Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 2nd ODI, Karachi: Preview, predictions, likely XIs

Heavy unseasonal rain in Karachi forced the first ODI between Pakistan and Sri Lanka to be abandoned without a ball bowled, and such has been the relentless nature of the elements that the second ODI has had to be postponed. Rather than Sunday, September 29, the second match will be played on Monday. It seems the groundstaff will need the extra time – two full days – to get the ground back in working condition.

The disruption won’t help either side. The first match was supposed to be the first men’s ODI in Karachi in a decade. The washed out ODI was also, remarkably, the first ODI ever to be abandoned in Karachi due to the weather. It’s unfamiliar territory now.

That said, the players will simply have to recalibrate their plans, and mentally tune themselves to play on Monday. Nothing changes, apart from the fact that it is now virtually a two-match series. A victory will give the winning side an unassailable lead, and that will be the motivation.

Pakistan are clearly the favourites, having named their strongest possible squad, but Sri Lanka, with their host of youngsters – as many as ten senior players refused to take part in the tour – can still land a surprise blow. The second match should be a cracker, weather permitting of course.

Head to head

There have been 153 ODIs between these sides, dating back to 1975. Pakistan have been superior, with 90 victories to Sri Lanka’s 58. However, in Pakistan, the record looks less impressive for the home side – in 28 matches, Pakistan have lost 12 times to Sri Lanka. In fact, the last time these two sides played in Karachi, in January 2009, Pakistan lost by 129 runs.

Key players

Babar Azam (Pakistan): The rains would have changed nothing. Pakistan’s millions will turn in through the turnstiles to watch their batting mainstay, and the pressure will be on him to deliver. He can prove a threat to the best attacks in the world, let alone one as depleted as Sri Lanka’s, and there could be some fireworks.

Avishka Fernando (Sri Lanka): In a tour without many seniors on this tour, their brightest young star holds the key. Fernando displayed his qualities to the world during the World Cup, scoring a century against West Indies. This is expected to be a tough tour for Sri Lanka, but if Fernando fires, it doesn’t need to be.

Likely XIs

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman,Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Haris Sohail, Imad Wasim, Sarfaraz Ahmed (c/wk), Wahab Riaz, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Khan Shinwari

Sri Lanka: Lahiru Thirimanne (c), Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Avishka Fernando, Minod Bhanuka, Dasun Shanaka, Shehan Jayasuriya, Danushka Gunathilaka, Isuru Udana, Kasun Rajitha, Nuwan Pradeep, Lakshan Sandakan

Prediction

Pakistan to make the most of home advantage and win.