Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 2nd ODI: Preview – Rain gods to show mercy or another spoilsport on the cards?

The forecast, as of now, is clear for the game to take place.

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Karachi stadium
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Karachi stadium. (Photo Source: Twitter)

There wasn’t much to talk about in the first of three ODIs between Pakistan and Sri Lanka at the National Stadium in Karachi. The outfield took a pounding for three to four days courtesy of proper rain and the venue literally turned into a pool. Most of the ground was exposed to the showers and the encounter had to abandoned four hours before the cut-off time. The entire scenario was abject.

To add to the agony, the forecast for the second match also predicted rain. Hence, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had to postpone the game from Sunday, September 29 to Monday, September 30. On Friday, the crowd had their travails while coming to the venue, but they had to return empty-handed. The two teams would’ve also been disappointed on a gloomy day in the national capital.

As per weather reports, the sun will be out and there’s no chance of rain whatsoever. The temperature and humidity won’t be on the high side, making the atmosphere a pleasant one for cricket. Karachi has waited more than 10 years for witnessing an ODI. After an agonizing day during the first ODI, the audience in the city will be itching to see some riveting action on the field of play.

Team Combinations

Pakistan

The Men in Green have shown faith in the opening duo of Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq. They will be in charge for the ODI series as well. Babar Azam has been in jaw-dropping form. After topping Pakistan’s run-charts in the World Cup, he became the leading run-scorer in the T20 Blast in England.

Haris Sohail is in good form and the onus will also be on Sarfaraz Ahmed, who was retained as the national captain. Asif can hit the long ball. In bowling, Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Amir are likely to shoulder a chunk of the responsibility. Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim are the spin bowling options.

Probable XI

Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Sarfaraz Ahmed (C & WK) Asif Ali, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Hasnain.

Sri Lanka

The Lankan batting is an inexperienced one in the absence of some of their key players. Avishka Fernando and Sadeera Samarawickrama are most probably the openers. Avishka got a sparkling ton in the World Cup against the mighty West Indies and then an 82 versus Bangladesh in Colombo.

Oshada Fernando and Thirimanne will have to perform in the middle. Jayasuriya and Shanaka can also tonk the ball hard. Hasaranga and Udana are no mugs with the bat either. Udana will partner Kumara and Pradeep in the fast bowling department. Sandakan and Hasaranga are the spinners.

Probable XI

Avishka Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Thirimanne (C), Shehan Jayasuriya, Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Isuru Udana, Lahiru Kumara, Nuwan Pradeep, Lakshan Sandakan

Focus will be on

Sarfaraz Ahmed (Pakistan)

Sarfaraz Ahmed came under fire during the World Cup. Pakistan were lacklustre in the mega event, having crashed out before the semis. He also couldn’t do well as a batsman and it didn’t help his cause. Many wanted him to be axed as the skipper, but the team management decided to give him a longer rope. The keeper will be looking to repay the selectors faith with some strong performances.

Lahiru Thirimanne (Sri Lanka)

Dimuth Karunaratne has backed out from the tour and hence Lahiru Thirimanne will be leading the Lankans. The southpaw didn’t have the best of World Cups as he could only manage a solitary fifty versus India in Leeds. He has a strike-rate of 72.38 in modern-day ODI cricket which is bit of an issue. He will have a mountain to climb in order if Lanka are to get home in the ODI series.

Head to Head

Overall

Matches – 154 | Pakistan won – 90 | Sri Lanka won – 58 | Tied- 1 | NR- 5

In Pakistan

Matches – 29 | Pakistan won – 16 | Sri Lanka won – 12 | Tied- 0 | NR- 1

Stat Attack

172– Runs Fakhar Zaman needs to complete 2,000 ODI runs.

Broadcast Details

TV – Sony TEN

Online– Sony LIV

Match Timings – 15:00 local time, 15:30 IST, 10:00 AM GMT

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