Two-time champions Pakistan will lock horns against a strong Sri Lanka side in Semi-Final 2 of the Asian Games. The game promises to be an exciting one with Pakistan eyeing a third consecutive final and Sri Lanka hoping for a maiden final spot.
Squads:
Pakistan: Sidra Ameen, Omaima Sohail, Sadaf Shamas, Aliya Riaz, Bismah Maroof, Nida Dar (C), Muneeba Ali, Sana Fatima, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig
Sri Lanka: Harshitha Samarawickrama, Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (C), Nilakshi de Silva, Kavisha Dilhari, Anushka Sanjeewani, Hansima Karunaratne, Oshadi Ranasinghe, Inoka Ranaweera, Udeshika Prabodhani, Inoshi Priyadarshani
Players to watch out:
Muneeba Ali:
26-year-old Muneeba Ali is an impressive wicketkeeper batter in the Pakistan side. In 50 T20Is, she has scored 716 runs which includes a high score of 102. Her batting in the South Africa series was not great but the team will expect her to do well in the all-important semi-final clash.
Nashra Sandhu:
Bowler Nashra Sandhu has been in good form. She has taken 46 wickets in 44 T20Is and bowled impressively in the series against South Africa. Pakistan will hope that one of their best players is in top form in the game against Sri Lanka.
Chamari Athapaththu:
Chamari Athapaththu is one of the best players in Sri Lanka’s cricketing history. In 120 T20I matches, she has amassed 2625 runs with a high score of 113 and was exceptional in the recent historical series against England. She is a big match player and can be expected to do well in the game against Pakistan.
Inoshi Priyadarshani:
36-year-old Inoshi Priyadarshani is a player to watch out for. She performed well in the series against England and in the previous game against Thailand took a 4-wicket haul. Moreover, with the pitch assisting spinners, we can expect her to perform well in the game.
Pitch:
The pitch at the Pingfeng Campus Cricket Field will provide conditions favorable for batting. Amongst bowlers, spinners can be expected to be the most effective.
Weather:
The temperature is expected to be 29 degree Celsius with humidity being 80%. Cloudy conditions can be expected.
Fantasy playing XI:
Anushka Sanjeewani, Muneeba Ali, Aliya Riaz, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Sidra Ameen, Chamari Athapaththu, Nida Dar, Kavisha Dilhari, Nashra Sandhu, Inoka Ranaweera, Inoshi Fernando
Match details:
Date – 24th September, 2023
Time – 11:30 AM, IST
Venue – Zhejiang University of Technology Cricket Field
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the SonyLiv App and Website and telecasted on the Sony Sports Network.
Vaishnavi is a passionate author with an unwavering love for cricket, particularly women’s cricket. Her writing reflects her deep admiration for the sport and her dedication to promoting women’s participation in it. When she’s not following the latest cricket matches, Vaishnavi can be found engrossed in books or enjoying movies.