Pakistan v Sri Lanka - 3rd Match Asia Cup 2012 – Match Preview
Pakistan and Sri Lanka are ready to take on each other in the third game of Asia Cup 2012, which is to be played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur on Thursday, March 15, 2012.
It is one of the most anticipated matches of the series and holds great importance for both teams. However, the outcome of the match will have a different impact for both Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
A win for the Men in Green will ensure a berth in the finals, while a win for Sri Lanka will keep their Asia Cup hopes alive, and this is a do or die match for them.
So far in the tournament, Pakistan and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/India-c750 have won their opening matches and are poised to qualify for the finals. Both teams failed to win their respective matches with a bonus point and therefore they are deadlocked at four points each and a win for
Sri Lanka - with a bonus point - will see them move to the top of the table from the current, 4th spot.
In head to head clashes between the two sides, Pakistan has the upper hand, winning 75 while losing 47 from a total of 126 games. However, the two Asian cricketing giants have never faced off at Mirpur before and the team which adapts to the conditions quicker
will gain the upper hand in the contest.
The pitch at Mirpur is a batting paradise and it is going to be a high scoring game. The team that has batted first at Mirpur has emerged victorious in the first two fixtures. Due to this, the toss will be a crucial factor.
Team Form:
Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka have suffered defeats in the series prior to the Asia Cup. However, the latter are favourites, as they have won two off their last five games. Pakistan, on the other hand, has won just one.
Key Players:
Muhammad Hafeez has regained his midas touch and was declared the Man of the Match in the first game against the hosts http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shahid-Afridi-c2482 and Saeed Ajmal hold the biggest threat to the Sri Lankan batting line-up.
Sri Lankan skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DPMD-Jayawardene-c1397, is in the form of his life. The elegant batsman is enjoying his move to the top of the batting order.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Lions-c808 of Lankan batting will decide the fates of both teams.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KMDN-Kulasekara-c1802,
10 http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SL-Malinga-c2540
Pakistan (Probable): 1 http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Aizaz-Cheema-c961
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