The Series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is only three games old, two of them being T20Is. Yet, batsmen have had an eternal struggle in all the matches, as a result of which either side has failed to post even 150 so far. Sri Lanka is usually a place where batting is rather pleasant, especially for teams from the subcontinent. However, with the conditions being overcast, things have been different this time round, and the month being June one can expect the same for the remainder of the series.
The home side will have to win the second ODI else it wouldbecome very difficult for them to have a chance of claiming the series. Winning three games in a row is a difficult task under ordinary circumstances, which becomes allthe more tough when rain is around. Lanka were expected to struggle in case their experienced trio of skipper Mahela Jayawardene and former captains Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara didn’tget among the runs. It is exactly what has transpired. Despite a fighting lower order, Lanka can do well only if the top three fires.
Once they get their batting in order, the Lankans have a potent bowling attack to disturb Pakistan. They were threatening even in the opening ODI but just did not have any runs to play with. Lasith Malinga and Nuwan Kulasekara are in very good form while Angelo Mathews has also had his share of effective spells. If only the batsmen can get their act together, the home side could be a lot more effective.
Inspite of the victory in the opening one-dayer, Pakistan have a few worries of their own. Their bowlers, though impressive, gave away as many as 23 wides in a paltry total of 135. They must improve on that aspect of sure, for they cannot always get away with it, especially against a quality side like Lanka. The fielding too was below desirable standards and the bowlers would be hoping the fielders hold their catches on Saturday. Some pretty straightforward ones went on Thursday.
Pakistan’s overall bowling performance was excellent though. Mohammad Sami and Umar Gul beat the batsmen innumerable times and were rewarded accordingly. Skipper Mohammad Hafeez also made his presence felt with the ball, before capping up an all-round day following a decent knock with the bat. Still, they would have wished the batsmen were a bit more authoritative.
Even after the loss Lanka would be quietly confident of making a fight back while Pakistan will be keen to further improve on their impressive record against the home team.
Sri Lanka Squad: Mahela Jayawardene (Captain), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara (Wicket Keeper), Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Lahiru Thirimanne, Jeevan Mendis, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekera, Sachithra Senanayake, Lasith Malinga, Rangana Herath, Upul Tharanga, Nuwan Pradeep and Dilhara Fernando
Pakistan Squad: Mohammad Hafeez, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq (Captain), Umar Akmal, Sarfaraz Ahmed (Wicket Keeper), Shahid Afridi, Umar Gul, Rahat Ali, Saeed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman, Mohammad Sami, Asad Shafiq, Aizaz Cheema, Azhar Ali, Imran Farhat and Sohail Tanvir
--By A Cricket Analyst
