Sri Lanka’s cricket team faces significant challenges as they prepare for the 3rd T20I against Pakistan, amid adverse weather conditions and concerns over their batting lineup. With a troublesome north-east monsoon affecting their performance, the team’s recent matches have been hampered by rain, including the last game that was unfortunately washed out.
Sri Lanka’s Batting Struggles
As Sri Lanka gears up for another T20 World Cup, they find themselves grappling with instability in their team structure. The captaincy has seen changes, but consistent results remain elusive. The batting order is frequently altered, and the top order has failed to deliver reliable runs.
Despite having talented bowlers like Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga, the batting frailty is a poignant issue. Improvements are necessary for the team if they are to reclaim their competitive edge.
Pakistan’s Confident Streak
In contrast, Pakistan has demonstrated strong form, especially evident from their resounding victory in the first T20I. Head coach Mike Hesson praised the team’s performance as “very clinical,” highlighting their effective bowling that restricted Sri Lanka to 128 runs and a successful batting display during the chase. This performance is commendable, especially without key players like Babar Azam, who are currently participating in the Big Bash League.
Player Spotlight: Sahibzada Farhan and Kamil Mishara
- Sahibzada Farhan: The Pakistani opener emerged as a key player, finishing the recent T20I tri-series in Pakistan with a total of 191 runs at a striking rate of 146.92. He started strongly in Sri Lanka, scoring 51 runs off 36 balls, effectively targeting Nuwan Thushara.
- Kamil Mishara: Sri Lanka’s promising player had a stellar run in the tri-series, scoring 169 runs at a strike rate of 138.52. Although he had a disappointing outing in the previous match with a three-ball duck, his potential remains notable.
Team Selections and Projections
As they look ahead to the match, Sri Lanka might contemplate bringing in Matheesha Pathirana, shifting the bowling responsibilities onto captain Dasun Shanaka. The possible team lineup is as follows:
| Sri Lanka (Probable XI) |
|---|
| 1. Pathum Nissanka |
| 2. Kamil Mishara |
| 3. Kusal Mendis (wk) |
| 4. Dhananjaya de Silva |
| 5. Charith Asalanka |
| 6. Dasun Shanaka (capt) |
| 7. Janith Liyanage |
| 8. Wanindu Hasaranga |
| 9. Dushmantha Chameera |
| 10. Maheesh Theekshana |
| 11. Matheesha Pathirana/Nuwan Thushara |
Pakistan, expected to maintain consistency, may not alter their winning lineup much. The looming weather concerns could play a significant role, emphasizing the unpredictability of conditions as the teams compete.
