Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 2019: 1st T20I: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The 1st T20I of the three-match series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore

The match starts at 6:30 PM local time (7:00 PM IST) (01:30 PM GMT). This game will be live on Sony Six and Sony Six HD. Live streaming will be available on Sony LIV.

Preview:

Sri Lanka were far better that what the score-line in the three-match ODI series versus Pakistan would suggest. The visitors were depleted, but it couldn’t fizzle the spirit out of them by any means. Lahiru Thirimanne and Co gave the Men in Green a run for their money in the 0-2 defeat. It’s now time for the three-match T20I series, which gets underway on Saturday, October 5 in Lahore.

Dasun Shanaka, who was excellent in the ODIs, especially with the bat, is set to captain the visiting team. The Lankans don’t have a great record against Pakistan in the shortest format. Out of 18 matches, they have lost 13, ending on the losing side in the last six matches. Their last win came in December 2013 in Dubai. The task won’t be easy versus ICC’s number one ranked T20I team.

Weather Condition/Report:

There won’t be any chance of rain and the conditions will be pleasant for playing the game of cricket. The cloud cover during the match will be 14 per cent, which is undoubtedly good news. The temperature will be around the 25 degrees Celsius mark with the humidity in the 60s and 70s. There will be a bit of dew in the second half, but it’s not expected to make much of an impact.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The pitch at the venue in T20Is has been absolute belter. Scores of 170 plus have been a common phenomenon. The average score at the Gaddafi Stadium in T20Is is 174, around six runs less than the average first innings score. Hence, it can be said that the team, batting first has found a wee bit easier on this ground in Lahore. Sides would be better of putting a big score on the board.

Average first innings score: 180 (6 T20Is since May 2015)

Record of the chasing teams: Won – 3; Lost – 3

Injury and Availability News:

(Will be added when there’s an update)

Probable Playing XI

Pakistan

Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Iftikhar Ahmed, Asif Ali/Umar Akmal, Sarfaraz Ahmed (C & WK), Imad Wasim, Wahab Riaz/Mohammad Hasnain, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Usman Shinwari

Bench- Asif Ali/Umar Akmal, Wahab Riaz/Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Ahmed Shehzad, Faheem Ashraf

Sri Lanka

Avishka Fernando, Danushka Gunathilaka, Oshada Fernando, Shehan Jayasuriya, Dasun Shanaka (C), Minod Bhanuka (wk), Wanindu Hasaranga, Isuru Udana, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, Kasun Rajitha/Lahiru Kumara

Bench: Kasun Rajitha/Lahiru Kumara, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Lahiru Madushanka, Angelo Perera, Bhanuka Rajapaksha

Top Picks

Babar Azam is in excellent form after topping the run-charts in the T20 Blast, paying for Somerset. His T20I average this year in 54 with a top score of 90.

Dasun Shanaka showed in the second ODI that he can smash the leather a long distance and gets runs at a fair clip. He is also a pretty handy aspect with the ball.  

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options: Dasun Shanaka, Babar Azam, Shehan Jayasuriya

Vice-Captain Options: Fakhar Zaman, Danushka Gunathilaka, Haris Sohail

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Sarfaraz Ahmed

Batsmen – Babar Azam (C), Fakhar Zaman, Danushka Gunathilaka (VC)

All-Rounders – Dasun Shanaka, Shehan Jayasuriya, Wanindu Hasaranga, Imad Wasim

Bowlers – Isuru Udana, Mohammad Amir, Usman Shinwari

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Minod Bhanuka

Batsmen – Avishka Fernando, Babar Azam, Asif Ali, Fakhar Zaman (VC)

All-Rounders – Dasun Shanaka (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Iftikhar Ahmed

Bowlers – Nuwan Pradeep, Shadab Khan, Wahab Riaz

Expert Advice:

One can pick more top-order batsman as it’s a good pitch for batting. Bowlers who mostly bowls at the death can be picked as well.

Probable Winners:

Pakistan are expected to win the match.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.