Image Source- AP
The Asia Cup is back and it’s time again. The game
that will never happen is just one match away. The possibility of an
India-Pakistan final has teased and tantalised for years, even decades, but has
remained just out of reach, leaving the two subcontinental powers sport- and
business-wise unsatisfied. And for the majority of that period, Sri Lanka, who
Pakistan will play tomorrow, has proudly played spoiler by placing their flag
firmly between India and Pakistan and solidifying their position as an Asian staple.
Sri Lanka has only missed the trophy match once in the 39-year history of the
ODI version of this competition, and in the games that have the most lasting
impact on the tournament, Sri Lanka typically wins.
Both teams have recently suffered demoralising defeats
against India. When facing India on Tuesday, Sri Lanka appeared to have a very
good chance of beating their target of 214, but Dunith Wellalage’s valiant efforts with bat and ball fell just short. Pakistan’s defeat at the hands of
their greatest rivals was more thorough; they lost by a record 228 runs over
two terrible days while also losing two of their three top fast bowlers. Naseem
Shah has been disqualified from the competition, and it seems unlikely that
Haris Rauf would play again.
Currently, Sri Lanka seems to be the more composed
team; their loss to India was their first in 14 games dating back to June.
Wanindu Hasaranga and Dushmantha Chameera’s withdrawals were devastating
because of their injuries before the competition, but the replacements have
excelled. With nine wickets at an average of 14.66, the baby-faced 20-year-old
left arm spinner Wellalage is tied for the most in the competition. Maheesh
Theekshana and fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana are separated by just one wicket
each. During this competition, Sadeera Samarawickrama and Kusal Mendis have
both displayed exceptional batting performances, though not quite against
Pakistan’s calibre of bowling.
Pakistan should really just put an end to the contest
with India and focus on Sunday’s reward. If India defeats Sri Lanka on
Thursday, it would effectively be a semi-final for both teams, and if they play
well, they will have a chance to make up for everything in the championship
game.
Pakistan has made five changes, with Fakhar being
dropped due to recent poor play. Taking his place is Mohammad Haris. Salman Ali
Agha is also unable to work due to a cut below his eye, and Saud Shakeel fills
in for him. Mohammad Wasim and Zaman Khan start as a result of the two forced
fast-bowling substitutions, and Mohammad Nawaz replaces Faheem Ashraf as an
all-rounder.