CARDIFF – Pakistan look set to retain their match-winning prodigy from Monday’s Champions Trophy clash in Wednesday’s semifinal against England, The Dependent has learnt.
Sources within the team management have confirmed that Sri Lankan fielding is expected to start for Pakistan and formally make its debut.
“Although it was the match winner for us on Monday, technically we never picked it, so it won’t count as the debut,” coach Mickey Arthur told The Dependent. “So tomorrow against England it would formally make its debut,” he confirmed.
Analysts believe that Sri Lankan fielding, that transformed the match that looked out of Pakistan’s reach when they needed over 70 runs with three wickets remaining, will be Pakistan’s trump card in Wednesday’s semifinal.
“The only problem would be if Pakistan’s fielding chooses to play for England,” says former captain Rashid Latif. “Even so, if they have the Sri Lankan fielding on song, like Monday, Pakistani fielding might not be able to outdo its counterpart.”
It has further been learnt that Sri Lankan fielding would be designated as an Emerging Player for the draft of the third season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
According to reports, Lahore Qalandars are the early favourites to purchase the prodigy, in a bid to overcome their bottom finishes in the first two seasons.