series outside your country. I can't even remember the last time that happened; can you? In fact I can't even remember when was the last time you tied a series abroad!
Abdul K. Hussain,
Singapore
Sri Lanka's team sprit makes a big difference. Their long batting line up and emergence of fast bowlers to support the spin department makes them a worthwhile competitor. Yes we would like to see how Sri Lanka performs in England and Australia. Even if they draw these two series everyone can conclude that they are on top of the world rankings.
Jayakanth Wigna,
Canada
Undoubtedly, they are the best in the sub-continent. I would even rate them better than South Africa, which puts them right behind Australia in Test matches. They are always a better side when it comes to the limited overs game. I think if the upcoming series overseas go on smoothly without any umpiring controversies, SL should easily come out on top. Good luck to them, way to go boyz...
David Rice,
Canada
Sri Lanka are the best in Asia right now, with Pakistan and India are struggling find their form. Sri Lanka are very focused on delivering the best performance, and they have shown this consistently. They are the best team in Asia, and arguably the best team in the world right now.
Sri Lankan Cricket has come a long way and they have earned their place as one of the best teams in international cricket. They are solid in every department of the game and they are a young side too. I Hope they can rise to the challenges in the upcoming Test series.
Niranjan,
Vancouver
No way. Sri Lanka could not beat a full-strength India even in their dreams. Ganguly's average against Sri Lanka is 63, Tendulkar's is 80 and Dravid's is 55. Sri Lanka are yet to beat India with Tendulkar in the side. Ganguly and Tendulkar are eternal nemeses for Muralitharan.
Uthams,
USA
In terms of consistency, Sri Lanka are the best on the sub-continent. In terms of the future, I firmly believe that things bode well for Sri Lanka with the emergence of new pace bowlers and the improved form of Sangakarra, Jayawardene and Tillakaratne. The tours of England and Australia will be the litmus test. Kudos to Whatmore - he is a visionary.
Asanka de Silva,
Canada
Sri Lanka are currently the best side in Asia. They may not necessarily have the most talented side but they know their limitations and play to their strengths. Key to this success is the bond between the players.
Fabian Saverimuttu,
UK
No way! India are definitely Asia's best. The Pakistanis have lost to almost everybody (including Zimbabwe) at home and the Sri Lankans have yet to beat India in India.
Shyam,
India
I was amused to read Yusaf Akbar's comments that Pakistan had suffered from a lack of competitive cricket in recent times. Hello, they just came off a Test series with the Windies. If any body hasn't had any competitive cricket in the last couple of months it's the Sri Lankans. So, let's give credit where credit is due.
MIke Fisher,
England
They are the best not only because of the batting line up and Murali, but also because of the performance of the seamers. Compare the recent records of Vass, Fernando and Soyza with Waqar and Akthar.
While everybody seems to be obsessed with Murali's action and the opnion that he is the only bowler in the Sri Lankan side (that's why he gets so many wickets, they say) these seamers have done a pretty good job. Let's see how they will perform in England.
Sanjeev Samarasinghe,
US
From recent performances, it appears that the Sri Lankans are the best team in Asia, having beaten India, Bangladesh, West Indies and Zimbabwe at home and now the Pakistanis away.
The real tests will come with the Test series in England. On current performance, the Sri Lankans have to be considered the best in Asia.
Ifthikar Sheriff,
United Arab Emirates
Sri Lanka absolutely outplayed Pakistan and would have done the same to India. There is no doubt that Sri Lanka are the best in Asia and I hope soon will be the best in the world!
Kalum,
UK
Sri Lanka thoroughly deserved their win in Lahore, outclassing Pakistan in all departments of the game. On the pitches of the subcontinent their batsmen have constantly given them big totals with which to impose themselves on the opposition.
They have been found wanting abroad though, as the tour to South Africa some time back showed. The forthcoming tours to England and Australia should determine how far Sri Lanka has come. On Asian wickets however, with Pakistan struggling to hold their batting together and India looking increasingly unconvincing, Sri Lanka are worthy of their new tag.
Wijdan,
Pakistan
Sri Llanka are the unsung heroes of cricket. They have world records in almost every form of cricket (highest Test score: 952-6, highest one day score: 398-4, best bowling performance in one day cricket: 8-18, fastest bowler to reach 400 wickets: Murali, fastest fifty: Jayasuriya, highest score batting second in one day cricket: 329 all out vs WI to name a few).
The best part of the Sri Lankan players is their humility. Unlike Indians or Australians or Pakistanis, they do not brag about their performances and are very professional in their approach. Truly, they are the world champions of cricket and above all, the most exciting side to watch!
Shekar,
US/India
Too early to say. If Sri Lanka can beat India in India, I would call them the champs in Asia. Take no credit away from the Sri Lankan Test side, which has been performing consistently and as a team for the last eight months or so.
Namasi Navaretnam,
USA
Obviously I am a little biased, but I still believe Pakistan are the best team in Asia. They have suffered from a lack of competitive cricket in recent months and this has hampered their progress. In Waqar, they have a level-headed captain who commands the respect of players in the team.
However, well done to Sri Lanka who in Murali have one of the greatest spinners of all time. They also have a first-rate batting line up so I would fancy them to win the World Cup or at least challenge Australia and New Zealand.
Yusaf Akbar,
Hungary