It is the final of the Asia Cup 2022 and Sri Lanka is all set to take on Pakistan. It has been a tournament full of surprises as few would have expected Sri Lanka to play so well as they did before the start of the tournament and after their first game. They defeated Pakistan in the last game by 5 wickets in what has been billed as a rehearsal for the final. Nonetheless, this win would surely boost the side’s confidence.
It has been four consecutive wins for the Sri Lankans, and this would make them happy. Their batsmen and bowlers have been in good form. Pakistan would have worries about their batting as in the last two games they have struggled to put runs on the board. However, there would be pressure on both teams going into this game and we will see a good contest between the bat and the ball.
How To Watch
Match: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
Date & Time: September 11 @ 7:30 PM (IST)
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, UAE
TV Channel: Star Sports Network
Online Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar (Try for free)
Watch in Australia, Canada & USA: YuppTV
Team News
Pakistan: Babar Azam would be upset with the loss against Sri Lanka in the last game. Their batsmen have been tested in the last two games the side has played. They come here with four consecutive losses against Sri Lanka and need to get over it. It will be a tough contest and Azam would like his players to bring out their best.
Babar Azam hasn’t fared well in the tournament, and he will need to play well opening the batting with Mohammad Rizwan. The middle order must convert its starts and runs would be needed from Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, and Khushdil Shah. Mohammad Nawaz, Asif Ali, and Hasan Ali shall need to play well in the finishers’ role in this game.
The bowling attack would face a tough challenge as the Sri Lankan batting line-up has done well. Mohammad Hasnain and Haris Rauf must bowl good lines with the new ball. The side would also expect to see good spells from Mohammad Nawaz in the middle overs as he has done. Usman Qadir and Hasan Ali are good bowlers in this format and there would be a lot of expectations from them.
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka would be happy with the way his side has played in the Super Four. They have won all the games and gained momentum. It was an excellent show by the team against Pakistan in the last game where they won by 5 wickets with three overs to spare. As they get into the title decider Shanaka shall look to repeat this success and win their first multi-nation tournament.
Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis have been in good form and the side would need an excellent start from them in this game. Danushka Gunathilaka has to hold the middle order together and score runs with Dhananjaya de Silva and Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Their lower middle order has looked in good form and they would expect quick runs from the bats of Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Shanaka, and Chamika Karunaratne.
The bowling attack did a fine job in the last game with Maheesh Theekshana and Dilshan Madushanka bowling tight spells with the new ball. Hasaranga is the best bowler for the side, and he looks in good shape. Pramod Madushan, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Karunaratne make it a strong bowling attack.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Probable Playing XIs
Pakistan Team: Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Asif Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Usman Qadir
Sri Lanka Team: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Danushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Pramod Madushan, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka