Sri Lanka vs. Pakistan 1st ODI Prediction

The unpredictable batting line up of Pakistan drowned them again in the two Test series vs. Sri Lanka who grabbed it at 2-0. Both cricket nations will move ahead for a series of three One Day Internationals and that surely will not be a one sided affair. The Green shirts will be re-enforced with a few prominent faces which can make the difference whereas the Islanders will try to maintain their winning habit.

Players to watch

Angelo Mathews is leading the Lankan Lions from the front by his all-round performance whereas Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardena are sound batsmen. The bowling department will be marshalled by the spin magician Rangana Herath while Lasith Malinga, Suraj Randhiv along with Nuwan Kulasekara are excellent bowlers.

The skipper of Pakistan, Misbah-ul-Haq, was out of form in the recently concluded Test series and is required to get back his form. Younis Khan is a seasoned batsman while Ahmed Shehzad, Fawad Alam and Umar Akmal can change the complexion of the game. The bowling department will revolve around Junaid Khan, Saeed Ajmal, Shahid Afridi and Mohammad Hafeez.

Time & Venue

Saturday, August 23, 2014 @ 04: 30 GMT, 10:00 local at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Sooriyawewa, Hambantota.

Weather

Chances of thunderstorm with temperatures around 25- 28ᵒC.

Toss

The winning captain will opt to bat first.

The Pitch

The surface is perfect for batting but the bowlers can get advantage under overcast conditions.

Teams

Sri Lanka: Angelo Mathews (C), Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Kumar Sangakkara (wk), Mahela Jayawardena, Dinesh Chandimal, Ashan Priyanjan, Lahiru Thirimanne, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Kulasekara, Dhammika Prasad, Rangana Herath, Seekuge Prasanna, Suraj Randiv, Thisara Perera

Pakistan – Misbah-ul-Haq (C), Ahmed Shehzad, Sharjeel Khan, Mohammad Hafeez, Younis Khan, Sohaib Maqsood, Umar Akmal, Fawad Alam, Shahid Afridi, Saeed Ajmal, Junaid Khan, Mohammad Talha, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Irfan, Anwar Ali, Zulfiqar Babar.

Prediction

Sri Lanka will be the most likely winners.