Pakistan and Sri Lanka, the two finalists of the Asia Cup 2022, are set to clash against each other in the final match of the Super 4 stage in the continental tournament tomorrow, September 9 (Friday). The cricket match will be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai. Babar Azam's side edged past a gritty Afghanistan team in an epic thriller at Sharjah on the back of a miracle cameo of Naseem Shah who smashed two consecutive sixes in the final over when his side needed 11 runs to win with one wicket in hand. On the other hand, Sri Lanka clinched two consecutive wins against Afghanistan and India in this round-robin stage and became the first team to reach the penultimate event. With the defending champions India out of the Asia Cup, many are of the view that Babar Azam-led team will lift the trophy. This contest will be like a practice match for both Pakistan and Dasun Shanaka's side who will be weighing up each other before meeting again in the final on September 11 (Sunday). PAK vs AFG, Asia Cup Match Result 2022: Naseem Shah's Two Sixes Crush India's Hopes, Pakistan Beat Afghanistan by 1 Wicket
For Pakistan, they would be brimming with confidence after sending both India and Afghanistan out of the Asia Cup after winning a thrilling contest at Sharjah. What would worry Pakistan is their skipper Babar Azam's poor form as the former world no. 1 T20I batsman once again failed to make a mark in the last game and returned on a golden duck. He has amassed just 33 runs in four innings while facing 28 deliveries in the Asia Cup 2022. His opening partner Mohammad Rizwan, who is the top contender of the Man of the Tournament award, has scored 212 runs so far. In bowling, Pakistan side have nothing to worry as they possess one of the best bowling attacks in the competition which has the players like Nassem Shah, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Hasnain who restricted Afghanistan for a paltry score of 129 runs.
Sri Lanka on the other hand, would look to continue their winning momentum at Asia Cup 2022. After beating India by six wickets in their last match, Dasun Shanaka' side would look to edge another favourites in the form of Pakistan. The skipper along with Bhanuka Rajapaksa stitched up a sensible fifth wicket partnership of 64 runs in their last match while young pacer Dilshan Madushanka scalped the big fish Virat Kohli very early in the innings. With Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka going big so fat in the tournament, the Lankans would hope to beat high-flying Pak side.
PAK vs SL T20Is Head-to-Head
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have faced off against each other for 21 times in T20 Internationals. The Boys in Green have a clear advantage of 13 wins in these matches, while Lankans emerged victorious on eight occasions.
PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2022 Key Players
There would be several key players on both sides for this match. For Pakistan, again a lot would rest on Mohammad Rizwan and Shadab Khan in this match. Sri Lanka on the other hand, would want Pathum Nissanka and Wanindu Hasaranga to carry on in the same form along with skipper Dasun Shanaka.
PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2022 Mini Battles
The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup 2022 match will have many player battles. The contest between Babar Azam and Dilshan Madushanka would be interesting to watch. Another duel that fans would be keen on looking forward to is the one between Kusal Mendis and Naseem Shah.
PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2022 Venue
The Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup 2022 match is set to be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.
PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2022 Match Timing
The Asia Cup 2022 match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has a scheduled start time of 7:30 PM IST on September 9, 2022 (Friday) with the toss taking place at 7:00 PM IST.
PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2022 Live Telecast and Live Streaming Online
Star Sports, PTV Sports and Vasantham TV hold the TV telecast rights of the Asia Cup 2022 in India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The live online streaming of Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Asia Cup will be available on the Disney+ Hotstar website and mobile app. Users will have to pay a nominal fee to subscribe to the services.
PAK vs SL Asia Cup 2022 Likely Playing XIs
SL Likely Playing 11: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Charith Asalanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Dilshan Madushanka
PAK Likely Playing 11: Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Iftikar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Asif Ali, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 08, 2022 12:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).