Planet "M": Sri Lanka Cricket

Showing posts with label Sri Lanka Cricket. Show all posts

He was named the best Under-19 cricketer by the BCCI for the 2012-13 season. After that, his performance with Kings XI Punjab brought him the Emerging Player trophy for the 2014 edition of IPL. He took a five-wicket haul in his second only first-class match against Delhi last year; whilst his performance with the Under-23 team helped India win the 2013 ACC Emerging Teams Cup.

Coming from the ranks of Junior cricket with gradual transformation to the Senior side, Gujarat’s Akshar Patel has a lot to promise with both bat and ball.

Akshar Patel – The next breed of Indian stars! | Planet "M"

Akshar Patel of Kings XI Punjab with his team-mate David Miller

An admirer of batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar, cricket never came as the first choice to the lanky southpaw spinner. When Akshar expressed his wish to become an engineer, it was actually his father who forced him to play cricket seriously.

Since his First-Class debut in 2012 to the ongoing India-Sri Lanka series, he capitalized the chances given to him. Be it the 2013/14 Ranji season with Gujarat or the debut IPL season with KXIP this year – his performance in the One Day Internationals made everyone a fan of him.

He has 29 First-Class wickets to his name with an impressive economy of 2.10 whereas his best bowling figure stands at 7/75 – all that from just 8 matches.

Talk about his performance in the shortest format of the game, his bowling average falls at 22.52 in comparison with 24.10 that he manages in the First-Class cricket.

While his bowling records impress equally in the List A career, his batting ability lower-down the order often comes handy. It was seen during the Quadrangular series finale – in August this year – where he and Rishi Dhawan paired to add 93 runs for the seventh wicket that thumped Australia A in a close encounter at Marrara Oval in Australia.

The same kind of hitting he did during the 1st ODI between India and Sri Lanka at Barabati Stadium of Cuttack: scored 14 off just 4 balls that he faced, out of which two went on for sixes as India put 363/5 on board after brilliant centuries from Ajinkya Rahane and Shikhar Dhawan for the first wicket.

His bowling figure of 3/40 in the 3rd ODI at Hyderabad even left R Ashwin shy of him who managed just one at the expense of 43 runs. Note that Akshar Patel bowled a maiden over too.

At the age of just 20, Akshar Patel, however, has had a brilliant start to his career. While it may be too early to comment on his all-rounding ability, especially his comparison with Ravindra Jadeja for an ODI slot, performing at the international level is one thing and staying there while improvising your own game is another.

But when he said “I have set a goal, to play for India when I am 23 or 24, and I am working towards that” in an interview last year, it can be assumed he knows his game even better.

Infographic: ICC World T20 2014 - An analysis of spin vs pace bowling | Planet "M"

Rangana Herath bowled the spell of the tournament against New Zealand

The fifth edition of the ICC World T20 ended on Sunday, April 6, 2014 with Sri Lanka emerging as the new World Twenty20 champions. While the tournament was favoured for spin bowling, stats suggests pacers took total of 57% wickets comparatively.

Though the pitch of Dhaka suited spinners as compared to the one at Chittagong, seamers managed to scalp 67 batsmen there against the 73 wickets taken by spin bowling.

Rangana Herath of Sri Lanka bowled the tournament’s best spell in an innings: his 5 for 3 in 3.3 overs against New Zealand opened the semi-final doors for the Lankan team. Whereas Mashrafe Mortaza of Bangladesh conceded 63 runs against Pakistan in a group match – most by any bowler in an innings.

In hindsight, although spinners affected a major part of the tournament, seamers dominated equally well. Not only did they manage to grab more wickets (153 overall) but were also more efficient in the 1st innings (82 wickets).

For more detailed analysis on spin vs pace bowling at the World T20, look into the infographic below:

What if cricket had the status of soccer, I wonder.. Such numerous playing nations alongside with high profile Leagues and International fixtures, would cricket be less followed than soccer? Moreover, is the game still fascinating you in the same way?

Don’t get tangled, let me explain.

Sri Lanka Premier League: Do we need it? | Planet "M"

Sri Lanka Premier League 2012

This is the 3rd quarter of the year, and once again we’ve authenticated another T20 League to bear. The T20 trend that began with the Bangladesh Premier League in late March, August complemented another Asian child to their sole mother – Indian Premier League. With the Twenty20 Cricket World Cup in line, followed by the 4th edition of Champions League T20 in October; I can hardly see any need of such a tournament.

Isn’t the Lankan board aware of Team India’s fate due to IPL? The entire world has witnessed how pathetically the Indians fell down in the last two T20 World Cups – 2009 and 2010, with Champions status back in 2007.

Prior to the prestigious T20 WC tournament, the Indian players were completely absorbed by a demanding and lucrative T20 league – the IPL, which not only shattered them into the club-pieces, but also gifted ill-affordable fatigue and paid injuries. As a result, the team didn’t even click as a unit; nevertheless there wasn’t enough time to gel up either.

What will happen if the Lankans fair poorly at the T20 WC with due name and fame in front of the home crowd? Would anyone come ahead to take account of failure at the supreme level? Or, does your countryman not care to hold such epic loss?

You know, the Lankans have been continuously playing non-stop cricket since August 2011 – the beginning of their home season. In the recent series against India, they gestured for a needed break. Tired body language, mental fatigue, and drooped shoulders failed to spark a winning spirit as a team.

It’s time to bind your players as a unit instead of stretching them into several colorful outfits to obtain profits. The World Cup is approaching, come on!

What has happened to these cricket boards, I ask vividly. You can’t use talent this way. It is not a way to nourish future cricketers. It’s a good practice to provide a high level cricket environment for adolescents but mind you, they follow where you guide. For them, it is a learning process, not improvising.

Though purposes of such tournaments are to improve and enhance cricket culture within the nation, they need to be done with class. After completion of 5 successful IPL seasons, one can hardly count residing benefits, but many side effects.

It is understandable to follow one’s idea but you’re not forced to follow the same, are you? Can’t they come up with a similar age, or even first class cricketers equation? Just like we have an age restriction formula for several tournaments – under-15, under-17 and under-19 to name a few.

Instead of adding International players of all ages, SLC had new concepts to look at. After all, it is said to be their “domestic tournament”, isn’t it? I won’t blame the BCB and SLC for the concept of BPL and SLPL. The charm and identity IPL has brought to the cricket world at the initial level can attract anyone.

There should be an advancement from traditional methodologies and concepts of learning processes. But at the same time, you need to show concern about the affected budding cricketers. Giving them a T20 environment at an early age won’t save your test cricketers, let me say.

Having many veterans or reckoned international players’ retirement as a new ‘cricket trend’, how would you encourage your boys to play for the nation? Your T20 leagues are already giving them enough advertisement, headlines and livelihood. I’m not saying we need to stop these T20 leagues for the sake of the betterment of cricket. But there should be some provisions and policies which not only provide better cricket conditions for the young guns, but also boost sportsmanship and pride to represent the nation in the international arena.

From 2008 to 2012, we’ve seen three nations came up with separate T20 leagues; wisely tagged under ‘domestic tournament’ to earn world class fame and monetary benefits. And, of course, I won’t surprise with another ‘+1’ !

By the way, would you mind answering me this: with CLT20 established as the ‘battle of the world’s best cricket club’, do we need the T20 World Cup any more? I mean, if every ICC member starts their own T20 league we can hardly have enough time to ‘fit’ the WC there!

Still, I won’t hesitate to ask – can anyone guarantee those documented beliefs and widely spread promises? Can you assure me – by keeping your gems busy, at both International and National Level cricket activities, there will be betterment of cricket instead of cricketers?

Do we badly need a T20 league?

A full 6-weeks break; beginning of the season; yet again the much known opponent – Lanka. Yet, India managed to register a dominated win here at Hambantota after scoring a mammoth of 314 runs.

India vs Sri Lanka: Indians dominate in series opener; begins season with a win | Planet "M"

A rejoiced team India and the happy skipper, India vs Sri Lanka, Hambantota, 2012

There is no end on captain MS Dhoni’s smiley face as his boys have lifted game with pure domination in each department of the game. Not only batting but bowling and fielding, there is no occasion to raise eyebrow for the given performances.

