Sri Lanka hoping for a consolation win

Ranjan Anandappa reporting from Abu Dhabi, UAE

After their ODI success 3-1, Pakistan will be hoping to continue their winning trend while Sri Lanka will be looking for that elusive victory to reduce the deficit and salvage some prestige when they meet in their fifth and final one day at Abu Dhabi today.

The Sri Lankans have been in the habit of crumbling after being in winning positions due to their fragile middle order which was quite evident in the tour so far. The Pakistanis are fully aware of this situation and are exploiting it to the tilt on many occasions that once they get rid of the Sri Lankan most experienced pair Kumara Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardena they were certain that they could make inroads to capture the rest of the batsmen without much difficulty. This has been proved time and again when the Lankans were chasing a victory target of 201 and after being 152 for 3 they lost the remaining seven wickets for 19 runs.

The main differences between the two sides is Pakistan’s late batting often displayed the ability to hang around and help their more talented batting partners, the Sri Lankan bottom batsmen rarely did it. Sri Lanka now need batsmen of the calibre of an Arjuna Ranatunga, Hashan Tillekeratne, Roshan Mahanama or even a Kumara Dharmasena to thicken the cushion in the middle. Out of the present generation experienced Thilan Samaraweera could have added more vigour to the middle order as he has proved in the past.

Sri Lanka captains Tillekeratne Dilshan reiterated saying that the youngsters to get the maximum out of the opportunities given and prove themselves that they are ready for the International exposure.

Dinesh Chandimal who scored a hundred against England at Lord’s was sent ahead of Mahela Jayawardena in the batting order to give him the feel of top order batting, but he has failed to capitalise.

Answering a question with regards to his captaincy Dilshan said that he has been appointed to captain for the forthcoming South African tour and he did not know anything more than that. I don’t mind being sacked, but time will tell you how things will move on. We have a good set of all rounders, who are not consistent. If they bat well they fail while bowling. It is a serious matter where we should sit and discuss in detail,” said Dilshan.

Pakistan captain Misbah-Ul Haq was full of praise on Afridi’s efforts and said that he had made great come back. He ignited the collapse by bowling Kumar Sangakkara. The situation was gloomy for us to reach even 200 runs while batting after losing wickets in rapid succession, but it was Afriida who took us towards that target. It was one of the most remarkable efforts with bat and ball.”

Pakistan are hoping to make room for some new players and at the same time maintaining the winning momentum by forming a balanced team for the fifth and final one dayer. Sri Lanka too, will no doubt try out some of their new faces.