Asia Cup T20 Match 10 Preview: Pride at stake for Sri Lanka and Pakistan

Pakistan and Sri Lanka will square off in a rather inconsequential match at Dhaka for match no.10 of the Asia Cup T20 2016. While the two Asian giants have proved to be powerhouses in the World T20 stage, the bragging rights and pink slips will be on the line. Both sides, however, have had similar paths in what has been a poor outing. They were completely steam-rolled by India, comprehensively beaten by a clinical Bangladesh and found it surprisingly difficult to overwhelm UAE.

Pitch Conditions

The pitch is expected to be the same dead rubber surface sued in the India v UAE match. Batting is expected to be slightly easier while the spinners will be able to extract an unprecedented turn from the wicket. Mohammad Nawaz, who has failed to impress thus far, will be expected to lead the spin attack. He will also form an important partnership with skipper Shahid Afridi. For the Lankans, Rangana Herath will be key should they have any hopes of a win. Nevertheless, it will be a contest of two average sides in the tournament.

Team News & Analysis

Pakistan

The Pakistan batting has failed to show up thus far in the tournament. The exclusion of Ahmed Shehzad has been a massive blunder as is replacement Khurram Manzoor hasn’t done much with the bat. Sharjeel Khan too has been in terrible form. Shoaib Malik and more recently, Sarfaraz Ahmed have given the Pakistan side some hope with decent displays with the bat. Shahid Afridi has been on the wrong end of criticism following his side’s painful performance.

In contrast, the bowling has been simply tremendous. Mohammad Amir has marked his return to international cricket with wickets galore. He has been well supported by Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Irfan. However, Waqar Younis will be looking to test the bench as he yearns to strike a perfect balance. There is a chance that Shahid Afridi could opt for rest today.

Sri Lanka

While the transition has been a major part of the Lankans’ year, their patch-up squad has been nothing short of horrific. The form of Tillakaratne Dilshan is perhaps one of the biggest concerns faced by the Sri Lankans. Dinesh Chandimal has been the lone shining light amid a batting lineup in ruins and in desperate need of a morale boost. Milinda Siriwardana has been in decent knick following a few characteristic innings in the middle order.

Graham Ford will be looking to give young leg-spinner Jeffery Vandersay a chance at the expense of Rangana Herath. Lasith Malinga remains on the injury list as Angelo Mathews will be given the reigns.

Playing XI (Probable)

Sri Lanka: Dinesh Chandimal, 2 Tillakaratne Dilshan, Shehan Jayasuriya, Chamara Kapugedara, Angelo Mathews, Milinda Siriwardana, Dasun Shanaka, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dushmantha Chameera

Pakistan:  Mohammad Hafeez, Khurram Manzoor, Sharjeel Khan, Sarfraz Ahmed, Umar Akmal, Shoaib Malik, Imad Wasim/ Shahid Afridi (capt), Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Irfan

Stat Attack

1. Sri Lanka lost 0-2 to Pakistan in the teams’ most recent T20 series, in Sri Lanka last year.

2. Sarfraz Ahmed averages 59 when batting in the top five, from five innings there so far. His overall average is 29 after 11 innings.