India who won the toss decided to bat first. And by keeping captain’s decision on top, Indian warriors commit no mistake to rob mighty Lankans in their own backyard.

Sehwag’s arrival ensured good start by keeping opponent bowlers under-pressure whereas Irfan complemented given faith and selection on him. Zaheer launched his way-back from injuries while Kohli assured his non-stop hitting in front of his favourite team – Lanka.

Though, crowd is not seen enough in terms of numbers at Hambantota stadium due to transportation facilities but for sure, the spectators reached out there must have enjoyed some good performances from both sides.

For India, Gambhir and Sehwag started off the proceedings but failed to perform like before. Kulasekara opened wicket account for Lanka in the 2nd over of the match by hitting Gambhir’s stumps. Gambhir wasn’t looking comfortable from ball one and Lankan pacer didn’t make any mistake by grabbing him early on.

Although, Sehwag could have been first win for Lankans. But thanks to Dilshan who escaped Sehwag; for which, later Lankans were forced to chase 315 runs to register a win.

The kind of start Lankans had no one can think a 314 runs score-card for India after 50 overs. Pair of Malinga and Kulasekara tried their best to fetch as many wickets as they can. But Kohli had something else in his mind.

Sehwag and Kohli accelerated the Indian innings against Sri Lanka in the 1st ODI at Hambantota, 2012

With Sehwag, he not only played sensible cricket but also, helped India to score with a rich run-rate. From Gambhir’s Dismissal to Sehwag’s unfortunate run-out, Kohli helped to set a launch pad for India; through which later team able to score 314/6.

From 11/1 to 228/4, Kohli build his game in an artist style. He batted for whole 38 overs and ended his card after lifting bat for another crafty of 106 runs off 113 balls with an oomph strike rate of 93.80! Truly a treat to watch.

Words with Sehwag, who missed a deserved come-back century. His haste to grasp a single cost him with a run-out. Not enough lucky this time. Rohit Sharma, who was sent at No.4 to bat, failed to use given opportunity and sent back on 5 by Mathews.

After Sehwag-Kohli show, CSK brothers Raina-Dhoni took charge to uplift Indian score-card. Like his name, Raina gestured with a handy half-century firmly accompanied by his skipper who scored quick 35 off 29. The fiery batting duo had left woes for hosts before respective dismissals. Total of 79 runs in 9 overs including 6-fours and 2-sixes set the stage for Indians to clinch a win.

Later Pathan came at No.7 but nothing much has left in the game for him in terms of batting. Yet, it is just a start of the series. He has a lot to receive and deliver.

India challenged hosts to chase a huge target for which Lankans, without a doubt, need to perform above their class and calibre. Playing in home-conditions, it is unfair to underestimate Lankans with the likes of Sangakkara and Mahela – their two most reckoned match winners.

Sangakkara and Perera tried hard in the 2nd innings, though it wasn't enough to ensure a win against India (Hambantota 2012)

But sorry to say, neither their opening pair brought enough room of runs to start nor they played responsible cricket. Former skipper Kumar Sangakkara seems helpless in the middle; was fighting lone to keep his team’s chances of survival.

Though, Tharanga (28 off 47) and Perera (44 off 28) tried to build some handy partnership with him but then Indians had mental advantage here. Clever bowling and well supported fielding scripted an official but not handsome win for Indians though.

Thanks to a generous scoring of Sangakkara (133 off 151) whose efforts kept Lankans hope alive in the game. If he was supported for a long-inning partnership with any of his mate, Lankans might have won this match.

Though, after seeing first inning performance India is, undoubtedly, official winners. But then, cricket is a game of uncertainties. What if Mahela-Sangakkara came up with their trademark performances? What if Indians didn’t bowl with enough discipline and attitude?

Dhoni’s battlers not only enhanced the game by respective performances but also, have proved their selection right. Keep in mind, India come up after a break whereas Lankans continuously playing string of matches.

