On Friday evening, Pakistan will lock horns with Sri Lanka in the second T20I of the ongoing three-match series. The highly anticipated encounter will be played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla, Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, must be disappointed with the way they were outclassed in the series opener. Under Dasun Shanaka's leadership, the hosts would be desperate to bounce back and restore parity in the series.
As both teams prepare for the crucial clash in Dambulla, here we analyse to predict the winner of the second T20I between Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
PAK vs SL current form (last 5 T20Is)
Teams
Form
Pakistan
W, W, L, W, W
Sri Lanka
L, L, W, W, L
PAK vs SL: Key Player Battles
Saim Ayub vs Maheesh Theekshana
Criterion
Data
Balls
33
Runs
50
Outs
1
Strike rate
151.5
(Saim Ayub vs Maheesh Theekshana in T20Is)
As evidenced by the above stats, Saim Ayub has dominated Maheesh Theekshana in T20Is, scoring 50 runs off his bowling at a superb strike rate of 151.5.
However, interestingly, it was Theekshana who got Saim's prized wicket in the first T20I between Pakistan and Sri Lanka. So, the southpaw would be keen to bounce back, which makes this face-off worth watching.
Kusal Mendis has struggled against left-arm pacers, averaging less than 20 in T20Is. So, Pakistan's in-form fast bowler Salman Mirza, who scalped three wickets in the first T20I, could be a genuine threat to him, especially with the new ball.
Fakhar Zaman vs Dhananjaya de Silva
Criterion
Data
Balls
18
Runs
7
Outs
3
Average/Strike rate
2.33/38.89
(Fakhar Zaman vs De Silva in T20 cricket)
As suggested by the data in the above table, Dhananjaya de Silva has been a headache for Fakhar Zaman in T20s. The Sri Lankan allrounder has dismissed Fakhar thrice in 18 deliveries and could cause serious trouble for him in the second T20I.
PAK vs SL top performers
Most runs for PAK vs SL in T20Is (current players)
Sahibzada Farhan: 187 runs in 5 matches
Saim Ayub: 109 runs in 5 matches
Most wickets for PAK Vs SL in T20Is (current players)
Abrar Ahmed: 9 wickets in 5 matches
Faheem Ashraf: 7 wickets in 9 matches
Most runs for SL Vs PAK in T20Is (current players)
Dasun Shanaka: 172 runs in 15 matches
Kusal Perera: 169 runs in 8 matches
Most wickets for SL Vs PAK in T20Is (current players)
Wanindu Hasaranga: 19 wickets in 10 matches
Dushmantha Chameera: 8 wickets in 6 matches
PAK vs SL toss prediction
The pitch at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium will likely be on the slower side. The fast bowlers got a hint of movement with the new ball in the previous match. However, as the game progressed, the track became better for batting. So, considering the chasing sides have won three out of the last five T20Is in Dambulla, the toss-winning team might opt to bowl first.
Who will hit the most sixes in SL Vs PAK 1st T20I?
Sahibzada Farhan
Who will hit the most fours in SL Vs PAK 1st T20I?
Saim Ayub
PAK vs SL Match Winner Prediction: Who will win the 1st T20I?
Sri Lanka have the advantage of playing at home; however, Pakistan have a more balanced and formidable team on paper. Therefore, their recent form and the presence of several multidimensional players in their team make Pakistan the favourites to win the second T20I against Sri Lanka.
![Pakistan won the 1st T20I vs SL [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1767941216399_PakvsSLmatchprediction.jpg?type=hq)
Pakistan won the 1st T20I vs SL [Source: AFP]
 (1).jpg?type=mq "WPL opening ceremony: 👀")
