Sri Lanka took wing to the UAE to take on Pakistan which will be considered home ground to Pakistan who has not been able to play any international cricket on home soil since the debacle in 2009 where the Sri Lanka team was the target of a terrorist attack.
However, the ties between the two countries cricket and otherwise are as strong as ever and this tour will be played in same camaraderie as before. Sri Lanka and Pakistan last had a bilateral series in 2011/12 where they played 3 tests, 5 ODIs and 2 T20 games which ended with Pakistan holding the upper hand despite Kumar Sangakkara continuing his penchant for Pakistan, notching up a double century and century in consecutive games. Pakistan won one of the tests taking the series 1-0 and the ODIs 4-1 and T20 1-0 to completely dominate a post-Murali era.
The T20 is expected to be spin dominated and it would be an interesting escapade to watch potent spinners from each side going up against each other. Saeed Ajmal holding leading spin status in world cricket these days, is sure to lead the brigade and Sri Lanka has been found susceptible to his relentless onslaught of accurate bowling. Shahid Afridi firing it in will also pose problems in the chase. Sohaib Maqsood and Zulfiqar Barbar make up the Pakistan attack and are largely unknown quantity.
For Sri Lanka it is hoped that Sachithra Senanayake with his long-handle qualities will be given a permanent slot but Rambukwella may take precedence. Seekkuge and his leg spin would certainly be an interesting proposition but Sri Lanka may opt for all-round options.
Sri Lanka’s new band of batting is yet to prove itself and with the pull-out of Mahela Jayawardena the solid foundation upfront may not be forthcoming leaving the youngsters too much to do at the end. Silver-lining is that new kids on the block get an opportunity to showcase themselves. It is likely that Kusal Perera will partner T M Dilshan upfront.
Pakistan’s batting led by captain Hafeez, Umar Akmal and big booming Shahid Afridi will be packed with big hitting players especially newcomer Sohaib Maqsood who has displayed some unbelievable hitting.
T20 squads
Sri Lanka
Dinesh Chandimal (captain), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Nuwan Kulasekara, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga, Angelo Mathews, Ajantha Mendis, Kusal Perera, Thisara Perera, Seekkuge Prasanna, Ramith Rambukwella, Kumar Sangakkara, Sachithra Senanayake, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kithuruwan Vithanage
Pakistan
Mohammad Hafeez (captain), Ahmed Shehzad, Anwar Ali, Bilawal Bhatti, Haris Sohail, Junaid Khan, Saeed Ajmal, Shahid Afridi , Sharjeel Khan, Sohaib Maqsood , Sohail Tanvir, Umar Akmal, Umar Amin, Zulfiqar Babar.
11th December (wed) 9.30pm (SL time) 1st T20 – Dubai International Cricket Stadium
13th December (Fri) 9.30pm(SL time) 2nd T20 – Dubai International Cricket Stadium
The T20 series will be followed by 5 ODIs and 3 tests.
