 After the rain-washed encounter, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be hoping
for active cricket when they clash in the fourth ODI on Saturday. Rain is expected
to be a major factor yet again in Colombo and the Sri Lankan board has decided
to include reserve days for the remaining matches.
There were also reports coming in of a shift in venue from Colombo to Galle or
Hambantota due to inclement weather forecast for Colombo but logistical problems
for the broadcasters forced an abandonment of the plan.
Click for Live Score Card of Sri Lanka Vs Pakistan
Pakistan will be looking to make the most of the opportunity after they were put
on the back foot in the limited no. of overs that were played in the last match.
They lost two wickets in just six overs under difficult conditions.
Reports suggested Mohammad Hafeez is faced with some injury though it
is not believed to be serious enough to rule him out of the match. Younis Khan will be under immense pressure after repeated failures in the middle-order.
Pakistan decided to play an extra batsman in Asad Shafiq and are likely to persist
with the same line-up though Mohammad Sami is back fit.
For Sri Lanka, their momentum following the crushing win in the second ODI
was disrupted by rain. They started off strongly in favorable weather conditions
to peg Pakistan back. Lasith Malinga and Nuwan Kulasekara picked up a
wicket each.
With Rangana Herath ruled out due to a troubling knee, the Sri Lankan
management is also likely to stick to the same line up and Thissara Perera could
play a vital role.
With weather forecast not looking good for Colombo - a ground where Pakistan
have had reasonable success, the match is expected to move on the reserve day
as well. The match is scheduled to start at 2.30pm local time.
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