Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 2nd T20I, Lahore: Preview, predictions, likely XIs

The Sri Lankan side was dubbed as a second-string outfit when they left their shores for Pakistan. However, after losing the ODIs 0-2, they stunned top-ranked Pakistan in the first T20I, at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. Chasing 166, Pakistan were bowled out for 101.

Things did not seem too bad for Pakistan despite the early charge from Danushka Gunathilaka. They pulled things back, conceding just 45 in the last 33 balls of the innings as Mohammad Hasnain picked up crucial wickets.

The target should not have bothered Pakistan too much, but Babar Azam fell after two delightful shots, and the two recalled men – Ahmed Shehzad and Umar Akmal – lasted a mere 10 balls between them. Sarfaraz Ahmed and Iftikhar Ahmed attempted a resurrection, but they took up too many deliveries. The rest caved in while trying to attempt a near-impossible chase.

Misbah-ul-Haq, Pakistan’s newly appointed head coach and chief selector, took some flak for recalling Shehzad and Akmal. However, he will probably persist with them. In Hasnain, Mohammad Amir, Shadab Khan, and Imad Wasim they already have a potent bowling attack that did reasonably well in the first match. At this stage there is no reason to panic.

There was little pressure on Sri Lanka when they arrived, but the win has increased the expectation of fans. Nuwan Pradeep triggered the collapse by taking out Babar and Akmal in consecutive deliveries, and none of the others went for over a run a ball.

The middle order probably lacks experience, but this deceptively dangerous bowling outfit has shown that they can defend middling totals. One more time – yet again against expectations – will get them the series.

Head to head

Pakistan have dominated the clashes, having won 13 matches out of 19. In fact, they had won 6 on the trot before losing the first T20I.

Key players

Imad Wasim (Pakistan): Imad, ranked second among T20I bowlers, is one of the few to have an economy (5.86) under 6 in this format. Also a rapid run-getter, he is arguably the MVP of this Pakistan side.

Nuwan Pradeep (Sri Lanka): Pradeep has gone for 10.44 an over in this format, but he can take wickets – and it was wickets that gave Sri Lanka the edge in the first T20I. You cannot contain Pakistan to win the match.

Likely XIs

Pakistan: Babar Azam, Ahmed Shehzad, Umar Akmal, Sarfaraz Ahmed (c & wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Asif Ali, Imad Wasim, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain.

Sri Lanka: Danushka Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Shehan Jayasuriya, Isuru Udana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Minod Bhanuka (wk), Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, Kasun Rajitha.

Prediction

Pakistan to win and level the series.