T20I Tri-series, Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: Match preview and stats
What's the story
The third match of the T20I tri-series will be played at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on November 22. Pakistan are set to take on Sri Lanka. Pakistan will look to continue their winning momentum after beating Zimbabwe in their first game. On the other hand, Sri Lanka are under pressure after suffering a heavy defeat against Zimbabwe on Thursday and will be looking for redemption in this match.
Details
PAK vs SL: Head-to-head, pitch report and timing
The two teams have met each other 24 times in T20Is. The Men in Green have won 10 matches compared to Sri Lanka's 10. In terms of the pitch report, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is known for its batting-friendly conditions, with true bounce and good pace favoring stroke-making. However, dew during evening matches can reduce grip for spinners. The match will start at 6:30pm IST.
PAK
Pakistan have played well of late
Since losing in the final of the Asia Cup T20s, Pakistan have played well. Just before this Tri-series, the Pakistan cricket team defeated Sri Lanka 3-0 in the ODI series at home. Before that, they edged past South Africa 2-1 in a three-match ODI series at home. Pakistan also overcame South Africa 2-1 in a three-match T20I series. They also drew 1-1 in a two-match Test series involving the Proteas.
SL
Worry for Sri Lanka as they need to step up
The manner in which Sri Lanka were defeated by Zimbabwe tells one the story of their recent struggles. They lost 3-0 to Pakistan in the ODI series and exited the Asia Cup at the Super 4 stage. Their last series win came before the Asia Cup. They beat Zimbabwe 2-1 in Harare. Sri Lanka will need to step up and produce substance against Pakistan. They need an all-round improvement to stand a chance.
Squads
Here are the squads
Pakistan Squad: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha (c), Fakhar Zaman, Usman Khan (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Usman Tariq, Abdul Samad. Sri Lanka Squad: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Nuwan Thushara, Janith Liyanage, Kamil Mishara, Vijayakanth Viyaskanth, Pavan Rathnayake, Dushan Hemantha.
Stats
Player focus: A look at the stats
Babar Azam, who posted a duck versus Zimbabwe in the tournament opener, is one shy of posting the joint-most ducks for Pakistan in T20Is (10). Saim Ayub owns 983 runs in T20Is. He is 17 shy of the 1,000-run mark. For the Lankans, Kusal Mendis owns 2,204 runs 91 T20Is at 25.33. He has hit 17 fifties. Among bowlers, spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has played 86 T20Is, picking 142 scalps at 15.54.
Poll
