Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 2nd T20 Match Prediction 07 Oct 2019

Having won the ODIs 2-0, the first T20I on Saturday was supposed to be an easy prospect for the Number 1 ranked Pakistan against the Number 8 ranked Sri Lanka.

Pakistan had the momentum, the numbers skewed in their favor with 6 consecutive wins against Sri Lanka in this format and even won the toss, opting to chase knowing that it would be difficult bowling with the dew-laden wet ball later. Sri Lanka debuting two Bhanukas – Minod and Rajapaksa. Gunathilaka and Fernando were watchful in the first 3 overs and the former decided to cut loose in the 4th over scoring 16 runs. Powerplay ended without any damage and Lankans were well placed at 64/2. Gunathilaka continued from where he left in the ODIs and notched up his half-century and departed soon for a well made 57 off 38.

Sri Lanka was well set at 117/1 to launch themselves with settled Fernando and Rajapaksa at the end of 14 overs. Fernando risked Shadab Khan’s throw and paid the price. Soon Rajapaksa followed scoring a promising 32, the first of Hasnain. After two mighty blows over the ropes, Shanaka became the second victim of Hasnain. This year had already seen 4 international hat-tricks, Hasnain joined the list adding some specialty to it by splitting the hat-trick across two overs, two spells and becoming the youngest ever to achieve an International hat-trick. In hindsight, 166 didn’t look like a tall run-chase during the innings break. If at all, it smelt of a win for Pakistan, who had done well in the last 10 overs, things followed would have surprised even die-heart Lankan supporter.

The key wicket of Babar Azam in the second over opened the match. Umar Akmal’s return lasted one ball, and Ahmed Shehzad’s for 8. It meant Pakistan was down to 30/3 in the powerplay, having been undone by pace on a pretty placid pitch. Pakistan did put on a rearguard through a 44-run stand between Iftikhar and Sarfaraz. But that partnership, spread over 7 overs doing nothing to improve their required rate, did Pakistan more haram than good. Starting from Iftikhar’s run out, the host lost their last seven wickets for 33 runs across 37 balls. Pradeep and Isuru Udana finished with 3-wicket hauls while Hasaranga picked two.

The weather forecast is promising with little or no chance of rain playing spoilsport.

The track could again turn out to be on the slower side, with bowlers looking for variations. The average score will be around 160 runs.

The pattern has been the same throughout the series with Pakistan preferring to chase, which they are comfortable with. Whoever wins toss it is going to be Lanka batting first.