2017 ICC Champions Trophy: Captain’s Corner – Five Tactics Sri Lanka Must Use To Beat Pakistan
Nov 2, 2023 at 3:41 PM
Sri Lanka and Pakistan are getting ready to face each other in the 2nd virtual quarter-final of Group B. Both teams are high on confidence after registering wins over two top teams in India & South Africa in their last games.
Sri Lanka chased down 321 against India with ease in their last game with youngsters Danushka & Mendis playing the innings of their lives, whereas, Pakistan’s bowling proved too hot to handle for the South Africans. So it’s going to be Sri Lanka’s batting versus Pakistan’s bowling on Monday. The winner of this game will most probably face England in the semi-finals unless one of the two teams defeats the other by a huge margin.
Here are the five things Sri Lanka need to do to conquer Pakistan.
- Openers to Give A Good Start:-
Sri Lanka has found a great replacement for Tharanga in Danushka Gunathilaka after the former was banned for slow over rate when he captained in the absence of Angelo Matthews. They have another good opener in Dickwella. It’s important for Sri Lanka to get a good start against the bowling attack of Pakistan. A lot depends on the start given by them.
- Kusal Mendis Continues His Good Run:-
Kusal Mendis played the innings of his life against India in a remarkable 321 run-chase. The youngster is slowly turning out to be the most dependable batsman after skipper Angelo Matthews. Every top team has a solid no.3 batsman like Kohli for India, Root for England, Kane for New Zealand. The growth of Kusal Mendis is important for Sri Lanka not just for Monday’s game or this tournament but for years to come. They need him to get a big score.
3. Play Nuwan Kulasekara
The Sri Lankan bowling lineup is not looking convincing with Malinga, not at his very best. Sri Lanka now needs experience and someone who can get wickets with the new ball. Nuwan Kulasekara has done that in the past for them and they can bring him back for the must-win game on Monday.
- Mathews The Key:-
Angelo Mathews has been an inspiring leader for Sri Lanka. He needs to be at his best with both his captaincy and batting against Pakistan. He may not bowl, as he isn’t fully fit. He has finished the chase off beautifully against India making sure there wasn’t any panic. If Sri Lanka loses early wickets a lot will depend on this man to take them home.
- Lasith Malinga Steps Up:-
Malinga hasn’t been at his best in this tourney yet. But he is known to step up on big occasions. He has been a champion bowler for the Island nation over the years and they want him to deliver on the big day on Monday. He doesn’t have the same pace now but is still a dangerous bowler. His death bowling will also be key for Sri Lanka.