It doesn’t get bigger than this for Sri Lanka and Pakistan as they seek a semi-final berth in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 in a ‘Winner takes all’ game scheduled tomorrow (12th Monday) at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.
Both teams were not termed pre-tournament favourites to take their spot in the final four but now at least one of them are guaranteed of a place as they are on two points each after identical records of one win and a loss from their previous group matches.
History
In the past, Sri Lanka has played Pakistan on 147 occasions with the former winning only 58 games and losing 84 games. They are termed as friendly rivals but they last played each other in 2015 in Sri Lanka where Pakistan won the series, 3-2.
In the ICC Champions Trophy history, these two nations last met each other in 2006 in Jaipur where Pakistan chased down 255 in a thrilling encounter. In England, Sri Lanka has played 3 games against Pakistan and lost all three of them.
Read: Danushka Gunathilaka and Kusal Mendis on their 159 run partnership
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka pulled off one of their greatest ever chases in ODI history against India last Thursday which has increased their belief, hopes and expectations in the team. The Lankans have been disciplined with the ball, not letting the opponents get away easily while their batting did the trick in the second game.
Watch: Sri Lanka’s first practice session in Cardiff ahead of Pakistan match
The biggest concern for the injury-hit Sri Lanka would be if they get to set a target against a revamped Pakistani attack, can the Lankan bowlers led by talisman Lasith Malinga defend any score? Malinga who has picked up 47 wickets against Pakistan will be crucial towards Sri Lanka’s chances of securing a win.
The underrated players in Danushka Gunathilaka, Asela Gunarathne and Nuwan Pradeep are making their presence felt but they will definitely need to remain tenable in this high-pressure game. Sri Lanka batting will once again rely on the flamboyance of Kusal Mendis and stability of Angelo Mathews.
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With Kusal Perera out of the tournament, second Sri Lankan to withdraw from the tournament due to injury, middle-order batsman Dhananjaya De Silva who could bowl some off-spinners is ‘likely’ to come back into the playing XI though the decision on who would replace the injured Perera would be taken prior to the match. Pakistan possesses plenty of right-handers in their lineup and due to that fact, Sri Lanka might also think of bringing back leg-spinner Seekkuge Prasanna.
Photos: Sri Lanka Practices ahead of 3rd Match | CT17
Fast-bowling all-rounder Thisara Perera had a blow to the head on Saturday at practices but skipper Mathews declared that he is fit and raring to go on Monday. “He’s fine. He just got hit on the head, but he’s fine. He’s feeling very good. He’s okay.” Mathews said on the eve of the match.
Probable XI – Niroshan Dickwella, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews (Captain), Dhananjaya De Silva, Asela Gunarathne, Thisara Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Lasith Malinga.
Pakistan
Pakistan had a forgettable game against their arch-rivals India where they faltered in all three departments but they put up a stunning display against South Africa in a rain-hit match led by their bowlers to notch-up a cracking win and stay alive in the tournament.
They have a very balanced side with plenty of talented seamers, a disciplined set of spinners and experienced batsmen which make them a very dangerous on any given day. Pakistan’s fielding woes were on display against India but against the Proteas they were more disciplined.
Captain Sarfraz Ahmed, Shoaib Malik and Mohommad Hafeez have scored heaps of runs against Sri Lanka but they should wary about the talented and in-form Babar Azam who can be a genuine force with the bat. The need of the hour for Pakistan will be their consistency which they dearly lack.
Pakistan has plenty of depth in their fast-bowling stocks even though Wahab Riaz was ruled out after the first game. Young Hasan Ali and Mohommad Amir will love the carry and bounce off the surface while left-arm spinner Imad Wasim and young leg-spinner Shadab Khan can be genuine wicket-takes.
Probable XI – Azhar Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohommad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (Captain), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohommad Amir, Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan.
Ground and weather conditions
This will be the first instance where both these countries will play at the capital of Wales. Sri Lanka are yet to record a win in ODI cricket at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff after playing three games in the past. In the two games played at this venue during the current tournament, the pitch has offered plenty of assistance to the seam bowlers.
The pitch with a tinge of grass on top of it will not be a batting paradise but with the straight boundaries being a tad short than other grounds, on a day which no rain is expected, a high-scoring thriller is the most likely scenario.
What they said;
Well, first of all, we believe as a team we are ready and crystal clear when it comes to preparation, when it comes to the role. And the situation is very clear in front of us – like we have to win the game because rest of the things is just irrelevant because, once you are clear, then all things will come into place. Mohommad Hafeez said.
We came into the Indian game; we knew that there were no expectations. The pressure was not really on us, and that’s how we want to look at this game as well. Yes, there will be expectations now, but we just want to treat this just as a game and try and focus on what we have to do and what we can do. “Angelo Mathews said.
 at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff.){kind=link}