Pakistan’s batsmen deprived their team of a chance of winning the series, collapsing to lose seven wickets for 13 runs after reaching a position of advantage in the chase in the fourth ODI. An implosion of that nature can be dispiriting, the painstaking yet determined progress by their captain and an emerging top-order talent decimated by the ineptness of those followed. Not too long ago, in 2009 in Sri Lanka, such collapses cost Pakistan the Test series; they have another game to get their batting in order before the Tests.
That’s if the weather permits them, though there’s the insurance of a reserve day. The balance of power has shifted from spin to pace in the Sri Lankan bowling line-up, and the hosts’ seamers have shown there’s sufficient ammunition to defend a competitive score. Their batting has improved significantly, led by their experienced trio, after a forgettable performance in the rain-affected first ODI. Sri Lanka are a team on a high; Pakistan, with some sloppy fielding and misfiring batting, not so.
This Premadasa track is not the one that made the venue a fortress of sorts for the home team in the previous couple of decades. They face a good bowling unit but Pakistan’s batsmen have a bigger challenge – that they don’t end up becoming their own biggest threat.
When he first began making a mark as an opener, Mohammad Hafeez’s problem was that he squandered good starts, playing a false shot after settling in well. On this tour so far, he’s struggled to get even the starts, with three ducks, two of them consecutive. His offspinners have been economical, but he isn’t doing justice to the sound technique and solidity he usually offers with the bat.
Upul Tharanga has had a quiet series so far, with scores of 10, 18 and 4. He’s just as much in need of a push; if picked tomorrow, he’ll play his 150th ODI.
Both teams practised on a rainless day on the eve of the fifth ODI. Sajeewa Weerakoon will think he’s done enough to retain his place in the XI, picking up 1 for 49 with his left-arm spin. Sri Lanka could remain unchanged.
Umar Gul received treatment on the ring finger of his right hand during the fourth ODI. He was impressive at the start, but faltered in the batting Powerplay. For reasons of injury, or otherwise, Pakistan have Mohammad Sami to fall back on; he’s recovering from a thumb injury himself.
This year has been an expensive one for Umar Gul in ODIs. He’s taken 15 wickets at 35.06 – his worst in a year – and has gone for 5.71 an over. His worst year, in terms of economy-rate, was 2010, when he went for 6.25 an over.
Among players who’ve scored more than 2500 runs in ODI cricket and not scored a single century, Misbah-ul-Haq has the highest average – 42.30.
“We needed six an over, and everything was under control. I don’t know what happened after that,” Misbah-ul-Haq said.
“Lasith gave us that momentum. A couple of overs of aggressive bowling put them on the back foot and created a bit of doubt in their minds,” said Mahela Jayawardene.
