Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Second Test: Fantasy Cricket Winning Tips: Test Cricket saw a mixed return to Pakistan. The match resumed the five-day format in the country. Unfortunately, rain played spoilsport as close to three days were lost. But the limited action produced some excellent batting performances. First, from the visitors, Dhananjaya de Silva continued his good form with another century. A full house on the last day witnessed twin centuries from Abid Ali and Babar Azam. Now, as the series shifts to Karachi, the decider to see more such action. The weather is expected to stay clear for the entire duration of the game. Pakistan would be eager to start their second cricketing cycle with a series win. The visitors had started the year with an away series win in South Africa, would be hoping to finish it off similarly in Pakistan. With few points separating the teams in the World Test Championship, both teams will fight it hard to get those 60 points.
Weather Condition/Report:
The weather forecasts for the game must be a relief for everyone as the rain gods will relent for all the five days. With an average humidity of 35% for the Test, the conditions could be suitable for the game.
Pitch Condition/Report:
The Karachi pitch has been a paradise for batsmen as it has helped them score huge hundreds. Batsmen from both teams would be eager to capitalize on it. The only challenge to them is to negotiate the first hour as the ball swings in the morning.
Average first innings score 370 (Last 5 Tests matches)*
National Stadium last hosted a Test match in 2009.
Record of teams batting first: Won – 3, Lost – 1, Drawn – 1
Injury and Availability:
All players are fit and available for selection.
Probable Playing XIs:
Pakistan:
Shan Masood, Abid Ali, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Haris Sohail, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Usman Shinwari, Mohammad Abbas.
Bench – Imam-ul-Haq, Fawad Alam, Imran Khan, Yasir Shah, Kashif Bhatti, .
Sri Lanka:
Dimuth Karunaratne, Oshada Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya De Silva, Niroshan Dickwella, Dilruwan Perera, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha.
Bench – Kusal Perera, Lahiru Thirimanne, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Embuldeniya, Lakshan Sandakan.
Top Picks For Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Fantasy Cricket:
Babar Azam continues his golden run as he stroked a century off 118 balls. Abid Ali scored a hundred on Test debut. He became the first-ever man to score hundreds on Test and ODI debut. These two will again be hopefuls for Pakistan. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will depend on their Dimuth Karunaratne and in-form all-rounder Dhananjaya De Silva to deliver the goods. On the bowling front, Shaheen Afridi and Vishwa Fernando will be the key to their respective sides.
Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:
Captain – Babar Azam, Abid Ali, Dimuth Karunaratne, Dhananjaya De Silva
Vice-Captain – Azhar Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Angelo Mathews, Dilruwan Perera
Suggested Playing XI No.1 for Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Niroshan Dickwella
Batters – Babar Azam, Kusal Mendis, Dimuth Karunaratne, Shan Masood, Abid Ali (VC)
All-Rounders – Dhananjaya De Silva (C), Azhar Ali
Bowlers – Mohammad Abbas, Lahiru Kumara, Shaheen Afridi
Suggested Playing XI No.2 for Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Fantasy Cricket:
Keeper – Mohammad Rizwan
Batters – Babar Azam(C), Angelo Mathews, Dimuth Karunaratne(VC), Abid Ali
All-Rounders – Dhananjaya De Silva, Dilruwan Perera, Azhar Ali
Bowlers – Naseem Shah, Shaheen Afridi, Kasun Rajitha
Expert Advice for Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Fantasy Cricket:
Picking a side with more batsmen is a no-brainer for Tests. With Karachi likely to possess batsman-friendly conditions, the warriors with the willow should be the first choice picks. An early morning start will help the fast bowlers to call the shots in the first hour. Remember the Irfan Pathan hat-trick in 2006. So, swing bowlers should be preferred ahead of spinners although the pitch might aid the spinners as the match goes on.
Probable Winners:
Pakistan bowlers had a very good first day while the batsmen enjoyed it on the last day. Pakistan with its depth in fast bowling gives them an edge to win the series.
Match Details:
The Second Test match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played at National Stadium in Karachi. The match starts at 09.45 AM local time (04.45 AM GMT)
Date: 19th to 23rd December 2019.
