Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 2019: 2nd T20I: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The 2nd 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:

Not many would’ve given Sri Lanka much of a chance of beating Pakistan in the first T20I at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. However, the team, captained by Dasun Shanaka, soared above the expectations and won by 64 runs. Their top order shone and the bowlers turned out to be a tough nut to crack. The triumph also ceased their six-match T20I losing streak versus Pakistan in T20Is.

The second game is scheduled to take place on Monday, October 7 and the visitors are now in with a chance of winning the series against ICC’s number-one ranked T20I side. The Men in Green, on the other hand, would’ve been stunned by last match’s result. Their batting turned out to be a major concern. Ahead of their must-win encounter, Pakistan need to make a proper game plan to win.

Weather Condition/Report:

There are no chances of rain in Monday’s match. The atmosphere will be a pleasant one for playing cricket. The skies will be clear with no clouds and the temperature will be around the 25 degrees Celsius mark. The humidity will mostly be in the 50s with a bit of dew to play its part.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The pitch has generally favoured the team, batting first and has gotten slower, especially in the second half. Scoring runs in the powerplay will hold the key as run-making can be a little tough later on. Both the teams, have bowling as their stronger point and should go for defending totals.

Average first innings score: 178 (7 T20Is since May 2015)

Record of the chasing teams: Won – 3; Lost – 4

Injury and Availability News:

(Will be added when there’s an update)

Probable Playing XI

Pakistan

Babar Azam, Ahmed Shehzad/Fakhar Zaman, Umar Akmal, Sarfaraz Ahmed (C & WK), Iftikhar Ahmed, Asif Ali, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf/Wahab Riaz, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain

Bench- Ahmed Shehzad/Fakhar Zaman, Faheem Ashraf/Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Sohail

Sri Lanka

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

Bench: Lahiru Kumara, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Lahiru Madushanka, Angelo Perera, Oshada Fernando

Top Picks

Danushka Gunathilaka– The southpaw is in jaw-dropping form. After his century in the losing cause in Karachi, he turned up with the Man of the Match performance in the first T20I. He has gotten quick-runs and has a sound technique.

Babar Azam– Babar Azam may have floundered in the last game, but he is very well capable of making amends. He is known for his consistency and has excellent outings in the World Cup and then for Somerset in the T20 Blast in England.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options: Avishka Fernando, Babar Azam, Dasun Shanaka

Vice-Captain Options: Danushka Gunathilaka, Umar Akmal, Mohammad Hasnain

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Sarfaraz Ahmed

Batsmen – Bhanuka Rajapaksha, Danushka Gunathilaka (VC), Babar Azam (C), Ahmed Shehzad

All-Rounders – Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga

Bowlers – Isuru Udana, Nuwan Pradeep, Mohammad Hasnain, Shadab Khan

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Minod Bhanuka

Batsmen – Avishka Fernando (C), Babar Azam, Asif Ali, Umar Akmal (VC)

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

Bowlers – Isuru Udana, Kasun Rajitha, Mohammad Amir

Expert Advice:

Pakistan can make quite a few changes in their batting for the next match. Hence, it will be better to wait for the elevens before forming the team.

Probable Winners:

Pakistan are expected to bounce back and draw level in the series.

*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.