Pakistan v Sri Lanka – 1st ODI – Match Update
Sri Lanka have made an appalling start in the opening One Day International against Pakistan, currently being played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, November 11, 2011.
At the end of 11 overs, the batting side has lost two important wickets of skipper, Tillakaratne Dilshan and left-hander, Kumar Sangakkara, having posted just 36 on the board.
Dilshan, who opted to bat first on a placid track, was cleaned up by pacer, Aizaz Cheema after making just 4. The medium-pacer was surprisingly selected ahead of left-armer, Junaid Khan, who was exceptional throughout the Test series but repaid the favour with an impressive spell of fast bowling.
This brought Kumar Sangakkara on the crease and despite being in the form of his life, the veteran found it hard to rotate the strike with Umar Gul bowling at his best.
Upul Tharanga was also slow in accumulating runs, which put pressure on the team. Despite being offered a free hit, the left-hander failed to take advantage. Both guided the score to 34 in 10 overs before Misbah-ul-Haq introduced Abdul Razzaq into the attack.
The all-rounder was making a return to the side and delivered immediately as he removed Sangakkara, who caught behind the stumps. The player tried to glance an off-side delivery to the third man region, however, only managed to tickle it to wicket-keeper, Sarfraz Ahmed.
The first 40 minutes have been totally dominated by Pakistan as they look hungry for success.
Changes were expected in either camp after both had locked horns in the three Test match series, which went in favour of the Men In Green.
Pakistan had a familiar look to the team as far as the ODI composition is concerned as they welcomed former skipper, Shahid Afridi, who made himself available after the high-profile departures of Waqar Younis and Ijaz Butt.
Also, Umar Akmal and Imran Farhat made a return to the shorter format, giving the team some excellent attacking option.
As for the Lankans, they too made a couple of changes, which saw premier pacer, Lasith Malinga make his berth. Also Seekkuge Prasanna was brought in the team, while Kosala Kulasekara was handed an ODI debut.