Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Preview

Pakistan and Sri Lanka do battle in the first of five One-Day Internationals, and after an exciting drawn Test series, expectations for an enthralling ODI battle are high. Sri Lanka have struggled in the format in recent months, losing a series 5-0 to India, as well as just narrowly beating minnows Zimbabwe 2-1. Pakistan meanwhile, have had a year to remember in the coloured clothing. Having been obliterated in their opening match of the Champion’s Trophy to India, they recovered, beating hosts and favourites England, before avenging their defeat to India with victory in the final. Both sides are ranked poorly in the ICC ratings and will be looking to improve on that with victory in this series.

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Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Predictions

As we look at the first match of the ODI series in more detail, our betting tips suggest that Pakistan will take the victory and the series lead from this first match. Pakistan have been in good form and will look to take advantage of their adopted home conditions, and pile the misery on a Sri Lanka side severely lacking confidence in this form of the game. Of the most recent series between the sides, most have gone the way of the hosts, with only Pakistan’s win in Sri Lanka in 2015 and Sri Lanka’s win in Pakistan in 2009, series won by the touring side. With that in mind, it is hard to see any other result but a Pakistan victory and the series lead.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Betting Tips

Pakistan come into the match as reigning Champion’s Trophy holders and will be full of confidence as they take on a side who haven’t won an ODI against a top nation since June. They have a winning record over the Sri Lankan’s and won a brilliant encounter between the two sides in 2015. Sri Lanka have not won a five-match series between the two sides since 2009 so the odds are stacked firmly against them. Pakistan have made the UAE their home in recent years, and despite not being able to play at their home grounds, they have produced some great performances in Dubai and Abu Dhabi and will look for that to continue in this five-match series against Sri Lanka. Betway have valued the Pakistan victory at 11/20 which is good value compared to other providers.

For Sri Lanka to have a good chance of a positive result from this match and the ensuing matches in the series, they need to set a good platform with the bat to allow their stronger bowling attack to get the job done. Throw into that the absence of Angelo Mathews to injury and stand-in skipper Upul Tharanga will be crucial for his side with the bat. Tharanga is the highest active run-scorer for his country, currently eighth on the list with 6272 runs from 198 innings. Only Mahela Jayawardene, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Kumar Sangakkara and Sanath Jayasuriya have scored more ODI centuries than Tharanga which given the stature of the company he is in, shows his quality. Having opted out of Test cricket for the foreseeable future, Tharanga will be looking to be a massive influence with the bat for his side as they try and earn a first series win in ODI cricket since Zimbabwe in June.