Pakistan put Sri Lanka in to bat in high-stakes T20 clash

Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl first against Sri Lanka in a must-win T20 match at Rawalpindi on Thursday. 

The result will determine whether Sri Lanka advances to the tri-series final or if Zimbabwe claims the spot.

Pakistan, already qualified for the final, made two changes to their lineup. Pace bowler Naseem Shah and spinner Usman Tariq were rested, with Salman Mirza and leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed coming in. 

Sri Lanka kept faith with the same XI that defeated Zimbabwe on Tuesday, ending their five-match losing streak.

High Stakes for Sri Lanka

For Sri Lanka, the equation is simple – win and face Pakistan again in Sunday’s final. A loss would see Zimbabwe qualify instead. 

The islanders showed glimpses of their potential with Pathum Nissanka’s blistering 98 not out against Zimbabwe, but consistency remains their biggest challenge.

Stand-in captain Dasun Shanaka leads the side in the absence of regular skipper Charith Asalanka, who returned home due to illness. 

Chief selector Upul Tharanga confirmed the selectors are considering leadership changes ahead of February’s home T20 World Cup, citing Asalanka’s modest returns of 156 runs in 12 innings this year.

--Agencies