Sri Lanka v/s Pakistan : 1st T20 International : Match Preview

The Sri Lanka and Pakistan tour in UAE will commence on 11th December with the first T20 international at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. The Asian heavyweights will battle it out in 2 T20 internationals, 5 ODI’s and 3 Test Matches in a month long tour.

Pakistan on Tuesday announced their squad for the 2 T20’s and included the uncapped left-arm pacer Usman Khan in a surprising move. What may have helped his selection is the 5 wicket haul for Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) in the final of the Faysal Bank T20 Cup in December and emerging as the tournament’s leading wicket taker with 11 wickets. He is the fifth seamer in the T20 squad and the third left armer after Sohail Tanvir and Junaid Khan. However, playing with so many seamers is not new for Pakistan who have relied on fresh local talent and suddenly launching them on the world stage, taking everyone by surprise.

This series would be a good test for both the teams as they are both expected to be the frontrunners for the T20 World Cup in 2014 to be held in Bangladesh. If Pakistan win both the games, they will be ranked first in the T20 rankings by replacing Sri Lanka, who are currently ranked first. The return of Saeed Ajmal to full fitness will definitely boost Pakistan’s morale, who scripted a win against Afghanistan in a nail biting last ball thriller on Sunday. Sri Lanka, on the other hand would be looking to gain some vital match practice after their recent home games were washed away. Says coach Graham Ford, “I think any tour or series you play, getting the initial upper hand is crucial. Psychologically, it makes a big difference. Especially when you are away from home, if you can draw first blood, you are up and away. I think any tour or series you play, getting the initial upper hand is crucial. Psychologically, it makes a big difference. Especially when you are away from home, if you can draw first blood, you are up and away.”

Pakistan will definitely have the upper hand in the first game starting Wednesday since Sri Lanka are without their batting mainstay Mahela Jayawardena and also lack match practice.