Pakistan v Sri Lanka, 3rd T20I - Match Result Predictions

Pakistan have won the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka already but the final match of the series is a significant one for both the teams. The visiting is set to become the first major team to travel Pakistan since the terrorist attack in 2009 as the revival of International cricket in the country continues. The game is more than a dead rubber as Sri Lanka would love to sign off the series with a victory and Pakistan would look to win in front of the home crowd.

After the one-sided ODI series, the T20Is has bridged the gap between the teams which was on display on Friday during the second match. Shadab Khan came to the fore for the home side and delivered a six straight back over the bowler’s head to script one of the memorable wins. However, the third game is expected to be a cracker of a contest as the teams will also be welcomed with an opening ceremony before the game.

Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is hosting its fourth T20 International in the last couple of months after producing the batting strips during the series against World XI in September. The pitch is once again expected to be full of runs and finally, batsmen would have a good time on the 22 yards. The first two matches have been a pretty low scoring one and the last one might live up to the expectations now.

The match has been preponed by an hour as the dew is expected to make its impact on the game.

Here is what CricTracker predicts:

Scenario 1: Pakistan wins the toss

Toss Prediction: Pakistan will choose to bowl first

First innings score prediction: 160-170

Result Prediction: Pakistan will win by 5 wickets

Scenario 2: Sri Lanka wins the toss

Toss Prediction: Sri Lanka will choose to bowl first

First innings score prediction: 175-185

Result Prediction: Pakistan will win by 10-13 runs

Head to Head Record

Overall: Total Matches – 17, Pakistan Won – 12, Sri Lanka Won – 5

The Pakistani team is in the middle of a dream run in the limited-overs format and are clear favourites against the struggling and inexperienced Sri Lankan side. Though the Thisara Perera led side couldn’t be taken lightly as they will come out all guns blazing with nothing to lose in a dead rubber.

Playing Combinations

Pakistan

Much like the ODI series, Pakistan would look to test their bench strength after winning the series. Though they will be aware of playing in front the home crowd and might resist themselves from making wholesale changes. Fakhar Zaman has struggled so far and might make way for Umar Amin at the top who is also the left-hander. Similarly, Imad Wasim is also expected to be replaced by Mohammad Nawaz, again a like for like replacement. The core of the team and the bowling department will be the same and no changes are expected there.

Predicted XI: Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), Umar Amin, Ahmed Shehzad, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez, Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Usman Khan Shinwari

Sri Lanka

The visitors have a lot to ponder in the final game of the series and there might be a few changes in the line-up. Lahiru Gamage, who was the only shining light in the ODI series might be drafted into the eleven in place of Sachith Pathirana. Chaturanga De Silva is also expected to come in to replace either Ashan Priyanjan or Mahela Udawatte who have struggled in the middle order so far. The opening pair has looked solid, for that matter better than the home side. Thisara Perera might be promoted up the order given his experience with the World XI side in last month.

Predicted XI: Thisara Perera (c), Dilshan Munaweera, Danushka Gunathilaka, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Ashan Priyanjan, Mahela Udawatte, Dasun Shanaka, Vikum Sanjaya, Lahiru Gamage, Seekkuge Prasanna, Isuru Udana

Pakistan has looked invincible at their adopted home and now they also have the support of the home crowd. The atmosphere at the Stadium will be buzzing as international cricket continues its journey back to the country. Sarfraz Ahmed led side should clean sweep the island nation in T20 series as well but Sri Lanka couldn’t be ignored as they are capable to pull the rabbit out of the hat as it takes a brilliant spell or a magnificent knock in T20s to turn the fortunes around.

The prediction is that Pakistan will win the match and also the series by 3-0 but the contest could well be a nail-biting thriller and a high-scoring one.

Do let us know your predictions in the comments section below.