Pallekele, Feb 28 (UNI) Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to field against Pakistan in the 50th match of the ICC T20 World Cup Super 8 stage, setting up a high-pressure encounter with semifinal implications.
Pakistan, led by Salman Agha, made three changes to their playing XI as they look to keep their knockout hopes alive. Speaking at the toss, Agha termed the contest a “massive opportunity” and stressed the need for an all-round performance.
“We need to bat well, bowl well and field well and everything will be fine. We need to put up a good total and try and restrict them. Sometimes it can be tough and sometimes it can be easy, it’s a mixed feeling knowing what we need to do. We got three changes,” he said.
Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka said the decision to bowl first was influenced by pitch conditions and the possibility of dew later in the evening.
“We gonna bowl first. It is a good pitch and later on there might be dew as well. We got some good players in our lineup and of course, we need to do our basics right. We didn’t do the basics well enough to pull out a win in the last two games. But here, we know we need to make it right in all three departments,” Shanaka said.
He also acknowledged the support of the fans despite recent setbacks. “They still always love us regardless of whether we win or lose, so it’s good motivation,” he added.
Sri Lanka made two changes, with Kamil Mishara replacing the injured Kusal Mendis, while Janith Liyanage came in for Dushan Hemantha.
Pakistan’s playing XI comprises Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Khawaja Nafay, Usman Khan (w), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed and Usman Tariq.
Sri Lanka field Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara (w), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera and Dilshan Madushanka.
With both sides needing a win to stay firmly in semifinal contention, the clash promises a fiercely contested battle as the Super 8 stage nears its conclusion.
