CT 2017, Match 12, Pakistan vs Sri Lanka- Pakistan Predicted XI

The seventh and eighth sides on the ICC ODI Rankings are set to face each other to become one of the semi-finalists in the Champions Trophy on Monday. Brushing aside, favourites and the No. 1 ODI side, South Africa, the subcontinental giants are set to make tomorrow’s encounter a special one because the result of the game according to the run-rate will finalize which team that will face England in the semi-final.

Both sides have had sparks of brilliance in at least one of their games but before the start of the tournament, their journey to nearly-qualifying was hard to predict. However, because of their ability to spring up surprises, or on a serious note, their inconsistency doesn’t leave much room for predictions. But, by now, the teams must have figured out what combinations they’ll be looking to take into the game.

Pakistan, after a dismal show against India, showed immense courage to bounce back against Proteas to register 2 points, with help from DLS, of course. Though they still have a few leaks to fix in their team, they can assure themselves with one major positive- Fakhar Zaman. The same cannot be said about Sri Lanka because of the injury scare that haunts the team. With some of their major players battling injury, it seems better to bank on Pakistan to win this one.

The Predicted XI of Pakistan will probably be:

Openers (Azhar Ali, Fakhar Zaman)

Ali, on his return to the ODI side, scored a 50 against India in the opening game but failed to make an impact in the game against South Africa where he was dismissed for 9. Though he did not get the scoreboard ticking with as much ease as he should have, against a quality Indian bowling attack, his compact technique may well be at display against the Sri Lankan bowlers who have an on-off relation with the ball in the first few overs.

Fakhar Zaman is probably the X-factor the side needed. Just on his ODI debut, he showed glimpses of his capability to attack at the top of the order against a bowling line-up as good as South Africa’s. This actually could benefit Pakistan considering his opening partner has not been able to score fluently while Babar Azam, who bats one down was also slightly slow in his approach.

Middle order (Babar Azam, Mohammed Hafeez and Shoaib Malik)

Babar Azam has five hundreds and six fifties in 28 innings, an average of 54.44 and strike rate of 89 which by a standard of No. 3 player in the side is fairly good. Though he failed to show his potential against India, he seemed in better touch against South Africa where he had just been warming up when the rains interrupted in Birmingham.

Mohammed Hafeez’s spot remains in a slight uncertainty because fast-bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf might just make his debut and take away his place after Hafeez’s dismissals in the previous two innings. His 59–ball 33 innings against India was slow and he appeared clueless in his approach, while his 22 against South Africa did not provide much scope for praise either. However, his experience supersedes the latter’s so he’ll probably get the nod.

Shoaib Malik looked threatening in his attempted cameos against both sides only to end up in as a short-lived stay against India and yet again against the Proteas, due to rain that time. He looked in good touch and may play a pivotal role if he bats sensibly against the Lankans.

Lower middle-order (Sarfraz Ahmed and Imad Wasim)

Sarfraz’s out-of-the-box captaincy against India was a big failure, but he was quick to bounce with his approach against South Africa, supported by his bowlers. Like all other batsmen in the lineup, he too failed to make an impact with the willow in the first game as he was dismissed on 15. He is often urged to bat up the order by Twitterati because he’s “wasted down there” but Mickey Arthur probably doesn’t approve.

Imad Wasim was dismissed for a duck against India and was expensive with the ball, leaking close to 70 runs. However, he was vital in the win against South Africa as he chipped 2 wickets for 20. He can be extremely handy with the bat and will do justice to his role of an all-rounder on a good day for his side if the rain gods allow. Also, he is born in Wales. The match is at Cardiff, Wales. Would it help?

Bowlers (Mohammad Amir, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali and Junaid Khan)

The fact that their spearhead bowler has been expensive, moreover, wicketless will trouble them. But, we all know Amir’s potential, his bad figures may continue to persist but he might be able to cause havoc if provided with the right field and some assistance from the pitch. He was struggling with a cramp in the game against India but was good to go against South Africa, just without the bowling figures of none for 50.

Shadab Khan, so far, has taken the lone wicket of Shikhar Dhawan. In the second game, he kept it tight with just 20 conceded in 5 overs, though wicketless. The leggie will play a major role against Sri Lanka who haven’t particularly handle leg-spin well, as Imran Tahir ripped through the line up in their first game.

Hasan Ali will step into the game with a lot of confidence from the previous match where he won the Man of the Match for his spectacular 3/24. Though he was extremely expensive in the game against India where he conceded 70 runs, he will be vital against the other Asian opponents if he executes his variation well.

Junaid Khan got his first game against South Africa only because Wahab Riyaz was ruled out due to injury and he was impressive with the 2 wickets he took where he dismissed Chris Morris and Rabada who were fighting back after almost the entire Proteas line-up was sent back to the pavilion.