After a heartening return to international action, Sri Lanka will be looking to carry forward their momentum when they play Pakistan in the second T20 on Sunday. The hosts won the first match by 37 runs at Hambantota.

Pakistan have only themselves to blame for the defeat as they fell away badly in a small chase of 132. Only two batsmen reached double-figures after twin strikes off the first two balls pegged them back. Mohammad Hafeez admitted that there were no excuses for the poor batting show and vowed to make amends in the second match.

There could be a move seeing Umar Akmal move up the order to boost an otherwise fragile top order. Though the bowlers kept runs in check, there will be a couple of worries still as Umar Gul conceded far too many while Mohammad Sami's comeback was no different from his usual old self. Sohail Tanvir bowled well and Saeed Ajmal will again be the key.

Sri Lanka will be thrilled by the way they clawed back to eventually win the match. The win also halted their run of defeats against Pakistan that dated back to the ICC World Twenty20 final in 2009.

Captain Mahela Jayawardene expressed his delight with the manner of the win, though remained concerned about areas that need improvement. Only a late onslaught from Thissara Perera propelled them to 132 while their other batsmen struggled.

Nuwan Kulasekara gave them the perfect start before Lasith Malinga picked up crucial breakthroughs, and the duo will once again be a threat to the troubled Pakistani batting line up. Angelo Mathews' bowling ability has provided a balance to the side that was beneficial in the first match.

The match will be played in Hambantota, the newest venue in Sri Lanka, starting at 7.00pm local time.

Tag :- Lasith Malinga   Mohammad Hafeez   Pakistan   Sohail Tanvir   Sri Lanka   Umar Akmal