SL vs PAK Match Preview

The batting was one of the brighter spots in an otherwise dull performance by Sri Lanka. Despite losing the top-order batsmen early in the first innings, Sri Lanka managed to reach a respectable total of 312, thanks to a scintillating century by all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva.

His form spilled over to the second innings too, where he followed up with a gritty half-century, albeit for a losing cause. Angelo Mathews and Nishan Madushka played well but the team will expect them to score more runs here. The same will be expected of skipper Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, and Sadeera Samarawickrama, all of whom failed to convert their start into a big inning.

Talking about the bowling, the spinners did a good job with Ramesh Mendis and Prabath Jayasuriya picking up 13 of the 16 Pakistani wickets that fell. The seamers, Kasun Rajitha and Vishwa Fernando have struggled to find the right rhythm.

After a shaky start in the first innings, Pakistan was stabilized by Saud Shakeel, who scored an unbeaten double-century. He was well supported by Agha Salman as the duo put up a 177-run partnership for the 6th wicket to set the tone for a big total.

Imam Ul-Haq, who fell cheaply in the first inning, made amends in the second by scoring a half-century and ensuring that his team faced no hiccups while chasing a modest target of 133 in the 4th inning. However, the other top and middle-order batsmen, including Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, and Sarfaraz Ahmed will need to play well here, to shoulder the scoring responsibility.

Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was back in the Test team after a long gap, was excellent, ending the match with 5 wickets. He was well supported by Naseem Shah, who picked up the important wicket of De Sliva in the first inning. Abrar Ahmed has continued with his brilliant form with the ball, claiming 3 wickets in each innings.

 

Weather Report

There is a forecast for rain on the first 3 days which may lead to interruptions. 

Pitch Report

The pitch at the Sinhalese Sports Club is good to bat on, at least for the first few couple of days. The average first-inning score on this ground is around 340. The quicker bowlers will get some movement early on but the surface will settle as the match progresses.

Anything over 200 will be difficult to chase in the 4th inning.

Notable stats

Abrar Ahmed’s Consistent Bowling

Ever since his Test debut late last year, Abrar Ahmed has been a consistent performer for Pakistan. He has picked up 34 wickets in 5 matches and has an excellent bowling average of 31.70.

Team News

There are no updates regarding injuries from either side. 

 

SL vs PAK Probable 11

SL Playing 11

  • Nishan Madushka
  • Dimuth Karunaratne (C)
  • Kusal Mendis
  • Sadeera Samarawickrama (Wk)
  • Dhananjaya de Silva
  • Dinesh Chandimal
  • Angelo Mathews
  • Ramesh Mendis
  • Prabath Jayasuriya
  • Kasun Rajitha
  • Vishwa Fernando

PAK Playing 11

  • Abdullah Shafique
  • Imam Ul-Haq
  • Babar Azam (C)
  • Sarfaraz Ahmed (Wk)
  • Saud Shakeel
  • Shan Masood
  • Nauman Ali
  • Agha Salman
  • Naseem Shah
  • Shaheen Shah Afridi
  • Abrar Ahmed
This is not the official playing 11 for the match. This is a prediction of the expected playing 11 for each team based on the writers analysis.

Dream11 Prediction

We are backing Pakistan to win here. Most of their players, especially the bowlers are in good rhythm. The team also has some excellent batsmen who can easily take the match away from the opponents. On the other hand, Sri Lanka has looked a bit rusty and will find it difficult to bounce back. 

 

Top Picks

Babar Azam: Babar Azam is one of the most reliable batsmen in the Pakistan line-up. He has scored 3733 runs in his Test career at an average of 47.87.

Shaheen Shah Afridi: Making a comeback in the Test squad after a long hiatus, Afridi will be the key bowler for Pakistan in this match. He has picked up 104 wickets in 26 Test matches.

Dhananjaya de Silva: De Silva is a reliable all-rounder for Sri Lanka. He has scored 3234 runs so far and has picked up 34 wickets in Test matches. 

 

SL vs PAK Dream11 Team 1

Keeper: S Smarwickrama

Batters: B Azam (VC), A Mathews, I Haq, S Shakeel

All-rounders: D de Silva (C), R Mendis, A Salman

Bowlers: S Afridi, P Jayasuriya, A Ahmed

SL vs PAK Dream11 Prediction - OCB Team Prediction