Sri Lanka and Pakistan, after contrasting defeats towards India, will meet in a digital semifinal within the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup on the R. Premadasa Stadium on Thursday.
While Pakistan was outplayed by Rohit Sharma’s males in a rain-marred two-day contest, Sri Lanka gave India a scare by bundling it out for 213 earlier than its batting unraveled in a 41-run defeat.
A file 228-run defeat towards India implies that Pakistan is on the mercy of the climate. It must win in any respect prices, as a washout will put Sri Lanka, which has a superior Net Run Rate, within the remaining. While the skies had been overcast, the rain steered away from Colombo on the eve of the match.
On the sphere, Pakistan must cope with a depleted bowling assault, which is with out the injured Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf. Zaman Khan is about to make his ODI debut as Pakistan introduced 5 modifications to its eleven that misplaced to India, probably the most notable amongst them the exclusion of opener Fakhar Zaman.
READ: Naseem Shah dominated out of Asia Cup 2023 with shoulder damage, PCB names alternative
In probably spin-friendly circumstances, Pakistan opted for spin all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz rather than Faheem Ashraf.
Babar Azam’s batting unit has lacked consistency prior to now month and may have its activity minimize out towards Dunith Wellalage, who shocked India with a five-wicket haul on Tuesday. His left-arm spin will probably be a handful for Pakistan’s right-hander-heavy middle-order.
Sri Lanka’s middle-order, alternatively, has ably shouldered the accountability, with Sadeera Samarawickrama being the brilliant spot, whereas Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka have made significant contributions.
Dasun Shanaka’s aspect has additionally been profitable in tiding over its damage woes within the bowling division, as completely different bowlers have delivered in every recreation, and it’ll hope to proceed the sequence in a must-win match.
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com