Pakistan-Team. (Photo Source: Twitter)
Match 5 of the Super Four stage of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 will feature a clash between Sri Lanka and Pakistan at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo, on Thursday, September 14. Both sides will be coming into the game on the back of a loss against India and will be keen on an improvement.
Notably, both Sri Lanka and Pakistan will have all to play for in the upcoming game as the clash is a virtual semi-final. The winner of the game will make it to the summit clash of the Asia Cup 2023. However, in any case, if rain plays spoilsport and the match is washed out, then Sri Lanka will be progressing to the final on account of the net run rate (NRR).
Pakistan took on India in their last game and came away with a hefty 228-run loss. Low on confidence, the Babar Azam-led side will look to put the loss in the past and show up with confidence against Sri Lanka, who have looked dangerous throughout the tournament.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka, who put up a valiant effort against India, failed to finish the job. Losing by 41 runs, the side will be keen on improving and clinching the win against Pakistan.
Pitch and conditions:
The surface at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium has been one that is preferred by the batters. However, patience is key on such a pitch, as the batters will look to get themselves in the middle before playing strokes as per the merit. A big total could be possible. Therefore, opting to bat first could prove to be an optimal decision.
Probable Playing XI for SL vs PAK:
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka will look to go into the game with minimal changes to their lineup. A squad that has been working for them will be fielded against Pakistan as well. A late setback against India in their last Super Four game in Asia Cup 2023, should not force the Lankan Lions to make unnecessary changes in the lineup.
Probable Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana
Pakistan
Pakistan will look to go into the clash with minimal to no changes as well. The side will hope for a better showing by the top order and not a repeat of their performance against India.
Probable Playing XI: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Zaman Khan
SL vs. PAK head-to-head:
Played: 155, Sri Lanka: 58, Pakistan: 92, Tied: 1, No Result: 4
SL vs. PAK Broadcast and Live Streaming Details:
Match Timings: 3:00 PM IST
Live Broadcast: Star Sports Network
Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar App and Website
Prediction:
Pakistan will beat Sri Lanka