The second of the Group F matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be played at the Lord’s on June 12th.
This is a crucial match in the Group F because both Pakistan and Sri Lanka were toppers in their respective groups. Pundits had expected Sri Lanka to go into Group F by losing to West Indies at the group stage but Sri Lanka had other plans. Sri Lanka has been criticized that it does not have a finisher in their team. If Sanath Jayasuriya clicks in a match that will leave one of either Sangakkara or Mahela Jayawardhane to stay on till the end of the game. That gives them flexibility and both of them are good finishers of the game and it gives freedom to Tilakaratne Dilshan to play his shots as an opener with out pressure. As for the youngsters De Silva and Jehan Mubarak, Mubarak has especially shown that he is not in awe of great bowlers including Bret Lee.
Sri Lanka has already won two matches at the group stage while Pakistan has won only one. Sri Lanka will no doubt want to keep the momentum going and Pakistan will see an opportunity to come back in to the tournament.
The Pakistani pace attack lacks the sting to trouble the Sri Lankan batsmen. It will also be eagerly watched as to how the Pakistani batsmen will handle Ajantha Mendis and Lasith Malinga not to mention Muttaiah Muralidharan. The depth in the btting will be tested as wickets will tumble and they have to decide and execute whom to go after and when to.
Once the match starts you can watch the live and highlights here