If non-stop cricket and mental fatigue affects a superior team’s game, then you should blame Lankan Board.

But then, how else would you appreciate a team performance and excellency over its competitor team?

The 5-matches ODI series has begun. Hope, Lankans can make a comeback in the next match. Else, with arrival of Sehwag and Zaheer in the side, definitely Kohli would add more.

Summarised Scores:

India 314/6 (Kohli 106, Sehwag 96; Perera 3-96) beat Sri Lanka 293/9 (Sangakkara 133, Perera 44*; Pathan 2-37) by 21 runs.

Man of the Match: Virat Kohli (India)

Every next series whether it is Test or ODI, Lankans are either visiting us or inviting. It is not just about conducting a bilateral series but also, in every tri-nation or even multi-nation series – you can find the same team playing against each other.

For say, T20 World Cup group match – 2009, Asia Cup Final – 2010, ODI World Cup Final – 2011.

Just say, how many India vs Sri Lanka hype you want?

India Vs Sri Lanka: Again! Don't You Get Bored ? | Planet "M"

Mahela Jayawardene of Sri Lanka with MS Dhoni of India at the media brief before India-Sri Lanka series.

I mean bilateral series are okay but what is point of scheduling tri-nation series with them either.

From 2009, India have appeared in 16 bilateral series and 5 triangular series out of which 3 have been played against Sri Lanka; whereas in all 5 triangular series, Lankans competed as third favourite team.

And what would you say, if I compile stats between these two nations after no-series-play with Pakistan.

Numbers don't lie. Head-to-head: bilateral series between India and Sri Lanka from 2009 onwards

Since 2009, India have played 6 Tests, 28 ODIs and 4 T20s against Sri Lanka overall which includes 5 finale standings. Isn’t it enough though, we are again buckled up for the same rivalry to watch.

After Pakistan’s exit, do Lankans acclaimed BCCI’s exclusive rights to play with us? Season could be new but not the opposition for us – Indians. From 2008-09 season to till now, if we have rare clash against Pakistan on the field; then in the reverse manner, we scheduled series with Lanka off the field.

Believe it or not – but only season 2011-12 was the exception where, luckily, we didn’t get the same glimpse. Only one match has been played between these two sides and that is the WC finale for which you can’t even complain! My condolence!

Instead of wondering, say thanks to Australia and Pakistan for their true calibre and peak performances during CB series and Asia Cup respectively; else it would have been another boring combination – India vs Sri Lanka in finale, AGAIN.

Are you not tired of listening same commentary, saying: “when it comes to India vs SL, MSD don’t need to interact much with his boys. They know where to take field when there is a change in strike. After all, they know each-other’s very well.”

Just because India can’t play against Pakistan due to political and other issues; it doesn’t mean our every 3rd competitor would be Sri Lanka. Instead of this, can’t we give a break to our cricketers who constantly complained about too much cricket?

We can either allow them to play in domestic cricket instead of bunching against the same bouquet.

Still, if a tournament or series is that much necessary to conduct we have other nations as well. Can’t Bangladesh be the 3rd competitor instead of Lankans or even Pakistan? We could try for Indo-Pak matches at a neutral venue.

I agree, it wasn’t easy but not impossible either. Just like now BCCI trying to rebuild cricket relations with PCB; can’t it be done earlier as well? Still it is a proposal from BCCI and we have mixed of opinions. And trust me if, we had tried it earlier, it would have the same results.

If not earlier then why should now and if now, then why should not earlier?

At one hand both nations’ PM met at Mohali Stadium – not just to witness a semi final WC match, but to relish the high profile India-Pak semi final thrill; where on another side, the same nation’s players are not allowed to for an entire cricket series. What’s wrong in this, after all!

They say Sports enhance brotherhood, unity and peace but when it matters most, they step back by mentioning old issues. Can’t we resolve it?

Let cricket be your reason. Let two nations play again. Let the ground to achieve more cricket heights.

I won’t say we, India, shouldn’t play against Lanka. But at least there should be a designed gap between such redundancies. Seeing top two Asian teams playing against each other in every next 3rd series is quite tedious. NO?

