SL-A vs PAK-A, Semi-Final 1, ACC Emerging Asia Cup 2023 | Preview, Pitch Report, Probable XIs, Fantasy Tips & Prediction

Sri Lanka A topped Group A [Source: Twitter]

With group stages done and dusted, the ongoing ACC Emerging Asia Cup 2023 moves into its business end, with the Sri Lanka A and Pakistan A clashing in semi-final 1 on Friday at P Sara Oval. Sri Lanka A finished as Group A table-toppers, while Pakistan A came qualified in second spot from Group B. 

Team Previews

Sri Lanka A

Except a minor blip against Afghanistan A, hosts Sri Lanka A have played excellent cricket. The likes of Minod Bhanuka, Avishka Fernando, and Chamika Karunaratne have stood up and brought their international experience onto the table.

Youngsters Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Dushan Hemantha, and Pramod Madushan have ably supported the senior pros and helped Sri Lanka A finish as table-toppers in Group A. 

In totality, it has been a team effort by the Lankan A side, with individual flashes of brilliance acting as a motivation. 

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Pakistan A

Pakistan A are coming off a tough loss against India [Source: Twitter]

Pakistan steamrolled over lesser opponents and was handed a humiliating defeat against India A in their final group B match. The batting which is filled with international players, have consistently been under the pump, with the exceptions of Kamran Ghulam and Sahibzada Farhan.

Skipper and wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Harris, who was a success in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has been a let down, both in batting and captaincy. Bowlers like Mohammad Wasim Jr, and Shahnawaz Dahani have been the standout performers.

Among the youngsters, all-rounder Qasim Akram has been stellar, picking 6 wickets and scoring 58 runs.

Match Details

Date and Time: July 21, 10:00 AM IST

Venue: P Sara Oval, Colombo

Live Streaming: FanCode App and Website

Pitch Report

The track at P Sara Oval has been ideal for 50-overs cricket. Batters have found stroke-play easy, while the bowlers with effort can extract purchase out the wicket. Expect the encounter to be a high-scoring one.

Probable Playing XIs

Sri Lanka: Avishka Fernando, Lasith Croospulle, Minod Bhanuka (wk), Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sahan Arachchige, Ashen Bandara, Dunith Wellalage (c), Chamika Karunaratne, Dushan Hemantha, Pramod Madushan, Lahiru Samarakoon

Pakistan A: Saim Ayub, Haseebullah Khan, Mohammad Haris (c & wk), Kamran Ghulam, Sahibzada Farhan, Omair Yousuf, Qasim Akram, Mubasir Khan, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Shahnawaz Dahani

Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

Wicketkeepers: Minod Bhanuka, Mohammad Haris 

Batters: Kamran Ghulam, Avishka Fernando, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Sahibzada Farhan

All-Rounders: Qasim Akram, Chamika Karunaratne

Bowlers: Pramod Madushan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Shahnawaz Dahani

Captain: Minod Bhanuka

Vice-Captain: Sahibzada Farhan

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Prediction

Sri Lanka have a slight edge over Pakistan, due to home conditions, and also their in-form batters.