Mens T20 Emerging Asia Cup 2024 1st Semi-Final, PK A vs SL A Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today's Match?

Mohammad Haris led from the front for Pakistan Shaheens in their previous outing (Source: @TheRealPCB/X)

With all the 12 matches of the league stage coming to an end, ACC Men’s T20 Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2024 is all in readiness of entering the all-important knockout phase. Scheduled to host Sri Lanka A for two unofficial Tests and three unofficial ODIs next month, Pakistan Shaheens will first have to face-off against them in the shortest format at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground Ministry Turf 1 on October 25.

Pakistan A High On Confidence

Although Pakistan Shaheens started their campaign with a 7-run loss against India A, anyone who followed that match knows that the outcome could’ve easily resulted alternatively.

That being said, Pakistan A registered thumping victories against Oman and the United Arab Emirates to finish the league phase with a NRR (Net Run Rate) of 3.017—the highest among all eight participating teams. Win margins of 74 runs and 114 runs have it in them to instill confidence in the Mohammad Haris-led side ahead of this match.

A primary reason behind the aforementioned unparalleled NRR is how most Pakistani players have contributed in some way or another. While almost all their batters have generated impact thus far, Haris using six and five bowling options against Oman and the UAE, respectively, saw each of those options dismissing at least one batter.

[Watch] Mohammad Haris Turns Virat Kohli; Plays Freakish Swat Flick For Six To Bring Up Fifty

Lack Of International Experience Could Hamper Sri Lanka A

Table-toppers in Group A, Sri Lanka A also kicked-off their campaign on a losing note. Much like their imminent opponent, even Sri Lanka A lost their tournament opener by a narrow margin. However, clinical wins against Hong Kong and Bangladesh A paved the way for them to qualify for the next round.

Another similarity between these two teams is how they won matches while batting first. Having said that, lack of international cricketers could hamper Sri Lanka on Friday. Apart from a comparatively lesser number, the Sri Lankan internationals haven’t participated in overseas T20 leagues unlike their Pakistani counterparts.

How Will the Al Amerat Cricket Ground Pitch Behave?

Due to the wear and tear of hosting 12 matches on the trot, pitches at the Al Amerat Cricket Ground Ministry Turf 1 are quite likely to assist spinners in a one-sided way. Other than the inherent nature of Asian pitches, a day match would also work in spinners’ favour. Readers must note that 147.33 is the average first innings total in this competition.

PK A vs SL A: Predicted Toss Result

As mentioned above, both Pakistan A and Sri Lanka A have won their respective matches while batting first and lost while chasing a total. Under such circumstances, it wouldn’t be wrong to say that both the captains would be keen on winning the toss, electing to bat first and hoping for their bowlers to do their thing in the second innings.

PK A vs SL A: Players To Watch Out For

Pakistan A

Batters: Mohammad Haris
All-rounders: Qasim Akram, Arafat Minhas
Bowlers: Shahnawaz Dahani, Sufiyan Muqeem

Sri Lanka A

Batters: Nuwanido Fernando, Yashodha Lanka
All-rounders: Sahan Arachchige
Bowlers: Dushan Hemantha, Nipun Ransika

PK A vs SL A: Match Prediction

PK A vs SL A Predicted Score

Predicted first innings score: 150-165

Predicted second innings score: 130-145

Predicted Result: The team batting first is highly likely to qualify for the final.

[Watch] MI Youngster Lights Up The Emerging Asia Cup With A Shot For The Ages vs Pakistan