Pakistan vs Srilanka T20 Series Preview
- 7 years ago
At this point of the series, even traditionalists can't wait for the T20 series. After a one-sided ODI series that seemed to stretch out interminably, the focus now turns to a three-match T20 series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Tests saw a clean sweep for Sri Lanka, while Pakistan avenged the loss in a comprehensive 5-0 whitewash in the ODIs.
Sri Lanka have had a dismal ODI record this year, but their T20 record in 2017 has been much more impressive. They began the year with two away series wins - in South Africa and Australia, no less - and boast a winning record over the year, having won five of nine games. They will look to make that count to ensure they bookend the tour with positive memories to dull the pain of the ODI thrashing.
Complicating things, however, are the peculiar scheduling arrangements of this series. With the third T20 to be held in Lahore, the Sri Lankan management have decided to only select players willing to travel to Pakistan. That means Sri Lanka will be without Upul Tharanga, Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella and Akila Dananjaya for the T20s.
That means a new-look Sri Lanka gear up for the series, while Pakistan have their full squad at their disposal. That, and recent form, makes the Pakistan firm favourites, but with T20 cricket, predictions are a thankless task.
Sri Lanka have had a dismal ODI record this year, but their T20 record in 2017 has been much more impressive. They began the year with two away series wins - in South Africa and Australia, no less - and boast a winning record over the year, having won five of nine games. They will look to make that count to ensure they bookend the tour with positive memories to dull the pain of the ODI thrashing.
Complicating things, however, are the peculiar scheduling arrangements of this series. With the third T20 to be held in Lahore, the Sri Lankan management have decided to only select players willing to travel to Pakistan. That means Sri Lanka will be without Upul Tharanga, Dinesh Chandimal, Niroshan Dickwella and Akila Dananjaya for the T20s.
That means a new-look Sri Lanka gear up for the series, while Pakistan have their full squad at their disposal. That, and recent form, makes the Pakistan firm favourites, but with T20 cricket, predictions are a thankless task.