Pakistan have just completed a 1-0 victory in the Test series against Sri Lanka. Although Pakistan won the series and overall it was a good win, yet there was a lot of room for improvement. The greenshirts could have won all the three Tests with some more application; they won in Dubai in the second Test which gave them the series but the Tests in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah were close affairs which eventually ended in draws.
Sri Lankans were not up to the mark during the Test series especially their bowling lacked bite. As far as Pakistan are concerned they are settling down well under their new captain Misbah-ul-Haq. The year so far has been really good for them and the recent Test series against Sri Lanka was a good indicator of this.
Now with the Test series over both teams are looking to renew the battle with five match ODI series which will begin with the first game in Dubai today. Now this is a format both team excel in. Sri Lankans are currently second in the ICC ODI rankings while Pakistan are sixth. The year so far has been fruitful for both teams in ODIs. While Sri Lanka were the runners-up during this year’s World Cup, Pakistan were the losing semi-finalists and they also beat Sri Lanka in their group game. Pakistan have a very good win percentage of 73.91 this year (having won 17 off the 24, losing only six). And the good thing is that the team is gelling well as a unit.
For this ODI series both teams will go to the series with optimism. Pakistan has been bolstered by the return of star all rounder Shahid Afridi who is making a comeback after settling his issues with the Pakistan Cricket Board. Afridi’s inclusion will give balance to the side. Apart from Afridi, another player who is making comeback of sorts is Shoaib Malik. Although he was in the Test squad and also went to Zimbabwe tour before this series but the upcoming ODI series will be a true test for Malik’s form and fitness as he has been out of the game for almost a year.
Overall the batting will revolve around Misbah-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Mohammad Hafeez and Umar Akmal. Much is expected of Umar Akmal as he was not in the Test series and has found good form in domestic cricket. He can be explosive with the bat but will require some prudence in his shot selection.
It’s time he shows maturity and plays to the team’s requirement rather than going for his own personal bravado.
Pakistan bowling is in good hands. Umar Gul and Junaid Khan are doing appreciably well with the new ball having taken 14 and 12 wickets respectively in the Test series. They have a top notch spinner in Saeed Ajmal and the return of Shahid Afridi will add more oomph to the bowling line. Sohail Tanvir, Aizaz Cheema and Abdul Razzaq can also be called in if the need be. All in all, Pakistan have a very balanced unit at their disposal for this series and there is no reason why they can’t win the series. Sri Lankans will be eager to make a strong comeback after losing the Test series. In batting they have three power houses in Kumara Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Tillekaratne Dilshan all of whom can be devastating with the bat on their day.
In bowling the Sri Lankans have got back their much needed fire with the return of Lasith Malinga. He will be the one bowler Pakistan will have to play with utmost caution. All in readiness, it is expected to be a really good and close series with both teams very closely matched. Pakistan will start of as slight favourites given their good record this year and a more balanced unit. However Sri Lankans are a top notch side and will be itching to avenge the Test series loss. This will give the fans a good and exciting series to watch.
