The two Asian Giants Sri Lanka and Pakistan are ready to face off against each other this time in the 50 overs format after the T20 series was tied at 1-1.
After having lost the first T20 pretty badly, Pakistan came back well to level the series thanks to Boom Boom Afridi. The 5 match ODI series promises to be another cracker of a contest with both sides evenly balanced. Though Sri Lanka will try to utilise the home advantage, the Pakistan squad certainly has the potential to beat any side on their day. Both the teams will be looking forward to take the lead in the 5 match series by registering a win tonight. It is also going to be a battle of the two captains Mahela Jayawardene and Misbah ul Haq as both are aggresive in their approach but are struggling with their form with the bat.
The Sri Lankan team is a tough side to beat at home and they know how to use the conditions. They would be banking on the experienced trio of Dilshan, Sangakkara and Jayawardene to take them to a big score as all the three of them have got tremendous potential with the bat and can handle the best of bowling attacks. They have also got some good young talent with the bat in the likes of Chandimal, Mathews and Thirimanne and all of them have showed at times they are the future as far as Sri Lanka is concerned. Thisira Perera is going to be a big asset for Sri Lanka both with the bat and the ball as he provides the much needed balance to the side. The bowling department will be spearheaded by Slinga Malinga along with Kulasekara.
Pakistan are now looking a totally different side after victory in the last T20 and will be giving a tough fight to the Lankans. Spinners will be the deciding factor for Pakistan as Saeed Ajmal, Shahid Afridi and Md. Hafeez have proved to be economical as well as picked up crucial wickets when required. The comeback of Tanvir and Sami in the team has benefited the Pakistan team a lot as both of them are bowling with fire and aggresion. The responsibility of scoring runs will lie on the shoulders of Hafeez, Umar Akmal and Misbah along with Afidi. Pakistan are an unpredictable side and the Sri Lankans better be aware of them.
This game is surely going to be a contest to watch out for as both the teams are evenly poised. The Kandy track will assist the spinners and the team which wins the toss will look to bat first. So get ready to witness the battle from 9.00 GMT.
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