JOIN USIn the last few months, both Sri Lanka and Pakistan have got little chance to play international cricket. Lankan cricketers had to go through the horrific experience of a terror attack in Lahore a few months back, and the episode had also blocked Pakistan’s chance to play cricket at regular intervals.
The International Cricket Council has even taken back the right to hold World Cup 2011 matches from Pakistan. In this scenario, both the teams will be thinking of nothing less than a win in the match to facilitate their entry into the semifinals.
Even without all the backstage reasons, the match between Lanka and Pakistan could produce some thrilling moments. But on current form, the Islanders are hot favourite as they had dumped world champions Australia and carted the West Indies around the park with ease.
Their main batsmen – Sanath Jayasuriya, Tillkaratne Dilshan, who scored two fifties in as many games in the group stages and skipper Kumar Sangakkara – are in fine fettle while spin duo Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis too are in good touch.
On the other hand, Pakistan had lost to England in their first group match, but came back well to thump Netherlands to book a ticket for the Super Eights. It showed their resolve to regain their lost prestige in the international cricketing community.
So, this will be a contest between Sri Lankan flair and Pakistan’s ability to explode without warning. Keep an eye!