The final of the Asia Cup promises to be a cracker of a contest as defending champions Pakistan take on Sri Lanka – who have won all their matches at the competition so far after whitewashing home side Bangladesh in the same ground in a bilateral series – at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium today.
The defending champions however, have a number of injury concerns. Shahid Afridi, who starred in his sides last two wins against Bangladesh and India, may miss the final due to a hip strain he obtained in making his match winning 25-ball 59 against Bangladesh. Opener Ahmed Shehzad, who scored a hundred against Bangladesh, is also doubtful due to a shoulder injury, while paceman Umar Gul is also not sure to be in the playing eleven.
On the positive side, opening batsmen Sharjeel Khan, who missed the last two matches, has been declared fit to play.
After losing their first match against Sri Lanka, Pakistan has been strong and won their next three matches – including a sensational last over triumph over the host nation as Misbah-ul –Haq’s men chased down a mammoth 327.
Pakistan’s strength is in its batting. Mohammad Hafeez has been solid at the top while his partner Ahmed Shehzad set up the win against Bangladesh with a sensible century and in the middle order, Pakistan have ever reliable skipper Misbah, as well as youngster Fawad Alam and possibly the lethal Afridi.
With an 18-ball 34 against India and a 25-ball 59 against Bangladesh, the 34-year old Afridi has proved to be a game turner, after suffering a poor run with the bat. Nonetheless, Afridi’s flat leg-spin has been economical in the competition – and before – and team management will no doubt hope the veteran can take the field for the final as Pakistan look to lift their third Asia Cup.
On the bowling side, the defending champions have the experienced Saeed Ajmal and possibly Afridi, while the pace unit is led by long serving Umar Gul and youngster Mohammad Talha, who has been impressive in the tourney.
Sri Lanka meanwhile, have won all four of their matches so far as well as defeating Bangladesh 3-0 in a bilateral series just before. They also won beat the Tigers 2-0 in the T20 series and 1-0 in the Tests.
Angelo Matthews’ men won their opening match against Pakistan by 12 runs, before topping India, Afghanistan and Bangladesh and it has been an all-round performance by islanders, with no single individual being responsible for the impressive run of wins.
Lahiru Thiramanne smashed a hundred in the first match against Pakistan, Kumar Sangakkara put his hands up with a brilliant match winning century against India and Matthews himself guided the team home against Bangladesh with a responsible 74 not out. If Sri Lanka have a concern, it is the relatively poor showing of Mahela Jayawardene, who has yet to deliver the goods in the tournament.
As far as bowling goes, Lasith Malinga, who took five wickets against Pakistan in the first match, is in good form while the spin department has also looked good with mystery bowler Ajantha Mendis and off spinner Sachithra Senanayake leading the way as Sri Lanka look for their fifth Asia Cup.
Source: UNBConnect
