After a comprehensive win in the first match, Pakistan will be looking to extend their dominance against Sri Lanka when the two sides clash in Pallekele on Saturday. The hosts on the other hand have plenty to do to surge back into contention.
The rain-affected first ODI went to Pakistan by six wickets as their bowlers capitalized on the favorable seam conditions, with both Umar Gul and Mohammad Sami picking up three wickets each. In addition, Mohammad Hafeez bowled brilliantly and the team overall boasts of a strong bowling attack with Shahid Afridi and Saeed Ajmal at their disposal.
Misbah ul Haq, the captain, will however be worried by the 31 extras they conceded including 23 wides. The batsmen, while not severely tested, will know their areas of improvement as well. Younis Khan will play under mounting pressure after another failure that stretched his run to 16 matches including only two half-centuries.
It was an embarrassing day at work for Sri Lanka who just could not get going despite desperate attempts. Unfortunately for them, it is the third time in a row that they have capitulated while batting, a trouble that hasn’t gone away since the end of the World Cup last year.
Only Lahiru Thirimanne was able to offer some resistance in his innings of 42 while the experienced batsmen such as Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara were undone by beautiful bowling. Tillakaratne Dilshan will need to put a high price tag to his wicket after being guilty of recklessly throwing his wicket away.
The bowlers did try to make a fight out of the match but were unable to do so due to the small total on board. The team overall will be looking to life their game in order to give themselves a chance of avenging their series loss to Pakistan in UAE last year.
The match will be played in Pallekele where Pakistan now have two wins from three matches, their only defeat being in the World Cup match against New Zealand.