Sri Lanka Resilience: A Potential Threat

By sahiba
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Updated: September 13, 2023
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Title: “Injury-Hit Pakistan Faces Sri Lanka Challenge for Asia Cup Final Berth”

In a high-stakes Super 4 match, injury-plagued Pakistan is set to take on a determined Sri Lanka, with both teams vying for a coveted spot in the Asia Cup final. With two points each, the winner of this virtual knockout game will advance to the final showdown scheduled for September 17. India has already secured their spot in the summit clash after a convincing 41-run victory over Sri Lanka in a Super Four encounter on Tuesday, propelling Rohit Sharma’s team to the top of the table with four points.

However, Pakistan faces several challenges leading up to their crucial clash with Sri Lanka. The prospects of their pace bowlers, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah, participating in the match remain uncertain due to injuries. As a precautionary measure, Pakistan has enlisted the services of Shahnawaz Dahani and Zaman Khan, a promising 22-year-old slinger pacer capable of delivering speeds up to 150 kmph, as backups for the remainder of the Asia Cup.

Despite their bowling concerns, Pakistan’s batting lineup has yet to hit its stride in the tournament, with the exception of a formidable 342 for six against underdogs Nepal in the Asia Cup opener at Multan. The team heavily relies on their openers, Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq, as well as captain Babar Azam for substantial runs. It is imperative for players like Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha to contribute significantly to bolster Pakistan’s batting performance.

While Iftikhar Ahmed showcased his big-hitting capabilities with a stunning century against Nepal, his consistency against stronger opponents remains a key challenge. Sri Lanka, despite losing to Pakistan by seven wickets in a league match, has proven that they are no pushovers. Led by Dasun Shanaka, the Lankans have displayed resilience and competitiveness, even in the absence of key players like Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, and Lahiru Kumara.

Injuries forced Sri Lanka to field a youthful squad with limited experience, but players like Dunith Wellalage, Matheesha Pathirana, and Maheesh Theekshana have impressed with their performances in the tournament. The Sri Lankan team will seek more consistency from their pacers, particularly Kasun Rajitha, who has taken four wickets in as many matches but conceded nearly six runs per over.

Considering their spinners’ success against India on a pitch offering significant turn and grip, Sri Lanka may opt for a similar playing surface against Pakistan to neutralize their pace attack led by left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi.

As the stage is set for this crucial encounter, cricket fans eagerly anticipate the outcome of this high-stakes game that will determine the second finalist for the Asia Cup 2023. Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka are determined to secure their place in the final, promising an exciting and closely contested battle on the field.

Squads:

Pakistan: Babar Azam (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Salman Ali Agha, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Haris, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir (travelling reserve). Shahnawaz Dahani, Zaman Khan (back-ups for injured Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah).

Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (captain), Pathum Nissanaka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Janith Perera, Kusal Mendis (vice-captain), Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Matheesha Pathirana, Kasun Rajitha, Dushan Hemantha, Binura Fernando, Pramod Madushan.

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By- Sahiba suri

Sri Lanka