In a virtual Asia Cup 2023 semi-final Pakistan take on Sri Lanka as Babar Azam won the toss and elected to bat first in the Super Fours showdown at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Thursday, September 14.
Amid rain threat, which also led to delay in the match, it will be a 45-over-a-side contest and the winner will set up a final date with India on September 17.
Pakistan, who announced the their Playing XI a day earlier made last minute changes right before the toss. Babar confirmed that Fakhar Zaman will feature in Pakistan's XI citing Saud Shakeel has fever. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka also made couple of changes in the crunch game as Pramodh Madushan came in for Rajitha and Kusal Janith replaced Dimuth Karunaratne.
Right after winning the toss Babar Azam said, “We will bat first. We are trying to put runs on the board and put pressure on them. Second innings, the pitch behaves differently. Fakhar comes back. Saud Shakeel has fever. Abdullah Shafique is playing.”
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka said, “We would have bowled first. There'll be more assistance for spinners. The way we batted, we had our chances but we couldn't capitalise. We've got a couple of changes. Pramodh Madushan comes in for Rajitha and Kusal comes in for Dimuth Karunaratne.”
In the absence of Shah and Rauf, Pakistan will bank on young pacers to come good against Dasun Shanaka-led side. "Obviously, it is a big blow (absence of Naseem). It is unfortunate that he picked some little niggles. But what a fantastic opportunity for the guys you know coming in. After going down against India, it's a must-win game for us tomorrow. I'm quite excited to see new guys stepping in and showing some character," said Pakistan bowling coach Morne Morkel during the pre-match press conference.
Pitch Report
Dominic Cork: This was the pitch that was used Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh. I'd look to bowl first here. Bowl first, try and make inroads, try and restrict and chase it under lights. Under lights, batting is going to be a little bit easier.
Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Head-to-Head
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have faced each other in 155 matches in ODI. Out of these 155 games, Pakistan has won 92 whereas Sri Lanka has come out victorious on 58 occasions. Four matches ended without a result. One match ended in a tie.
Total matches played – 155
Won by Pakistan- 92
Won by Sri Lanka- 58
Pakistan (Playing XI): Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan(w), Mohammad Haris, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Zaman Khan.
Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka(c), Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Pramod Madushan, Matheesha Pathirana.
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