Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey
Pakistan v Sri Lanka 2nd ODI Preview Dream11 & MyTeam11 Prediction. PAK vs SL 2nd ODI Preview Dream11 & MyTeam11 Prediction
The neutral could look at this series and wonder what all the fuss might be about. After all, another ODI series awaits, and until the ODI League starts next year, there will be numerous questions as to the context of matches.
However, this remains different, despite the weather playing spoilsport in international cricket’s return to Karachi. It is more than just an ODI series. More than Pakistan’s quest to build on their excellent finish to the World Cup. More than just cricket.
It is about hope. Another opportunity to show the world that cricket can return permanently in Pakistan. It has been a barren 10 years for their passionate fans, starved of international cricket after that incident in 2009. Sri Lanka will be without several of their top players, but that will do little to ruin the atmosphere in Karachi. If all goes well and the series is played without incident, Pakistan can then hope to build on just the 12 international matches played in the country since 2009.
It is indeed a huge series for the people of Pakistan, in Misbah-ul-Haq’s first series as selector/coach. The weather, this time, looks to be clear.
Key to a Pakistan win
The absence of young gun Shaheen Shah Afridi is a bit of a downer. His bout of dengue means we have to wait to see one of the World Cup’s star bowlers in action again, along with Hasan Ali’s (who is out with back spasms) quest for redemption.
Despite this, Pakistan still possess a capable attack, headlined by Mohammad Amir, who like Shaheen, lit up the World Cup during the group stage. An opportunity could also await the teenage fast bowling sensation Mohammad Hasnain, who, along with Wahab Riaz, can provide a threat to the weakened Sri Lankan batting at all stages of the innings. With the spin duo Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim able to both attack and contain, early wickets might be very difficult for Sri Lanka to recover from.
Also, Pakistan fans will get more of a glimpse of the brilliant Babar Azam in the flesh. Boasting an average of over 53 in 72 ODIs, Babar further enhanced his reputation with a fine World Cup campaign. With Sri Lanka missing key bowling personnel, Pakistan’s top three can form a great platform that their hard-hitting middle order can build on. Can Fakhar Zaman repay the faith after a poor World Cup campaign?
Key to a Sri Lanka win
After so much rain washed out the first match, this would certainly ruin the mood further in Karachi. Sri Lanka, missing so much experience, need to hold their own with the ball in what is expected to be good batting conditions. The likes of Isuru Udana, Lahiru Kamara and Nuwan Pradeep will have a key role to play this series against Pakistan’s top order. Indeed, if Sri Lanka are to keep Pakistan quiet, it begins with getting the better of their top three, including the prize wicket of Babar Azam.
Also, the Sri Lankan batsmen have an opportunity to make a mark on what looks an excellent batting surface in Karachi. The absence of key players such as Kusal Perera, Angelo Mathews and Dimuth Karunaratne leaves a big hole. However, young players have a chance to impress, letting the selectors know that they should be in the plans for future ODI assignments. Can the likes of skipper Lahiru Thirimanne, Danushka Gunathilaka and Avishka Fernando ensure a strong start that the middle order can build on?
Pitch and Conditions
It is very hot in Karachi at this time of year. The weather is forecast to be about 35 degrees, with some cloud cover expected throughout the day. The forecast looks much more promising for the second match, delayed by one day to give the groundstaff two full days to prepare the ground.
Possible Playing 11
Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali are out of this series with dengue and back spasms respectively. Mohammad Hafeez was not picked, so it could present an opportunity for Asif Ali in the middle order.
Pakistan: 1. Imam-ul-Haq, 2. Fakhar Zaman, 3. Babar Azam, 4. Haris Sohail, 5. Asif Ali, 6, Sarfaraz Ahmed (c & wk), 7. Imad Wasim, 8. Shadab Khan, 9. Mohammad Amir, 10. Wahab Riaz, 11. Mohammad Hasnain
Key Sri Lankan players opted not to travel to Pakistan for this tour. So, it will be quite a new-look Sri Lankan team.
Sri Lanka: 1. Lahiru Thirimanne (c), 2. Danushka Gunathilaka, 3. Avishka Fernando, 4. Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), 5. Shehan Jayasuriya, 6. Dasun Shanaka, 7. Angelo Perera, 8. Wanindu Hasaranga, 9. Isuru Udana, 10. Nuwan Pradeep, 11. Lahiru Kamara/Lakshan Sandakan
Stats and Facts
- This will be just the 13th international match in Pakistan since March 2009.
- Pakistan have won their last four ODIs, which were in the World Cup.
- Sri Lanka, after losing their first eight ODIs of 2019, have won seven of their last 11 matches.
- Babar Azam averages 58.33 in seven ODIs vs Sri Lanka. Imam-ul-Haq made his debut against Sri Lanka in 2017 and scored a century.
- The nine Sri Lankan players who opted out of this ODI series represent 862 matches of experience for Sri Lanka.
Fantasy Cricket Prediction
Also read: MyTeam11 vs Dream11: Which platform is better for you?
MyTeam11 (regular) Prediction: Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Imam-ul-Haq (vc), Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Asif Ali, Avishka Fernando, Imad Wasim, Dasun Shanaka, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hasnain, Isuru Udana
Dream11 Prediction
Option 1 (if Pakistan bat first):
Option 2 (if Sri Lanka bat first):
Match Prediction
Hopefully a big crowd awaits in Karachi for the return of ODI Cricket in Pakistan, after the disappointment of a washed-out series opener. With Sri Lanka missing a number of key players and Pakistan near full strength, expect Pakistan to win well.
Thanks for reading!
