Sat, 26 Feb 2011 - Sri Lanka vs Pakistan, World Cup 2011, 10th match Group A - Preview

Preview

Group A Match

Sri Lanka versus Pakistan

Venue: R Premdasa Stadium, Colombo

Start Time: 14:30 (IST)

Super Saturday: Asian giants play each other

The Saturday’s crucial encounter will involve a side that exhibits disciplined work ethics and stresses more on performance part of it then frenzy part of it and another, if it is their day, as dynamic as any side in the world can be.

Colombo’s R Premdasa Stadium with stands jam packed will witness a contest between two Asian giants, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, with both sides coming into this game scoring a comfortable win over weaker opponents.

While home side trounced Canada, Pakistan had an easy time against feeble Kenya to give both sides the start they would have wanted to begin their world cup campaign.

But both sides will know that a good performance against top team is what counts. Looking at the composition of both teams guarantees a thriller of a tie. It, however, will be Sri Lankan team that enters the match as favourites because of the home advantage, crowd backing them and settled one day unit.

Pakistan, on other hand, is team that is improving by everyday and would like to emerge victorious to make a strong statement to their opponents.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan side offers almost everything- explosiveness, experience and depth in batting and class and variety in bowling and best fielding side amongst Asian teams.

Dilshan, at the top, always is a treat to watch. He would like to put the pressure on the Pakistan’s opening bowlers from the word go and his partner Tharanga will be rotating strike constantly to his aggressive partner face majority of deliveries.

Then the fulcrum of Lankan batting-Jayewardene and Sangakara- both would want to bat most of the overs in their pursuit to post big scores on the board.

Late order batting is also in safe hands with Samarweera ready to ward off any batting collapse and Kapudegera and Mathews to give late order charge to the innings.

In bowling Sri Lanka isn’t far behind to best bowling attacks in the world. Lasith Malinga’s pace, control over his variations, ability to bowl yorkers and taking wickets at regular intervals make him a lethal weapon. He missed the Canada tie though and it will be interesting whether team management draft him in the playing eleven.

Kulasekra’s tidy seamers, Fernando’s experience and Matthew’s medium pace adds to the variety.

Spin bowling is one department where Srilanka is best in the business. Murli will be dangerous as always to keep strong middle order under check.

Sri Lanka might be tempted to bring in left arm spinner Rangana Herath for Pakistan have played Mendis better than any side in the world.

Squad: Kumar Sangakara Capt & Wkt), Mahela Jayewardene, Tilkeratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Thilan Samaraweera, Angelo Mathews, Chamara Kapudegera, Chamara Silva, Thisara Perrera, Muthaih Murlitharan, Ajantha Mendis, Rangana Herath, Nuwan Kulasekra, Dilhara Fernando and Lasith Malinga

Coach: Trevor Bayliss

 Pakistan

Pakistan have made all the right noises since landing in Sri Lanka. Team looks focused, united and keen to do well after all the bad things that have gripped Pakistan cricket last year.

With strong team in Sri Lanka as their opponents, Saturday game is going to be tough one.

Against Kenya Pakistan openers started slowly and got out after consuming a fair number of deliveries. That didn’t please their captain as he wants a little bit of aggression from them. How will they respond to their captain’s call remains to be same?

Pakistan will again be banking on their middle order to score runs and it has men to do so. Four of them scored half-centuries against Kenya to give Pakistan a 300 plus score.

Younis and Misbah, who is in form of his life, supplement much needed calmness and stability to the batting line-up.

It was aggressive innings of younger Akmal; Umar that Pakistan management will be most pleased with.

Lower order hitting of Razzaq and Afridi is where Pakistan strength lies. If openers and middle order batters provide the platform to the duo, the fans are in for special treat and Sri Lanka in trouble.

In bowling Pakistan might bring Wahab Riaz back into the side to partner Shoab Akhter but it will be interesting to see who will make way for him.

Skipper Afridi picked up five wickets against Kenya and would like continue with his good form against the good players of spin that Lankan team possesses.

Squad:Shahid Afridi (Capt), Misbah-ul-Haq, Ahmad Shahzad, Mohammad Hafeez, Younis Khan, Asad Shafiq, Umar Akmal, Abdur Razzaq, Kamran Akmal, Syed Ajmal, Abdur Rehman, Wahab Riaz, Junaid Khan, Shoab Akhter and Umar Gul

Coach: Waqar Younis