Pakistan will kick off their month long tour of Sri Lanka with two T20 encounters. Both the matches are of importance to both the teams, firstly because the both sides will be looking to gain early momentum before the ODI and Test matches leg of the series take place. Secondly, and more crucial is the fact that the T20 World Cup is just a few months away; thus both teams will be looking to make a statement before the tournament commences. Along with testing their T20 squads and giving them early preparation against top-quality sides, in the same conditions as the major event.
Mohammad Hafeez has been appointed the new skipper of Pakistan's T20 team, replacing Misbah-ul-Haq, and he will be looking to prove himself worthy of this responsibility. Always ready to share his ideas with captains on the field, discussing the match situations with them, it’s about time Hafeez does things on his own. He will require the support of senior players such as Shahid Afridi, who was also in contention to acquire leadership. This is the perfect opportunity for Mohammad Hafeez to show-case his captaincy skills and confirm himself as the team leader for the upcoming World Cup.
Pakistan have announced a new look squad for this leg of the tour, which are clear signs that Pakistan are looking forward to build a young team to represent the nation in the future events. Shakeel Ansar has been chosen Pakistan's wicket keeper for this format, although a veteran of 33 years, Shakeel scored his maiden century in the recently concluded T20 Cup, which was enough to catch the eye of selectors and the coaches. Haris Sohail is the other new face in the squad. He has played only 6 T20 matches in the first class circuit but with an average of 109, which includes his 173 runs in 4 matches in the T20 Cup without being dismissed. Sohail looks a pretty exciting prospect, and one who has International calibre. Raza Hassan, the left arm spinner has also been included in the squad, 12 scalps in the domestic T20 tournament, has been on verge of selection for a long time now. What’s interesting is, all these three players are from the domestic T20 champion’s team, the Sialkot Stallions.
The other players who made a comeback to the T20 squad are Sohail Tanvir, Yasir Arafat, Khalid Latif, Ahmed Shehzad and Mohammad Sami, the last two on their solid performances in the Bangladesh Premier League. Khalid Latif, was the highest run-scorer in the domestic T20 tournament, so it was inevitable that he’d be selected.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have played 7 T20 matches between them, with Pakistan raising the upper hand by winning 5 out of 7 encounters. Pakistan' total of 189/6 during the 2007 World Cup is the highest total from both the sides. Shoaib Malik has the most runs with a total of 186 and average of 46.50 although Sangakarra's 64* during the World T20 Final in 2009 is the highest individual score. Best bowling figures overall between the two sides is Umar Gul with the performance of 3/14 in his 3 overs, during the four nation series 2008. He also is the leading wicket taker among both the sides with 12 wickets.
Watch out for:
Pakistan:
1. Mohammad Hafeez: Usually gets starts, fails to capitalize and convert them into substantial scores. As skipper, now he’d be looking to bat with more responsibility, and lead from the front. Also, prove his critics wrong that taking on leadership will have an adverse effect on his batting. His bowling has been brilliant for the team so far, and should keep up the good job. Hafeez has always been regarded as a player with a good “cricket-brain” and had leadership qualities, and now’s his chance to hopefully, prove his nation right.
2. Shahid Afridi: Mr Boom Boooom himself! The player whose presence at the crease makes the bowlers tremble with fear, who’s dominating presence in the side is enough to daunt all oppositions. He endured a quiet series against England, but most of us would vividly remember the problems he caused for the Lankans during their last tour in UAE. Pakistan would be hoping for a repeat of those performances.
3. Mohammad Sami: Yes, he has been re-called to the National side, once again. Due to some decent performances in Domestic cricket, he has now been rewarded with another chance to showcase his skills at the highest level. It’s up to him now, to prove to his Nation that his capable of being successful there, rather than remaining another name in the list of Pakistani “Domestic-Dons”. He’s bowling pretty fast as ever, and whoever has been catching him in action lately would know he’s an experienced candidate for T20’s. A useful death bowler, he adds some depth to the batting line-up as well. He could well be the solution for being Umar Gul’s new ball-partner in the T20 World Cup.
4. Shoaib Malik: Undoubtedly a crucial series for him, easy to admit that the selectors have been rather kind in giving him another chance after some dismal performances throughout 2010-11. Would have been a brave decision to leave him out though, after he led Sialkot Stallions to another win the T20 tournament. He played a significant role in the victory by performing in all three aspects of the game. He is a quality player, no doubt, but this could be his last chance to seal a spot for the T20 World Cup coming up, as well as to relieve a burden from himself.
5. Ahmed Shehzad: Re-called to the National side after some impressive performances in the Domestic T20 tournament, also due to Awias Zia’s failure at the top against England. He has immense potential, an aggressive batsman with reasonable temperament. Pakistan will be looking forward to some explosive starts from him, and here’s his chance to cement his place in the side for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Electric in the field, fingers crossed he keeps his attitude in check though.
Sri Lanka:
1. Dinesh Chandimal: He was in poor form against Pakistan in their last series in UAE. Since then, has re-gained his touch and confidence. The tour down under resulted in him looking a more mature, and improved batsman. Has the ability to hit the long-ball, Sri Lanka will be hoping he fires, and makes a significant contribution for their cause throughout the series.
2. Tilikeratne Dilshan: Hold the reputation of a naturally aggressive and an dangerous batsman. Might be slightly over-rated, yet poses a threat to bowlers in all conditions. One he gets going, the opposition is in troubled waters, and not to forget his athletic fielding. Pakistan should look to earn his scalp early on, or else….well, let’s not go there.
3. Lasith Malinga. Good ol’ Slinga! Ranked 8th in the official ICC t20 bowlers rankings, he undoubtedly poses a deadly threat to Pakistan. He’s a shoe-in in the list of the current best limited overs bowlers. With his lethal Yorkers, slower deliveries, aggressive bouncers, and of course, his destructive pace. Pakistan will need an effective plan for him, or just look to see him through.
Summing it all up, this series is a good opportunity for Pakistan to check their bench strength and their emerging talent. A test for all the players making a comeback to the team, and for some, this is perhaps their last chance to impress the selectors, and the Nation itself. This upcoming series is also a test for Dav Whatmore, who has coached the Sri Lankan team previously, so his insight from his past experience will hopefully prove as an advantage for the team. There are high expectations from him to assist Pakistan in succeeding the upcoming challenge. This is a wonderful chance for Pakistan to play in the country that will stage a major event later in the year. But yes, like always, whatever the result, we will, forever and always, bleed Green.
GeoSuper