While Sri Lanka have been brilliant as hosts, their cricket hasn’t been of that top level. They are already out of the T20 World Cup, and play their last match against Pakistan, in Super 8 stage, in Kandy on Saturday. And the Dasun Shanaka-led side has just one last chance to bow out with some pride.
Pakistan has also been patchy with their form; and are still in contention for a semis berth, which the hosts would like to potentially disrupt. For that, a careful selection of playing XI is still needed. Insidesport takes a look at the predicted Sri Lanka playing XI for the match.
Top-order remains same
Top-order warrants no change. Pathum Nissanka is by far their best batter, and need to get a big score upfront, be it while batting first or while chasing. Kusal Mendis also averages 40 in this year’s tournament, so all looks well there. Kusal Perera has failed to fire though.
Charith Asalanka not needed
In the last match vs New Zealand, SL went ahead with Asalanka, who could only score 5 runs. Instead Pavan Rathnayake should come in again, who already has 197 runs in the tournament. If he gets some runs, Shanaka can pair with him well and get some quick runs as well.
Later in the order, Kamindu Mendis comes in as a hitter, who has maintained a strike-rate of 175 in the tournament.
Need to add Dushan Hemantha
A lot of SL’s chances rest on how their spinners perform. Wellalage has been good, with an economy rate of only 6.58. Theekshana has 11 wickets to his name and needs another strong performance. But the side does need to get rid of Madshanka and maybe get in leg-spinner Hemantha. He has been slightly expensive, but can get his team some wickets.
Predicted Sri Lanka playing XI vs Pakistan
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Pavan Rathnayke, Dasun Shanaka, Janith Liyange, Kamindu Mendis, Dunith Wellalage, Mahessh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Pramod Madushan.
