The lengthy ODI series between Pakistan and Sri Lanka draws to a conclusion on Monday when the two sides play for the final time in Sharjah. Another comprehensive win for Pakistan on Friday saw them move 4-0 up and they will be looking for a whitewash in the finale.
Sri Lanka look a thoroughly well beaten side at the minute but they have one last chance to salvage something from the wreckage to take into the T20 series which begins later in the week so they have something to play for.
Pakistan
I have been really impressed with Pakistan in this series. Literally every question I’ve had of them as we have gone along they have answered in the affirmative and they have got their rewards accordingly. If anything they are getting better with each match which will really please the coaching staff and the captain.
There is a bit of a pressure and an expectation on Pakistan from now on because they are the Champions Trophy winners but so far they have handled that with aplomb. It helps to have a bowling attack which is as good as the one they have and if they can continue to bat like they have been they’ll go well for a while.
Sri Lanka
I really feel sorry for Sri Lanka at the minute. They are clearly devoid of any confidence whatsoever and don’t have enough senior players to guide them out of the slump and the last thing that they need is to run into a rampant side who are playing some of the best stuff they have ever played. That is top level sport though and they need to fight through it.
If anything has disappointed me about the Sri Lankans in this series it has been their lack of a fight. When things have got tough with the bat they have wilted far too easily and when the batsmen have been on top they have not shown the patience to stick in and find ways to stem the flow of runs which could lead to taking wickets.
Team News
Pakistan have resisted wholesale changes so far in the series and if they value momentum they may stay unchanged for this final game. They may look to rotate their seamers to keep everyone fresh ahead of the T20s.
It has been nigh on impossible to predict Sri Lanka’s team throughout the series and nothing has changed in that regard here. Angelo Mathews remains sidelined which is not helping their cause.
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Betting
This final match takes place in Sharjah just like the previous one did so we have a little bit more knowledge to go on. As with the previous game I don’t really want to get involved in the match outcome with motivation questionable.
The bet I like is a player performance and the player in question is Shadab Khan. His line is 38.5 which he has covered with the ball in each of the last three matches and he has scored runs which have covered it in one of the matches too. Sri Lanka have shown no signs of getting used to all his variations and with 3/47, 2/37 and 2/29 in his last three matches the chances of him covering this total with the ball alone must be high but he has catches and runs to assist him if he needs them.
Tips
WON – Back S.Khan’s Performance – Over 38.5pts for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with Bet365
Back him here:
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