Babar Azam 9/10

271 runs @ 67.75, 1 100, 2 50s, HS: 119

The Pakistan skipper continued his supreme form with another determined knock on a turning day five pitch, albeit in a losing cause. Comfortably Pakistan’s leading run-getter in the series, he led the way with 119 and 55 in their four-wicket win in the first game, and gave them a fighting chance of a draw in the second with a doughty 81.

Abdullah Shafique 8/10

189 runs @ 63.00, 1 100, HS: 160*

Pakistan seem to have unearthed a new hero in Shafique who has enjoyed a fine start to his Test career, currently averaging 66.90 after seven games. He scored an unbeaten 160 in a record chase in the first Test, yet another sign marking the arrival of a special talent.

Mohammad Rizwan 4/10

120 runs @ 30.00, HS: 40

A relatively quiet series for Rizwan. In the first Test, he got off to starts, chipping in with a useful 40 in the fourth innings that kept the chase on track. In the second game, his partnership with Babar Azam gave Pakistan hope of a draw, before his dismissal marked the beginning of the end for Pakistan.

Imam-ul-Haq 4/10

118 runs @ 29.50, HS: 49

Even as his younger opening partner made waves around the world, Imam was steady without being outstanding. In the first Test, he gave Shafique company in setting a strong base for the chase, and held his ground in the fourth innings in the second game, scoring a resolute 49.

Agha Salman 4/10

83 runs @ 20.75, 1 50, HS: 62

Playing his debut series, Salman gave a good account of his patience and determination in the second Test, top scoring with 62 even as the rest of his teammates were consistently challenged by Sri Lanka’s spinners on a two-paced pitch. He wasn’t hugely threatening with the ball.

Fawad Alam 2/10

25 runs @ 12.50, HS: 24

Brought back for the second Test at the expense of Azhar Ali, Fawad didn’t have much impact on the game. In the first innings, his 24 was one of several half-baked starts from the tourists, while he succumbed to an ugly run-out in the second innings.

Azhar Ali 1/10

9 runs @ 4.50, HS: 6

Once the cornerstone of Pakistan’s batting line-up, Azhar Ali was dropped for the second Test, putting a big question mark against his future. The axing came after forgettable scores of three & six in the first game.

Mohammad Nawaz 8/10

10 wickets @ 26.10, 1 five-for, BBI: 5-88

Nawaz ended the series with the most wickets from Pakistan, picking up the only five-for for the tourists, one that played a part in their sole win. He chipped away with wickets in the second Test as well but was a touch expensive in the first innings. With the bat, though, Pakistan would have expected more.

Hasan Ali 3/10

8 wickets @ 48.33, BBI: 3-42

After lending Shaheen Afridi a helping hand in the first Test, Hasan Ali lost a bit of his zip, returning with listless figures in the second Test. He didn’t take a wicket and ended up being expensive.

Yasir Shah 6/10

9 wickets @ 39.00, BBI: 3-83

Brought back for this series after nearly a year away from international cricket, Yasir Shah didn’t take long to get into his groove. While there was no match-turning spell, he kept the wickets column ticking with his usual guile and turn, ending with the second-most wickets for the tourists.

Naseem Shah 7.5/10

7 wickets @ 25.57, BBI: 3-58

There’s so much to enjoy about Naseem, who breathed life into the slow surfaces with a couple of explosive spells. And while there’s still plenty to improve, he bowled with heart, helping soften some of the impact of Shaheen’s absence in the second Test.

Shaheen Afridi 7/10

4 wickets @ 19.74, BBI: 4-58

In the first Test, Shaheen was arguably the pick of the bowlers, leading the pack well. His absence from the second game skewed the bowling balance, and Pakistan couldn’t quite fill the gap.

Nauman Ali 3/10

2 wickets @ 59.00, BBI: 1-54

Brought into the side for the second Test as a replacement for Shaheen, Nauman was dealt with without much trouble by the Sri Lanka batters. He managed just a wicket apiece in each innings, even as his Sri Lanka counterparts tore through the Pakistan lineup.