PAK v SL, 3rd ODI Preview: Pakistan aim an unassailable lead; Must win game for the Islanders

Two spectacular renditions from Babar Azam nullified all the good efforts from Sri Lanka and this helped Pakistan take a 2-0 lead in the series. With the Lankans having no choice but to win the remaining games, the series takes an exciting turn at Abu Dhabi. The Test series was a disappointment for the home side, but they pulled things back brilliantly.

Babar Azam has been the catalyst of this comeback and powered by a strong show by their bowling unit, they averted Upul Tharanga and his troops an easy win on Monday. Nevertheless, they need to ensure their batsmen start scoring runs and the experienced candidates like Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez, and Sarfraz Ahmed will be a key.

Sri Lanka too has the issue with their batsmen as most of the big players like Dickwella, Lahiru Thirimanne and Chandimal are yet to score big. As much as they’re happy with the result in the Test series, they would want to finish the series on a respectable note. Skipper Tharanga played a majestic knock the other day and he’d love to replicate something like that again. It’s going to be a big test for them as batting will not be easy in Abu Dhabi.

Probable XI

Pakistan: Ahmed Shehzad, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (capt & wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Rumman Raees, Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan

Sri Lanka: Niroshan Dickwella(wk), Upul Tharanga (capt), Kusal Mendis, Lahiru Thirimanne, Dinesh Chandimal, Milinda Siriwardana, Thisara Perera, Akila Dananjaya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Suranga Lakmal, Lahiru Gamage

Focus will be on

Babar Azam (Pakistan)

Touted as the next big thing in Pakistani cricket, Babar Azam played two mind-boggling knocks in the first two ODIs. Those two knocks showed a different side of him and the character with which he approached was simply outstanding. The 23-year-old certainly has a bright future ahead of him but things will only get difficult in the times to come. It’ll be interesting to see how he approaches with a much wider spotlight on him.

Thisara Perera (Sri Lanka)

Rumors suggest Thisara Perera might be the one to lead the Lankan T20 side in Pakistan. It’ll be a great achievement for him personally and he’ll be upbeat with his performance in the previous game. He was pretty economical and though he didn’t fire with the bat, the world knows his ability to spank the ball a long distance and decent show will be expected from him.

Playing combinations

Pakistan

Ahmed Shehzad and Fakhar Zaman will embark the innings and the young sensation Babar Azam will be coming in at number 3. There’s an awful lot of experience in the middle order with the likes of some absolute superstars like Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed, and Mohammad Hafeez. Imad Wasim can hit the long ball as well and can be crucial in the lower order.

Hasan Ali and Junaid Khan will be taking the new ball responsibilities. Rumman Raees is another fast bowling option who has been doing a brilliant job. Shadab Khan has done a spectacular job in the previous game and he has another spin companion in Imad Wasim. Hafeez and Malik can roll their arm to good effect as well if needed.

Sri Lanka

The aggressive Niroshan Dickwella and skipper Upul Tharanga will be opening the batting, with Kusal Mendis coming in at number 3. There’s a lot of firepower in the middle order with the likes of Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanne, Thsiara Perera, and Milinda Siriwardana.

Jeffrey Vandersay has been exceptional thus far and he contributed a little with the bat as well in the previous game. Fast bowler Lahiru Gamage picked up a four-fer in the previous game and was well backed up by Suranga Lakmal and Perera. Akila Dananjaya and Siriwardana are other spinning options available for skipper Tharanga.

StatAttack

84 – Mohammad Hafeez needs 84 runs to complete 6,000 ODI runs.

5 – Junaid Khan needs 5 more scalps to complete 100 ODI wickets.

87 – Niroshan Dickwella needs 87 runs to complete 1,000 ODI runs.