THE REALITY CHECK – The Broader Perspective Pakistan take on co-hosts Sri Lanka in a vital Group A game in Colombo today under lights. Pakistan bagged a convincing 205 runs victory in their first game against Kenya. However, Sri Lanka will be a different proposition altogether. Pakistan managed 317 against Kenya, but they had a shaky start with both openers back in the pavilion for just 12.
This is an area where Pakistan need to improve. The openers can play a crucial role against a top team like Sri Lanka. Mohammad Hafeez and Ahmed Shahzad are capable openers and they can come good if they play confidently. Lasith Malinga is expected to be fit for today’s game and Pakistan need to play him well. Once again, the major responsibility will lie on Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq to shepherd the innings along with their experience. Both of them had a decent hit against Kenya and they should be confident of doing well today. Pakistan’s bowling looked in good shape against Kenya but will be tested against a superior Sri Lankan batting lineup.
Pakistan might be thinking of including Saeed Ajmal in place of Abdur Rehman just because of the fact that there are more left handers in the Sri Lankan side and Ajmal, with his off spinners, can take the ball away from them. Sri Lanka are one of the favourites for this year’s event, having finished runners up in 2007.
Sri Lankans got their World Cup campaign off to a flying start with a comprehensive victory over Canada. Despite being in good form and having a balanced team, the Lankans will be wary of the Pakistani threat as the greenshirts have the ability to lift their game at any time to dent the opposition.
Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene will be the biggest threat to Pakistani bowlers with their polished batting. Both did well against Canada and are class acts with the bat. Pakistan should go into this game with confidence and play positively. An intriguing game is expected.
Form Guide & Ground
Conditions: Out of the 120 ODIs played between the two sides, Pakistan have won 70 while Sri Lanka have won 46. However, in the last 10 games, Pakistan have only won thrice. A hot and humid day is expected in Colombo, and the pitch at the refurbished Premadasa Stadium is expected to be conducive for slower bowlers and shot making can be a touch difficult. Any team winning the toss will be aiming to bat first.
Likely Playing Eleven:
Sri Lanka: Tharanga, Dilshan, Sangakkara (wk), Jayawardene, Samaraweera, Kapugedera, Mathews, Kulasekara, Muralitharan, Mendis, Malinga
Pakistan: Hafeez, Shahzad, K Akmal (wk), Younis, Misbah, U Akmal, Afridi, A Razzaq, A Rehman / Ajmal, Gul, Shoaib
Watch Out For: Kumar Sangakkara is a batsman for any situation. He can accelerate, defend or consolidate, depending on the situation. Captaincy seems to bring the best out of him rather, than being a burden. He’s the banker in what is a very strong outfit indeed.
Misbah ul Haq is the man in form for Pakistan, scoring nine fifties in the last 12 innings across Tests and ODIs. He can adapt to different situations and it is important in ODIs to have somebody who can bat for most of the innings.
Who Wins: Sri Lanka have a well balanced side and are in good form. Playing at home is a big advantage for them. They will be hoping for victory today. However, if Pakistan play to their potential, the Sri Lankans will be in trouble.
