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Second ODI: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka

After the first match was washed out by heavy seasonal rains in Karachi, the Pakistan Cricket Board opted to move the second match to Monday 30 September.

The PCB are desperate for the series to be a success as they bid to end their tenure playing home matches in the UAE.
Monday 30 September 2019 | The National Stadium, Karachi | 07:00

To Win Match
Pakistan 2/9
Draw 35/1
Sri Lanka 7/2

Pakistan
For Pakistan, their biggest enemies in this series could be themselves and the sideshow of the return to playing at home full-time.
That return puts pressure on Misbah Ul Haq’s men to get results to lift the spirits of their strife-torn nation.
The hosts are without Hasan Ali and Shaheen Afridi and have therefore kept faith with Wahab Riaz despite an indifferent World Cup.
Babar Azam has been asked to become the vice-captain as the powers that be groom him to take over the reins from Sarfaraz Ahmed. Babar is undoubtedly a special talent, but many top talents have struggled with the weight of leadership.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka have come to Pakistan with a skeleton crew as several top players pulled out, sceptical about the safety of playing in the country where militants attacked their team bus in 2009.
In the absence of the big names, Avishka Fernando has an opportunity to step up and convert on the glimpses of promise he has shown for the Islanders.
Of all the players absent Sri Lanka will likely miss Thisara Perera the most in white-ball cricket given his ability to win matches with the bat or the ball.
Unfortunately, Sri Lanka have the look of a bits and pieces side and are likely to struggle to compete against the hosts in their backyard. 
Verdict: Pakistan 
Pakistan have a far better team on paper and should be able to put Sri Lanka away.

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