Interested in Asia Cup final 2022 Predictions PAK vs SL?
You have come to the right place.
Background
The world was expecting a final between India and Pakistan.
However, Sri Lanka have gate-crashed into the final, thanks to victory against India.
This is commendable as Sri Lanka were down and out after getting thrashed by Afghanistan in the opening game.
Big credit to their captain Dasun Shanaka who has led from the front and marshalled his troops to script a turnaround.
Pakistan too has had a rollercoaster ride to the finals.
They lost their first game against India but defeated the Indians in a last over thriller in the Super Four round.
However, they lost to Sri Lanka in a one-sided match after folding up for just 121.
Babar Azam, their mainstay has not really fired in the tournament which is a big worry.
In their next match too, against the Afghans, a couple of sixes in the final balls sealed their win.
Despite this, they have struggled for consistency.
Team News
Sri Lanka made two changes in the last match against Pakistan.
Dhananjaya de Silva came in for Charith Asalanka.
Also, Asitha Fernando was dropped to make way for Pramod Madushan.
It’s possible that Sri Lanka will go with the same team.
Pakistan rested Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah in the last match.
They were replaced by Usman Qadir, sonf of the legendary leg-spinner Abdul Qadir and Hasan Ali.
In all likelihood, Shadab and Naseem will be back.
Recent Venue T20 Stats
Venue: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, UAE
Total matches played – 80
Matches won by team batting first- 35
Matches won by team bowling first- 44
Average 1st Innings score- 143
Highest total recorded- 211/6 by IRE vs SCO
Lowest total recorded- 55/10 by WI vs ENG
Pitch Report
This is a good batting pitch.
The ball comes on to the bat but the pitch also has something for the pacers.
Weather Forecast
On Sunday, the maximum temperature in Dubai would be 39°C.
The humidity would be around 49% which will induce a lot of sweating.
Important stats
7 out of the 8 games played in Asia Cup 2022 have been won by the team batting second.
This means chasing is definitely easy.
It is certain that that the captain winning the toss will bowl first.
Also, the toss will play a huge role in deciding the eventual winner.
Mohammad Rizwan is Pakistan’s top run-scorer with 226 runs at a strike rate of 119.
He has been aggressive, having struck 5 sixes and 17 fours.
Fakhar Zaman is the second highest run-getter with 96 runs at a strike rate of 105.
The best bowler for Pakistan has been spinner Mohammad Nawaz.
He has bagged 8 wickets at an average of 13 and an economy rate of 6.07, which is impressive.
Sri Lanka are sitting at the top spot in the Super Four points table.
They have 3 wins and 6 points.
Pathum Nissanka is the top run-scorer for Sri Lanka with 165 runs at a strike rate of 119.
Though he hasn’t scored runs at a fast pace, his consistency at the top of the order has helped Sri Lanka carve out valuable wins.
Kusal Mendis is the second highest run-getter, with 155 runs at a much higher strike rate of 158.
Dilshan Madushanka has been their top bowler with 6 wickets an economy rate of 7.78.
Sri Lanka Likely 11:
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Danushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Pramod Madushan, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka
Pakistan Likely 11:
Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Khushdil Shah, Asif Ali, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah
Who will win
On current form, Sri Lanka has an edge.
However, Pakistan has more match-winners in the bowling and batting department.
Pakistan is also known to peak in the finals, based on their historical record.
So our prediction is Pakistan will win.
Fore more cricket predictions and free cricket tips, watch this space.