Again, the same Asian giants are ready to roar in order to clinch another ODI title.

Would it be a new fascinating end as BCCI proposed Indo-Pak war on a return track? Or shall we expect more?

I would say, enjoy Mahela's captaincy as you know MSD well though!

For rest, we have CRICKET. :-)

Graphics: Monika Arora

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.

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan: The stage is all set for another fascinatingly delicious contest | Planet "M"

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.

In a low-scoring game, where key players from Lankan side rested for the sake of World Cup preparations; Pakistan notched up an awesome win to level the series.

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan: In a low scoring match, Afridi's efforts level the series | Planet "M"

Shahid Afridi celebrating with his team-mates after taking SL wicket

Mathews, who captained the side in place of Jayawardene lost the toss and was invited by Pakistan to bowl first. Kapudegedera and Udana were the replacement for veterans Jayawardene and Malinga. For Pakistan, Umar Gul was replaced by Yasir Arafat due to his poor performance in previous match.

Adding charms to a T20 game, Sunday was enough to fetch crowd at stadium. Giving reason for major change in Lankan side, it’s strange how a domestic tournament like IPL receiving priority over national duty. Pity on spectators who were cheated by team management to witnessed a high-performance packed show into an average game display.

But for Pakistan, it’s a golden hen to hatch. With non-availability of top batsmen and bowler from opposition side; it would be folly of Hafeez to lose such a worthy chance to make a comeback in the series.

Amidst of this entire saga, proceedings at Hambantota took place. Kulasekara with new ball all set to rock his skipper. Absence of Malinga didn’t reflect in the match as Pakistan was 18/2 after 5 overs – a sigh-of-relief start for Lankans to carry forward.

Pitch of Hambantota, which produce havoc of runs during ODIs – playing T20 on the same venue shuffle the status with heaven of bowlers. Hardly any of Pakistan batsman scored runs except Afridi with steady patience of Hafeez in the top-order to keep an end for room of runs.

After skipper’s departure in 11th over, Afridi took the charge of Pakistan batting; well supported by Malik to rise up the scoreboard. And as a result, A half-century of Afridi (52*) with efforts of Malik (27) led Sri Lanka to chase a sum of 123 runs.

A low scoring match and without a thought, Lankans almost has all chances to seal the series by 2-0. Till 3rd over, everything went in favor of Lanka. Sangakkara, who replaced Mahela as an opener, along with Dilshan provided a steady start.

On the other hand, Pakistan who was looking for a breakthrough grabbed two wickets in 4th over and opens an account towards win. Two setbacks within an over, Lanka badly need real patience from middle order. With experience batsmen on one end, Dilshan and Kapugedera recovered early damage and led score board to 41/3 after 8 overs before the dismissal of Dilshan.

Seeing lack of experience in the Lankan middle order, Pakistan bowlers throw all their efforts to sum up the proceedings. Ajmal from one end with Afridi as spin partner, Lankan batsman give up after their tries. Some handy fours and sixes with regular wickets brought smiles in Pakistan camp.

Mohd. Sami, who is the watchable player of this T20 series, played a huge role towards team win. Two wickets in an over by him followed by equal support from Ajmal and Afridi, Lanka bowled out in 19.2 overs.

The changes made by Lankans in order to try World Cup contenders cost them in such a way that Pakistan rejoiced win with a result of 1-1.

Summarised Scores:

Pakistan 122/6 (Kulasekara 2-13) beat Sri Lanka 99 by 23 runs.

Player of the Match: Shahid Afridi.

Player of the Series: Sohail Tanvir.

Two most exciting Rockstars of Twenty-20 cricket – Pakistan and Sri Lanka all set to bare temper of another fascinating series. Sri Lanka who will be hosting Pakistan this time are looking charged up after decent IPL performances whereas Pakistan has previous records to keep their confidence on a high.

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan: Two Rockstars of T20I are all set to offer a thrilling ride | Planet "M"

Mohd. Hafeez and Mahela Jayawardene are ready for the captaincy test as Sri Lanka takes on Pakistan in a packed home series

News:

Pakistan camp:

Pakistan has arrived in Sri Lanka with a team full of riches in almost all the sectors. They have recently announced a new captain for T20I and that is Mohammad Hafeez. All eyes will be on Mohammad Hafeez’s captaincy. Maintaining the team unity will be his biggest challenge.

After a decent show in BPL and Pakistan’s domestic T20 leagues, Mohammad Sami has made a comeback in the side. The kind of form Sami exhibited it is expected that he will add extra energy to this Pakistani attack. In the batting department, some fresh blood has been injected for the sake of upcoming World Cup.

It’s the bowling that is Pakistan’s strength with batting being unpredictable and the fragile fielding is the biggest worry for Pakistan. If Pakistan doesn’t grab the crucial catches when needed, if they don’t control their habit of mis-fielding then they might be counting the stars in the sky rather than celebrating a series win.

Lankan camp:

After Mahela Jayawardene returning as Sri Lanka’s captain, the Lankan camp seems a different unit – full of confidence and bustling with energy. Like Pakistan they have enough fuel in the bowling department and their advantage over Pakistan is solidity in the batting department and a fielding unit who are habituated to make half-chances into full chances.

Like Pakistan, Sri Lanka too has injected young guns in the squad keeping in mind the upcoming T20 World Cup. The return of Lasith Malinga will ensure exhibition of lethal yorkers while the charismatic Dilshan’s coming back in form is a huge bonus while the ever massive presence of Jayawardene and Sangakkara in the batting order gives Sri Lankan batting huge boost.

With soundness in all departments, Sri Lanka has the edge over Pakistan.

Playing conditions:

As in sub-continent, it’s bright sunshine in progress; except sweat from players’ head there won’t be any chance of watermarks. And the track at Hambantota will be a batting beauty. Plenty of battering for the bowlers is expected but quality bowlers will rip a good harvest.

Head to Head:

For Pakistan, three of their premium bowlers (Ajmal-Afridi-Gul) share 162 T20-career wickets within 9 four wickets and 1 five wickets haul. That’s quite competitive than Lankan’s batting trinity (Mahela-Dilshan-Sangakkara) with 2730 career runs among them including two centuries and 17 half-centuries.

Crunching numbers:

Ground Trivia:

> Hambantota will make its T20 debut today.

> Out of 4 ODI matches played here Sri Lanka has won twice while Pakistan has won once.

> 3 out of 4 times team batting first have registered a win.

Match results:

> 5 out of 7 times Pakistan have registered comprehensive win over Sri Lanka.

> Lowest total: 120 runs (18.1 overs) by Sri Lanka in August 2009

> Highest total: 189/6 (20 overs) by Pakistan in September 2007.

Top scorers:

Kumar Sangakkara 144 runs in 5 matches for Sri Lanka while Shoaib Malik 186 runs in 7 matches for Pakistan.

Top strikers:

Lasith Malinga 8 wickets in 5 matches while Umer Gul 12 wickets in 7 matches.

Individual achievements:

> Dilshan and Mahela being the only players to hold a century amongst these two teams.

> Mahela is 47 runs away to reach 1000 T20I runs.

> Umer Gul is the only bowler to notch up a 5-wicket haul.

Quotes:

Pakistan coach, Dav Whatmore -

“We had a pretty decent two weeks before we came here, finishing up with some practices that were attended by conservatively 15,000 people who have starved for cricket and they just loved them.”

Sri Lanka captain, Mahela Jayawardene -

“What makes them competitive is the sort of bowling options available, apart from the specialists.”

News:

Pakistan camp:

Sri Lanka camp:

Crunching Numbers:

Ground Trivia:

Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy, SL -

R. Premdasa Stadium, Colombo, SL -

Match Results:

Top Scorers:

Top Strikers:

Individual landmarks:

Players to watch:

News:

Pakistan camp:

Lankan camp:

Playing conditions:

Head to Head:

Crunching numbers:

Ground Trivia:

Match results:

Top scorers:

Top strikers:

Individual achievements:

Quotes:

Pakistan coach, Dav Whatmore -

Sri Lanka captain, Mahela Jayawardene -

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