SL vs PAK Pitch Report: There is going to be a do or die match for Pakistan in the Super-8 round of T20 World Cup on Saturday. Pakistan will face Sri Lanka on the ground of Pallekele. The result of this match will decide whether Pakistan will remain in the race for the semi-finals or will be out of the tournament.
Till now Pakistan’s performance has not been as per expectations. The team is at third place in its group and the net run rate is also negative. On the other hand, England has already confirmed its place in the semi-finals. In such a situation, Pakistan faces the challenge of achieving not just victory but a big victory.
What needs to be done to reach the semi-finals?
Mathematics is a bit difficult for Pakistan. The team will have to win against Sri Lanka by at least 61 runs to make it to the semi-finals. If Pakistan bowls first then it will have to achieve the target in just 13.1 overs. Whereas New Zealand is in a stronger position than before with better net run rate.
Talking about Sri Lanka, the team has already lost both its initial matches and is out of the race for the semi-finals. However, playing in home conditions, the team will take the field with the intention of a respectable farewell.
How will the Pallekele pitch be?
The pitch of Pallekele International Cricket Stadium is generally considered a paradise for spin bowlers. The surface here is slow, which gives turn and grip to the spinners. Fast bowlers may also see light swing in the initial overs.
Batsmen may face difficulty in the beginning on this pitch. However, if a player gets set at the crease then he can play a big innings. In a match held on this very ground, Harry Brook batted brilliantly and scored a century. In such a situation, it is clear that in this match the batsmen will have to play with patience, while the spin bowlers can change the course of the match.
Squads of both teams
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (captain), Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Kamil Mishara, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera (wicketkeeper), Pawan Ratnayake, Charith Asalanka, Dushan Hemantha, Zenith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka, Pramod Madushan, Mahish Theekshana, Dunith Vellaage.
Pakistan: Salman Ali Aga (captain), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafe (wicket keeper), Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan (wicket keeper), Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Sam Ayub, Shadab Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Tariq.
