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India have already reached the final of the Asia Cup 2023 after a long four years. Now Pakistan and Sri Lanka will face off today against each other in a do-or-die game at Premadasa Stadium. Pakistan were one of the favorites at the beginning of the tournament. Their bowling lineup with Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah was one of the strongest in the world.
But the defeat against India with a massive margin demonstrates Pakistan’s weakness in batting and bowling. On the other hand, Sri Lanka have been the underdog in Asia Cup 2023. They lost only one game so far in this tournament.
Stats & Facts
All the teams in the Super 4 scored 300 runs at least once, except Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s batting has been a matter of concern, but their superb bowling performance covers the lack of batting. Sri Lanka were on a 13-game winning streak before India defeated them in their last game. But the Lankans picked up all the wickets of the opponents in each of their last 14 games!
However, even though Sri Lanka lost to India, their bowling performance was excellent. Sri Lanka bowled out India in just 213 runs, where young pacer Dunith Wellalage picked up five wickets alone.
Anyway, the head-to-head stats speak for Pakistan. The last time Pakistan lost to Sri Lanka in ODI format was in 2015. Since then, Pakistan has defeated Sri Lanka in eight games in a row.
Players to Watch
Babar Amaz: Pakistan’s skipper has an impressive record against Sri Lanka. He has scored 449 runs in his last six ODI meetings with Sri Lanka. Moreover, the captain smashed three centuries in those games.
Dunith Wellalage: The young Lankan pacer is having a fantastic time. He is the leading wicket-taker in Asia Cup 2023 with nine wickets. Dunith Wellalage destroyed India’s heavy batting lineup by picking up five wickets alone.
Team News
Pakistan have some major injury concerns ahead of today’s crucial game. Pacers Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf became injured during the match against India and didn’t continue the full game. The two pacers are likely to miss the remaining games of the Asia Cup. Shaheen Afridi also got a knock against India, but it is not a serious case. He will lead the Pakistan’s bowling lineup.
However, Fakhar Zaman’s poor form continues, and he is likely to be dropped today. Mohammad Haris could start the innings with Imamul Haque. Mohammad Wasim Jr and Zaman Khan have been called up to replace Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah.
Besides, Sri Lanka do not have any injury problems for today’s game. They will play with the same squad that played against India.
The Possible Lineup for Pakistan: Mohammad Haris, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Zaman Khan
The Possible Lineup for Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana
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