Asia Cup 2022: Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Final Predicted Playing 11

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan: Predicted Playing 11s

In just over a day’s time, Sri Lanka and Pakistan will meet in the final of the Asia Cup 2022.

Both teams have tasted success at this level before, with Sri Lanka winning the Asia Cup title five times previously, and Pakistan coming away the victors twice. However, it has been the better part of a decade since either team has had their hands on the Asia Cup trophy, and both will be eager to succeed in this sudden death match.

In an unusual twist courtesy of the Asia Cup’s tight scheduling, Sri Lanka and Pakistan played each other less than 24 hours ago, and are familiar with each other’s game plans. Will Sri Lanka continue the momentum that they seized through their win last night, or will Pakistan restore order and come away with a win?

We preview the likely eleven players that will be fronting for Sri Lanka and Pakistan in an attempt to claim the Asia Cup 2022 trophy.

Sri Lanka’s Predicted Playing 11 for Asia Cup Final

Last night’s match against Pakistan saw Sri Lanka make two changes to the playing 11 they had used earlier in the Asia Cup tournament. In the batting, Dhananjaya de Silva came in for Charith Asalanka, while Pramod Madhusan came in for Asitha Fernando in the bowling.

The question is, with a solid result last night, will Sri Lanka stay with the same playing 11, or revert to the side that has got them this far?

Here’s what Sri Lanka’s playing 11 against Pakistan is most likely to look like on Sunday:

Opening Batters: Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis

Excluding their opening game drubbing at the hands of Afghanistan, Sri Lanka’s opening pair has been solid.

Both Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendi have over 150 runs for the tournament, at healthy 120+ strike rates. Nissanka is coming off a strong performance last night that saw him end on 55 not out off 48, while Mendis scored an impressive 60 off 37 balls against Bangladesh last week, as well as a rapid half century in their win over India.

Expect these two to remain the opening combination for Sri Lanka.

Middle Order: Charith Asalanka, Danushka Gunathilaka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa

While Dhananjaya de Silva didn’t exactly impress in his call up to the playing 11 last night, chances are Sri Lanka will retain him for the final.

The No.4 struck 9 off 12 before getting caught behind off Haris Rauf, however, with Charith Asalanka repeatedly failing across the Asia Cup 2022, expect de Silva to get another chance. Outside of this change, Bhanuka Rajapaksa has looked the best of Sri Lanka’s middle order, with two 20+ scores and two 30+ scores, all at healthy strike rates.

Sri Lanka will be wanting a little more from their middle order, who have been vulnerable when tested this Asia Cup.

All rounders: Dasun Shanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva

Two wickets and 105 runs for Dasun Shanaka across the Asia Cup so far will see the captain retain his spot as one of Sri Lanka’s all rounders. Recently the all-rounder struck a handy 21 off 16 last night, while his bowling was not needed, however.

Wanindu Hasaranaga de Silva is also sure to retain his spot, as one of Sri Lanka’s key strike bowlers, who can swing a bat as well. Three wickets for 21 runs against Pakistan last night showed what he can do, while a pair of boundaries to win the match reminded he’s not one dimensional.

While Sri Lanka lack a genuine all-rounder like Pakistan, they will still value the contributions of these two with bat and ball.

Bowling Attack: Chamika Karunarantne, Maheesh Theekshana, Pramod Madushan and Dilsan Madushanka

Last night’s match was the first time that Sri Lanka have really fired with the ball. Prior to bowling Pakistan for 121, Sri Lanka were unable to take ten wickets, or keep any team below 173 runs batting first. 

This is likely to see debutant Pramod Madushan retain his spot over the expensive Asith Fernando. Madushan was also not very economical, going for 21 off his 2.1 overs, however, he did pick up two wickets and looked threatening all game.

Outside of this change, Madushanka has looked Sri Lanka’s best bowler, picking up seven wickets at an economy of 7.66.

Pakistan’s Predicted Playing 11 for Asia Cup Final

Also making two changes last night from their usual starting line up, expect Pakistan to revert to their standard playing 11 for the Asia Cup 2022 final.

Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah both sat out last night’s match against Sri Lanka, in what was a tactical rest for both players ahead of Sunday’s match. Expect both to return to the line up, with Usman Qadir and Hasan Ali warming the bench.

Here’s what Pakistan’s playing 11 is likely to be when they face off against Sri Lanka on Sunday:

Here’s what Pakistan’s playing 11 is likely to be when they face off against Sri Lanka on Sunday:

Opening Batters: Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam

While these two are guaranteed to start for Pakistan in tomorrow’s final, Pakistan will be wanting to see more from their captain, Babar Azam.

Entering the tournament as the No.1 T20 batter in the world, Azam has now ceded that title to his opening partner, Rizwan. Rizwan has excelled, striking 226 runs this tournament, one of only two batters to do so. His 14 off 14 against Sri Lanka last night was underwhelming, however prior to that, he had struck impressive 78 off 57 and 71 off 51 against Hong Kong and India.

Azam, however, made his best score last night—a steady 30 off 29. Before this, he had collated scores of 10, 9, 14 and 0, very underwhelming for the world’s best batter. Look for a big performance from him tomorrow against Sri Lanka.

Middle Order: Fakhar Zaman, Iftikhar Ahmed, Kushdil Shah and Asif Ali

Pakistan’s fire-packed middle order also has a few players who will be hoping to hit top gear in the final tomorrow night.

Fakhar Zaman is the pick of the bunch with 96 runs, half of which came in a half century against Hong Kong. Outside of this, Iftikhar Ahmed has made a pair of 20+ scores, Khushdil Shah one 30+, and Asif Ali nothing above 16. While a more competitive squad may see one of these under performers dropped, the chances of this happening are unlikely.

Pakistan will look for their middle order to reward their loyalty through some big performances tomorrow.

All Rounders: Shadab Khan

Having sat out last night’s match, Shadab Khan is expected to be rested and ready for a big performance against Sri Lanka in tomorrow’s final. 

As the side’s premier all rounder, Khan has only batted twice this Asia Cup, scoring 10 and 36. However, he has taken seven wickets already, with tournament leading figures of 4/16 against Hong Kong in their group match.

Bowling Attack: Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Nawaz

Expect Naseem Shah to be reinserted into Pakistan’s bowling attack, as they look to up their performance and put Sri Lanka under pressure tomorrow night.

Mohammad Nawaz has been the pick of the bunch so far with eight wickets at an economy of 6.06, while Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf have taken 11 wickets between them. Of concern will be Mohammad Hasnain’s economy, which is high at 8.36, given he’s only been able to manage four wickets.

Pakistan’s bowlers will be looking to channel some of their earlier tournament form, that saw them bowl Hong Kong out for 38, and restrict Afghanistan to 129/6.

Tune in Sunday night at 6pm local time for the Asia Cup 2022 final between Sri Lanka and Pakistan.