The least ranked sides of 2017 Champions Trophy - Sri Lanka (seven) and Pakistan (eight) - meet in the final Group B match, which will also serve as virtual quarter-final, at Sophia Gardens, Cardiff on Sunday.
Pakistan, after being thrashed by India in their tournament opener, came up with a clinical bowling performance to beat South Africa by seven wickets in a rain-curtailed outing. On the other hand, Sri Lankan batsmen were in top gear when they gunned down a 321-run target with seven wickets to spare.
The weather in Cardiff today is expected to be fine, which is a huge relief to fourth-placed Pakistan, who will be ousted if the match is washed out. On a freshly-laid wicket, it will be important for batsmen from both sides help them post big runs.
Sri Lanka have lost Kusal Perera to hamstring injury and since Upul Tharanga is still unavailable because of suspension, they have flown-in all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva, who is likely to be in the playing XI. However, there still is plenty of quality in their batting line-up and the performances of Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka and Asela Gunaratne against India should serve as a big boost to Angelo Mathews' men.
The Men in Green, on the other hand, need to be positive and do away with their aimless batting. Sarfraz Ahmed's men will be well served if Shoaib Malik, who is a busy player, is promoted up the batting order.
In overcast conditions, Mohammad Amir and Junaid Khan can be a handful, but Sri Lankan veteran Lasith Malinga is due for a big show and it might very well come today. Pakistan have the edge over their opponents today when it comes to spin bowling as Shadab Khan, Imad Wasim and Mohammad Hafeez's quota of overs is crucial to their chances.
Team News
Pakistan
Possible XI: Sarfraz (c & wk), Azhar, Fakhar, Babar, Hafeez, Malik, Imad, Amir, Shadab, Hasan, Junaid
Sri Lanka
Possible XI: Mathews (c), Dickwella (wk), Gunathilaka, Kusal, Chandimal, Gunaratne, Dhananjaya, Perera, Lakmal, Malinga, Pradeep
