Asia Cup 2022: Super Four, Match 6 – Predicted Sri Lanka Playing XI vs Pakistan

With Pakistan’s win over Afghanistan in the fourth match of the super four in the Asia Cup, both Sri Lanka and Pakistan have now qualified for the finals of the Asia Cup. Before they go hard at each other on 11th of September at Dubai, both the teams will get to warm up against each other and test their squad for different situations.

Now, just before the Asia Cup, not a lot of people predicted in favour of the Lankan lions. After their defeat against Afghanistan in the inaugural match of the tournament, they were completely dismissed as a potential threat to win the trophy. However, with a lot of hard work and dedication, they qualified for the finals. Will they rest some players ahead of the big clash? Let’s dissect how the team can line-up for the final super four match -

Openers - Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (WK)

The duo of Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis gave a blistering start to Sri Lanka in their last match against India. Based on their strong start, the middle order batters were able to play with absolute freedom which eventually helped them to beat India. With the opening partnership of 97 in the previous match, the duo now has 207 runs from four matches to their name.

Nissanka had a very slow start to the tournament but is slowly picking his pace. His 52 off 37 balls against India shows that the player is in good form. His strike-rate is the only thing that the Sri Lankan management should be worried about. Despite batting at the top of the order, Nissanka has a career strike-rate of 116.4 in T20Is.

His opening partner Kusal Mendis has been one of the players to look out for in the tournament. He looked calm and played sensible cricket so far. The 27-year-old has 155 runs from four matches in the tournament and has given Sri Lanka a good start in the majority of the matches. With a strike-rate of 154.05, the wicket-keeper batter has scored 57 off 37 deliveries against India in the last match.

Middle Order - Charith Asalanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa

Charith Asalanka is in terrible form in the Asia Cup. It’s definitely a matter of concern as the 25-year-old scored just 9 runs in the tournament so far. With time running out of his hand, Asalanka needs to prove that he can be a valuable asset in the team. His strike-rate of 119.64 in T20Is will also not help him. This can be his last chance to find momentum. 

Danushka Gunathilaka fails to capitalise his good starts. He can play aggressive cricket but for that, he needs to back his strengths. With just 1 against India in the last match, Gunathilaka has scored 62 runs in the tournament so far.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa has scored 96 runs in the tournament so far. With Asalanka not in form, Sri Lankan management might try the 30-year-old up in the order. He can time the ball well and can play freely. Rajapaksa in the middle order is known to clear the ropes and he would hope to do the same against Pakistan.

All rounders - Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne

Dasun Shanaka has been in blistering form in the tournament. He is leading the team from the front and has scored 88 runs in the tournament including his 33 from 18 against India. The all rounder also picked the wickets of Sutyakumat Yadav and Hardik Pandya in the previous match. The 30-year-old can change the complexion of the match at any point.

Wanindu Hasaranga, the poster boy of Sri Lankan cricket has been pretty poor in the tournament so far. After having a good time in the Indian Premier League, he was expected to deliver against some known faces and specially in the sub-continent surface, However, he is yet to come to the party. Sri Lanka desperately needs to see him back in form with the final coming up.

Chamika Karunaratne has been decent in the tournament so far. In the four matches that he played, Karunaratne scored 52 runs and picked up four wickets in the tournament. The bowling all rounder has a lot of room for improvement though. Especially when the Lankan bowlers have misfired in most of the matches.

Bowlers - Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka

Maheesh Theekshana has been in decent form so far in the tournament. Even though he picked just three wickets in the tournament, he has been reasonably economical in terms of other Lankan bowlers. Against a strong Pakistan team, his merit will be tested.

Asitha Fernando has been pretty expensive in the tournament. He has given 113 runs in the 10 overs he bowled so far in the tournament. If he doesn’t improve, Pakistan batters have the capability to toy with him in the match.

Dilshan Madushanka has picked 6 wickets so far in the tournament. He was brilliant against India in the previous match and will be the main bowler for Sri Lanka against Pakistan in the next two matches.

Sri Lanka's Predicted Playing XI against Pakistan: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka