http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 – 4th ODI - Sri Lankan Players to Watch Out
The ongoing cricket series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has been dominated by rain. The 3rd One Day International at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo got underway with only 6.2 overs bowled before showers abandoned play. Weather forecast shows that
more rain is expected on the scheduled dates for the remaining two ODIs.
The Sri Lankan Cricket Board, with mutual consent has decided to add reserve days. "The next two ODIs will have reserve days," http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Nishantha-Ranatunga-c79713, the SLC secretary, told ESPNcricinfo. "There was a plan to shift the games to Hambantota, as it was the only
area not experiencing rain at the moment, but due to logistical issues we had to drop it."
When the two Subcontinent’s giants clash, there would be a number of players to look out for. While the hosts have gained momentum, both sides are still struggling for consistency and will be eyeing to take a 2-1 lead, heading into the final game.
Thisara Perera’s career best, 6 for 44 rattled the Men in Green in the second ODI. Lankan pacer bowled to an exceptional line and length while further showed spark by taking a phenomenal catch off his own bowling to get rid of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Mohammad-Hafeez-c76898. The highest
wicket taker in the series is expected to create more trouble for the visitors, owing to his all-round ability.
Besides the 23-year-old, the opening bowler http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KMDN-Kulasekara-c1802 has caused all sorts of problems with the new ball. The 29-year-old has the ability to swing the ball both ways which make him a tough proposition to counter. Currently, he is the second highest
wicket taker of the series, claiming 4 scalps.
Heading the pace attack, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SL-Malinga-c2540 will be hoping to improve his wickets tally as he gears up for the 4th ODI scheduled for 16th of June, 2012. The premier pacer with a slingy action has 4 wickets so far but his presence is even
more daunting. One can only anticipate his performance to get better as both sides enter the crunch stage in the series. His extra pacer, coupled with his ability to keep things tight at the death stage will hold key.
While the Lankan bowlers have delivered, the pressure is still on their batters to perform on a more regular basis. After a slow start, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/TM-Dilshan-c2691 announced his return to form with a solid unbeaten century, helping his side to post a more than
competitive total on the board. It further relieved pressure off the remaining batters, allowing http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DPMD-Jayawardene-c1397 and Perera to play their attacking game.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KC-Sangakkara-c1779 will defiantly need to pick up his batting performance as he has registered disappointing scores in the series so far, with a highest of 18. The Lankan skipper’s form will be a major boost, where he scored a brisk 53 off 45 in the second
ODI – looking at ease while playing the Pakistani spinners.
With almost every player stepping up and proving to be a match winner, Sri Lanka has shaped up to be a formidable unit but one has to see until the 4th ODI unfolds in Colombo tomorrow. The tourists however, will be coming out to avenge their defeat
in the second ODI.
Tags: