Sri Lanka vs Pakistan: The stage is all set for another fascinatingly delicious contest
After a fascinatingly delicious T20 battle, the masters of unpredictability and the Lankan lions are all set to gift their respective fans a thrill and chill in the upcoming ODI series. Though in the T20 series, the Lankan lions were suppose to end on a winning note, but the dazzling charisma of Pathan from Pakistan, Shahid Afridi didn’t let it possible with his individual charismatic performance in the final T20I.
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| Captains of Sri Lanka and Pakistan with the ODI series trophy (2012) |
But a 50-over game is a different thing all together.
The stage is set for the 'Clash of the Titans.'
News:
Pakistan camp:
To strengthen their bowling attack, the main weapon of Pak, Pakistan has included the left-arm pace bowler Sohail Tanvir. Tanvir was sharp and accurate during the T20 series. Tanvir last played an ODI for Pakistan way back in 20011. And since 2007, Mohammad Sami will be seen running in full throttle for Pakistan with the ball in the ODIs.
Bowling is never a worry for Pakistan with plenty of depth, guile and variety. But their main worry is with batting which possesses aggression but lacks caution and temperament. Very often the batting falls under pressure while chasing and again, the fielding is a big headache for them where comedy shows are always in offer with drop catches, mis-fielding and so on.
But whatever it is, you can never deny their ability to dance the wolf-dance any time on any occasion, on any tough circumstances. Watching the green army in action is never short of excitement. Pakistan’s charisma is the thing which can set jitters in the Lankan camp anytime and might be the factor to script the series in favor of them.
Sri Lanka camp:
The Lankans in their own backyard are always good competitors. Home ground, local spectators and with talented pool of players; Lankans are equally as favorite as Pakistan. Mahela’s captaincy has made Sri Lanka a different unit altogether and even though they had a frustrating Asia Cup campaign, they have the spice in them to hit the jackpot.
The challenge for Mahela & Co. would be to find an ideal blend.
Having 5 all-rounders in an ODI format is quite irritating. One way, it not only takes out one premium bowler from the side but also stretches your batting tail that simply disturbs batting order.
Unlike T20, ODI needs a balanced ratio of batsmen and bowlers instead of string of all-rounders. Still, it would be fascinating to see what combination will be on field during match days.
Sri Lanka has the edge over Pakistan in batting and fielding while the bowling is heavily centered on the slinger – Malinga.
An ideal combination is the key to Lanka’s success.
Crunching Numbers:
Ground Trivia:
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy, SL -
For the first time, both teams will play here against each other. Sri Lanka has played here twice but won one match whereas Pakistan played one match and won that too. 2 out of 4 times team batting first has won the match.
R. Premdasa Stadium, Colombo, SL -
6 out of 12 times Pakistan registered a win over Lanka whereas Lanka won only 5 matches here. And one match ended as No result. 54 out of 103 times (including 7 matches as no result) team batting first has won the match.
Match Results:
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
> In Sri Lanka (1986-2011) – 13: 13 (No result: 2)
> Overall (1975-2012) - 76: 47 (No result: 3, Abandoned: 1, Tied: 1)
> Lowest total: 75 all out (22.5 overs) by Pakistan in January 2009
> Highest total: 371/9 (50 overs) by Pakistan in October 1996
Top Scorers:
> For Sri Lanka: Jayawardene 1563 runs (57 matches)
> For Pakistan: Younis Khan 1191 runs (41 matches)
Top Strikers:
> For Sri Lanka: Dilhara Fernando 29 wickets (18 matches).
> For Pakistan: Shahid Afridi 57 wickets (58 matches).
Individual landmarks:
> Thisara Perera is two wickets short from 50-ODI career wickets.
> Angelo Mathews is 156 runs short from 1500-ODI career runs and 8 wickets short for a career tally of 50 ODI wickets.
> Malinga needs 15 more wickets for a double century of ODI career wickets.
> Dilhara Fernando needs 13 more wickets to join double century ODI wickets club with Malinga.
Players to watch:
Shahid Afridi and Angelo Mathews are the players to watch in the upcoming ODI series. Both are quality players who are able to notch up wins for their respective teams when it is needed the most.
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