Revitalised SL target series win

Sri Lanka will look to complete a rare series triumph when they confront Pakistan in the second Twenty20 International at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore today.  
Sri Lanka posted a thumping 64-run win in a relatively low-scoring opening game of the three-match series played on Saturday at the same venue.
On a slightly two-paced track, the likes of Isuru Udana, Nuwan Pradeep used variations as Pakistan collapsed in a heap to be bowled out for a mere 101 runs. 
On the batting front, Danuskha Gunathilaka continued to shine brightly with an impressive fifty and stitched a fine 84-run opening stand with Avishka Fernando. 
It was the kind of clinical performance the visiting side would have hoped for in the just-concluded three-match ODI series, which they lost 0-2. 
Meanwhile, Pakistan, the number one ranked T20I side have a few areas of concern going into the crucial second game. 

Ahmed Shehzad, the opener, on a comeback trail, continued to struggle in the T20 format of the game, scoring just four runs. 
Umar Akmal also failed on his comeback, getting out for no score. Sarfaraz Ahmed, the Pakistan Skipper, also would hope to return to form after another failure. 
The wicket-keeper batsman has compiled a mere two fifties in limited overs internationals this year. 

On a positive note, Mohammad Hasnain, the tearaway fast bowler, gave a glimpse of his potential by becoming only the ninth cricketer to pick up a hat-trick. 
The weather forecast is promising with little or no chance of rain playing spoilsport. The track could again turn out to be on the slower side, with bowlers looking for variations. 
Even though Haris Sohail hasn’t exactly made an impression in the T20 version, the Pakistan camp would be tempted to pick the southpaw. 

Mohammad Nawaz, the all rounder, is also an option. 

Meanwhile, the tourists could continue with the playing XI that took Sri Lanka to their first win of their short limited overs tour.

The Squads: 

Sri Lanka: Avishka Fernando, Danushka Gunathilaka, Oshada Fernando, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Shehan Jayasuriya, Angelo Perera, Dasun Shanaka (Captain), Isuru Udana, Kasun Rajitha, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Lahiru Madushanka, Minod Bhanuka, Lahiru Kumara and Wanindu Hasaranga.

Pakistan: Ahmed Shehzad, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Umar Akmal, Asif Ali, Sarfaraz Ahmed (Captain), Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Haris Sohail, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Hasnain and Usman Shinwari.

(Agencies)