After a successful run chase against England last week at Rawalpindi, Sri Lanka will meet Pakistan once again at Lahore Gaddafi Stadium today in the fifth match of the ODI Tri-Nation Series. Pakistan pulled off a stunning one-wicket win over England at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday to enter the final of the Tri-Nation ODI Series, with a match in hand.
In the meantime Sri Lanka with a superb win over England after a memorable run chase of 430 looking to beat Pakistan today. The last Pakistan – England game turned out to be a thriller. Pakistan chasing a target of 242 were struggling at 154 for 9 wickets but last wicket pair Sadab Khan and Haris Rauf added fighting unbeaten 89 runs stand which brought them a thrilling one wicket win. Sadab’s maiden century paved the way for them to victory with 17 balls to spare.
Back to back wins over Sri Lanka and England will surely boost confidence in the host team and they will try out their best to beat Sri Lanka today.
Sri Lankan team led by Kusal Mendis already proved their batting power and the team has good confidence after successful run chase against England. Kamindu Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Pavan Ratnayake, Dasun Shanaka and Janith Liyanage were among the runs to chase their record victory and Sri Lanka team is all out to maintain their momentum against Pakistan.
The two teams, Pakistan and Sri Lanka met each other in the opening game earlier at Rawalpindi and Pakistan won the game by 37 runs. Pakistan made 305 and Sri Lankan were heading for the victory after Janith Liyanage and Pavan Ratnayaka made 119 runs fifth wicket stand but Pakistan bowlers fought back strongly to get last five wickets in quick session to gain victory. Poor shot selection was the main issue for Sri Lanka’s defeat in this game. Sri Lankan middle order is more stable now as Pavan, Janith and Dasun are in good form. Their consistent performances will play a key role in today’s match against hosts.
Avishka Fernando is once again back in the side and he has scored 97 to make a good start in the last game. Kamindu Mendis, the experienced left hander is also capable of making a good start during the Power Play. The young right hander Pavan Ratanayake has shown his consistent performance with a superb knock of 130 in previous game while Dasun Shanaka has shown his power hitting ability. Janith Liyanage put the finishing touches as expected to make success and these are good positives in Sri Lankan team’s World Cup journey.
However Sri Lanka frequently enters ODI matches with only four front line bowlers, covering the remaining 10-over quota with all-rounders and part-time options such as Dasun Shanka, Janith Liyanage and Kamindu Mendis. These three bowlers conceded 123 runs in their 10 overs and this is a major issue to cover the middle overs. Sri Lankan team management has more concern about this issue. The opening bowlers make decent job to build up pressure on top order batters but conceding more runs in middle overs always compel to lose the control towards final stage of the innings. The young leg spinner Dunith Wellalage so far did a decent job and he has the ability to get early wickets.
Meanwhile Pakistan led by Saheen Afridi is looking to make few changes as they have already qualified for the final. This is a good opportunity to test their other players before the final game which will be played on October 31. Minhas did his best to take six wickets in their first England game while skipper Afridi had 4-wicket haul in previous England game. Pakistan have a strong bowling line up and expected to come up with a good attack once again. The leg spinner Abrar Ahamed still not get a chance to play a single game and likely to get his place today.
Pakistan opener Saim Ayub has been released from their ODI squad during this ongoing Tri-Nation series while Sahibzada Farhan was named as his replacement. It was confirmed by PCB yesterday. The 24-year-old Ayub requested his release following Pakistan’s thrilling one wicket win over England on Sunday expressing his desire to return to domestic cricket and regain his batting form.
Th left handed opener Ayub has endured a difficult campaign in this series managing just 21 runs across three matches. In addition left-arm wrist spinner Sufiyan Moqim has been released from the Pakistan ODI squad in view of the nature of the pitches in Lahore.
According to the team management, the decision has been taken after assessing the conditions on offer at the Gaddafi Stadium, which are not expected to assist wrist spin in the upcoming matches. Left-handed batter Maaz Sadaqat has been added to the squad as cover for players carrying minor niggles, the PCB stated.