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

Match Details:

The 1st Test of the two-match series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.

The match starts at 10:00 AM local time (5:00 AM GMT) (10:30 PM IST). This match can be watched live on Sony ESPN and Sony EPPN HD. Live streaming will be available on Sony LIV.

Preview for Dream11 Fantasy

The Test cricket is set to return to Pakistan after more than a decade. As it turns out, Sri Lanka becomes the first team to visit the country despite the fact that the same team was attacked by the terrorists in 2009 in Lahore. Nevertheless, the importance of the series is huge as it is a part of the ICC Test Championship with 120 points at stake. The visitors have also named a full-strength squad unlike the T20I and ODI squads which toured Pakistan earlier.

Pakistan are coming off a thumping at the hands of Australia down under and they will be itching to get back to the winning ways in front of the home crowd. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, last played a Test in August against New Zealand at home and the two-match series ended in a draw. With both the sides relishing these conditions, expect a cracker of a game between them.

Weather Condition/Report:

The forecast for the historic Test match in Rawalpindi is great to start with on Wednesday. However, rain is expected to halt the proceedings in the morning on the second and third day of the game. Having said that, we should be able to get enough cricket to eke out a result.

Pitch Report

Rawalpindi last hosted a Test match back in 2004 and there is not much idea on how the pitch will behave. Going by the tradition, the ball might move a bit in the first hour before the pitch flattens out and becomes a batting beauty. Spinners should come into play from day three making it tough to score in the second innings. The team winning the toss is expected to bat first.

Team News:

Suranga Lakmal has been ruled out of the series. Asitha Fernando has been named his replacement.

Probable Playing XIs:

Pakistan

Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Azhar Ali (C), Babar Azam, Fawad Alam, Asad Shafiq, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Yasir Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah/Imran Khan/Kashif Bhatti.

Bench – Abid Ali, Naseem Shah/Imran Khan/Kashif Bhatti, Usman Shinwari, Haris Sohail.

Sri Lanka

Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Niroshan Dickwella (WK), Dilruwan Perera, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha/Vishwa Fernando, Lasith Embuldeniya.

Bench – Dinesh Chandimal, Kasun Rajitha/Vishwa Fernando, Lakshan Sandakan, Asitha Fernando, Oshada Fernando.

Top Picks:

Hands down Babar Azam has to be there in your team. Also, with the pitch and conditions not offering much to the new ball bowlers, the likes of Azhar Ali and Shan Masood can be picked in your team as well. Fawad Alam also can turn out to be a surprise package playing at home. With the ball, Abbas and Yasir Shah should be your picks in Dream11 Fantasy.

For Sri Lanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dhanajaya de Silva and Angelo Mathews have to be picked. Dilruwan Perera will contribute with both bat and ball and he can accumulate a lot of points while bowling in Asian conditions.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options: Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Dimuth Karunaratne

Vice-Captain Options: Yasir Shah, Fawad Alam, Kusal Perera

Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Mohammad Rizwan

Batters – Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Kusal Perera, Babar Azam (VC), Fawad Alam, Shan Masood

All-Rounders – Dhananjaya de Silva, Azhar Ali

Bowlers – Lahiru Kumara, Mohammad Abbas, Yasir Shah

Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Fantasy Cricket:

Keeper – Niroshan Dickwella

Batters – Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Asad Shafiq, Fawad Alam

All-Rounders – Dilruwan Perera, Azhar Ali (C)

Bowlers – Lasith Embuldeniya, Mohammad Abbas, Yasir Shah (VC)

Expert Advice:

Yasir Shah can be made vice-captain as he has an impeccable record playing in Asia and can run through the sides especially in the second innings.

Fawad Alam can be made the captain of your Dream11 Fantasy team in Grand Leagues as he has the most experience of playing in Pakistan among all the players.

Probable Winners:

It is tough to predict a winner of this match. Pakistan start as favourites as they are playing at home.

*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.