Clash of the Asian Giants: Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka - Series Preview

Clash of the Asian Giants: Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka – Series Preview: Pakistan is all set to play 3 Test matches, 5 ODI’s and 2 T20 games against the Sri Lankan Lions. The first of 3 Test matches is scheduled to start from June 17. This would be the first assignment for Sri Lanka after the loss against the Proteas in the world cup quarter finals. Pakistan has some serious issues to be addressed when it comes to playing the 50 over game. Misbah’s retirement after the world cup, exposes the inexperience and they now have a young side to play with. As a result, Pakistan was completely outplayed by Bangladesh, earlier this summer. However they did manage to win 2 ODI games against not so strong Zimbabwean side. This series against, Sri Lanka would really test their caliber.

Sri Lanka would be missing the services of Jayawardene and Sangakkara, when they play the shorter format. However, Sanga will continue to play the longer format, this should provide some relief to the Sri Lankan team. Batting has never been a problem for Sri Lanka; it was their bowling that cost them during the world cup. Fitness issues of many experienced players posed a serious threat during the mega event. Familiar conditions would be a huge boost for the home team. Let us have a look at squads for each team for the 3 Test matches.

Pakistan:

Squad:

Mohammad Hafeez, Ahmed Shehzad, Shan Masood, Azhar Ali, Misbah-ul-Haq (c), Younis Khan, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Sarfraz Ahmed (wk), Yasir Shah, Zulfiqar Babar, Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan, Imran Khan, Ehsan Adil.

The selection committee of the PCB has decided to leave out, Saeed Ajmal as he was not effective with the remodeled bowling action. The selectors however have named Ahmed Shehzad in the 15 man squad. He was left out for the series against Bangladesh due to disciplinary issues but was included for the series against Zimbabwe. However, he did not make into playing XI for any of the three games. The unavailability of Mohammad Irfan and Rahat Ali may cause some problems for the visitors during the Test matches. The lack of three experienced campaigners means that the visitors have to try out new bowling combination.

Pakistan is under huge pressure to win at least 3 of the 5 ODIs that are to be played against Sri Lanka. They are currently placed at No. 9, in the ICC ODI team rankings. Since only top eight teams can qualify for the Champions Trophy, the new captain Azhar Ali has to make sure they win at least 3 games.

Sri Lanka:

Squad:

Angelo Mathews (c), Lahiru Thirimanne, Kaushal Silva, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kumar Sangakkara, Dinesh Chandimal, Kithruwan Vithanage, Jehan Mubarak, Kusal Perera, Rangana Herath, Dilruwan Perera, Tharindu Kaushal, Nuwan Pradeep, Dhammika Prasad, Dushmantha Chameera, Suranga Lakmal (subject to fitness)

After their early exit in the world cup, Sri Lanka will want to dominate right from their first match. On paper, the home team looks strong but it is important to see how Mathews leads this young side in the coming days. The left handed opener, Kusal Perera and the offie, Chameera are part of the 16-man squad. Lakmal suffers from a groin injury and his availability is doubtful when the home team takes on Pakistan on June 17.

The south paw, Jehan Mubarak makes a comeback to the national squad after a break of eight years. He would want to cement his place in the squad. He played his last Test in 2007 and was never considered after that.

After the retirement of Jayawardene and Sangakkara, the selection committee will have to fill in two big holes in the shorter format. The young, Thirimanne and Chandimal are expected to replace them. The spin department looks complete with the likes of Herath and Chameera. The only cause of concern is the pace department, where the experience is missing. But Dhammaika Prasad has done well in the past and is expected to continue his good form.

Schedule –