The unprecedented rains at Karachi has made Sri Lanka's challenge more difficult as they take on Pakistan in the second ODI at the National Stadium on Monday.
It is highly expected that Pakistan might dominate the entire match as the visiting team consists of players that possibly pass as 'Sri Lanka A'. What makes the match outcome more predictable is that Misbah-Sarfaraz have been very conservative in selecting the Pakistani players of 'new era'.
The current generation of Lankan players are not as good as their retired pros, who were brilliant players of both pace and spin bowling. Hence, it's not just the world-class Pakistani seam attack that could trouble Sri Lanka, but spinner Shadab Khan can too prove to a huge resistance, especially against a Lankan side that didn't getting enough training as they would like, again, 'due to incessant rain'.
RAIN UPDATE: According to weather reports, there's a 10% chance of rain today. Hence, a match between the two teams is possible without interruption.
TOSS UPDATE: Sarfaraz-led Pakistan have won the toss and have elcted to bat first in Karachi.
Teams:
Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Avishka Fernando, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Thirimanne(c), Sadeera Samarawickrama(w), Danushka Gunathilaka, Shehan Jayasuriya, Dasun Shanaka, Isuru Udana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Nuwan Pradeep, Lahiru Kumara
Pakistan (Playing XI): Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Haris Sohail, Iftikhar Ahmed, Sarfaraz Ahmed(w/c), Imad Wasim, Wahab Riaz, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Usman Shinwari