Pakistan and Sri Lanka will face off next in the Super 4 Stage at the Premadasa Stadium Tomorrow. This might be the most important match in the Asia Cup as it is a Virtual Semi-Final between the unpredictable Pakistan and spirited Sri Lankan side.
Pakistan lost to India at the same venue. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to pressure Indian batsmen, and some blame fell on captain Babar Azam for his bowling plans.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, has been in good form, particularly their spinners, and won three consecutive matches before facing India. However, they couldn’t chase a modest score against India.
VENUE FOR PAKISTAN – SRI LANKA MATCH
R.Premadasa Stadium generally provides favorable conditions for batsmen, particularly in the initial innings, offering a good combination of speed and bounce that encourages exciting contests between bat and ball.
However, as the match goes on, the pitch tends to lose some of its pace and becomes more conducive to spin bowling, posing challenges for batsmen looking to score freely. Spinners are likely to have a significant impact on the game during the middle overs.
The forecast for Colombo anticipates cloudy skies with the possibility of a thunderstorms, particularly in the 2nd innings.
Average 1st Inns scores 232
Average 2nd Inns scores 191
TEAM PREVIEW
PAKISTAN
Pakistan faces challenges with missing key pacers, an inconsistent batting lineup, and a need for improved strategies. Captain Babar Azam was criticized for defensive bowling changes in their previous encounter with India, allowing the opposition to recover.
Injuries to Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah have put Pakistan in a tough spot, possibly prompting them to consider backup bowler Shanawaz Dahani or Mohammad Wasim Jr. The team’s top wicket-takers against Bangladesh were Rauf and Shah. This will add more responsibilities on the shoulders of Shaheen Afridi and Shadab Khan as they will be the seniors in the bowling department.
This match will be like now or never for Both Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan as both of them are having a mediocre tournament with the bat.
Pakistan might opt for a bowling attack with 3 pacers and 2 spinners. Batting-wise, the middle order has been inconsistent, with Babar Azam, Imam-ul Haq, and Mohammad Rizwan being key players, along with Shadab Khan in the lower order.
EXPECTED XI OF PAKISTAN vs SRI LANKA
Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Zaman Khan
SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka faced a stiff challenge from Afghanistan during the Group Stage but performed well in the Super Fours. Their bowlers were exceptional against Bangladesh, while their batsmen struggled to chase against India.
Dhananjaya de Silva and Dimuth Wellalage provided hope with a 7th-wicket partnership against India, but the Sri Lankan tail failed to wag. Bowlers like Maheesh Theekshana and Matheesha Pathirana will also play a vital role.
In terms of batting, Kusal Mendis and Samarawickrama are important in the middle order, along with Charith Asalanka at number 5 and the experienced Dhananjaya de Silva lower down the order.
All eyes will be on Dunith Wellalage who had a Man of the Match Performance against India. He took a fifer with the ball and scored a fighting unbeaten 46 with the bat. He will look to replicate the same against Pakistan as well. Sri Lanka despite losing the game will most likely play with the same playing XI
EXPECTED XI OF SRI LANKA vs PAKISTAN
Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana
PREDICTION FOR THE GAME
It is a must-win game for both teams. It seems like a close contest given the batting inconsistency and the bowling ability in both lineups. Advantage for Sri Lanka will be playing in home conditions and in front of home crowd and also the unavailability of Star Bowlers of Pakistani Side.
Backing Sri Lanka to win against Pakistan and Qualify in the Finals.
Note: If the match is called-off or ends in a no-result due to Rain, Sri Lanka will Qualify for the Finals.