Sri Lanka v Pakistan ODI Series....Balancing Matters
By Big Joe



Starts Thursday 30th July, Dambulla, 04.30 GMT

An extraordinary Test series has just finished between these two sides. Sri Lanka won it 2-0, but Pakistan must be feeling extremely frustrated after snatching defeats and a draw from the jaws of victory in the three games.

In the first two tests Pakistan suffered spectacular batting collapses after appearing to be in total command of the tests to allow Sri Lanka to sneak wins. In the final Test, Pakistan finally avoided a collapse, but this time they were denied victory by Sri Lanka batting out the last five sessions of the match.

Though understandably frustrated, Pakistan can take a lot of positives from that Test Series. After a dearth of Test cricket recently due to security concerns in their homeland, it was an amazing effort by them against a Sri Lankan side that is proving to be very difficult to beat on their home patch.

Now we come to this ODI series. Pakistan will be looking to balance things out by winning in this shorter format. I believe they can, and will address that balance.

Thu Jul 30 10:00 local | 04:30 GMT	1st ODI - Sri Lanka v Pakistan Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium
Sat Aug 1 10:00 local | 04:30 GMT	2nd ODI - Sri Lanka v Pakistan Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium
Mon Aug 3 10:00 local | 04:30 GMT	3rd ODI - Sri Lanka v Pakistan Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium
Fri Aug 7 14:30 local | 09:00 GMT	4th ODI - Sri Lanka v Pakistan R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Sun Aug 9 14:30 local | 09:00 GMT	5th ODI - Sri Lanka v Pakistan R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Wed Aug 12 19:00 local | 13:30GMT	Only T20I - Sri Lanka v Pakistan R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Indeed balance is the operative word. Pakistan have the perfect balance for this fifty over format. Hard hitting, positive batsmen backed up by a balance in the attack of pace and quality spin. The balance of their side was further enhanced by the recall during the successful World Twenty20 campaign of Abdul Razzak.

Another player that saw a spectacular return to form was Shahid “Boom Boom” Afridi. With both bat and ball, Afridi was the main man in that

Recalled Mohammed Yousuf

winning cup team. His spin partnership with Ajmal was a revelation. Ajmal continued his good form in the Test Series and the return of his spin twin for this ODI series is going to be a major factor.

The other bowler that excelled in the shortest format was Umar Gul. His depth bowling was far and away the best in the tournament and I believe that once again he will be a handful in this series.

Pakistan bat deep with the big hitting firepower of Afridi, Akmal and Razzak blending nicely with a classy middle order of Younis Khan, Misbah- ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik and the recently recalled Mohammed Yousuf. At the top of the order there is a recall for the exciting and fearless Imran Nazir. Pakistan have struggled recently with finding steady opening partnership, but with Nazir and possibly Akmal opening, they may have found an irresistible pairing for this format of the game.

Sri Lanka also welcome back a favourite son. Muttiah Muralitharan returns after missing the Tests. He along with Mendis, Malinga and Kulasekera also represents a formidable bowling line-up. There is no place for the veteran Chaminda Vaas however and, after announcing his retirement from Test cricket, it seems that his playing days are over.

Pakistan in Sri Lanka ODI Series	1985/86		Pakistan	2-0 (3)
Pakistan in Sri Lanka ODI Series	1994		Pakistan	4-1 (5)
Pakistan in Sri Lanka ODI Series	2005/06		Pakistan	2-0 (3)

On the batting front, Sri Lanka have the experience of Jayasuria, Sangakarra and Jayawardne. There is however one notable absence, Dilshan, who has been one of their most consistent performers lately. In his and Vaas’s absence, the Sri Lankan late order looks vulnerable, especially compared to the strength in dept of the Pakistan batting.

Ok, so what’s the bets?

Overall I believe Pakistan have the perfect balance in their side. Having now played some competitive cricket after a lean period I believe they will dominate this series and win it comfortably. This time they convert dominant match positions

The market makes Sri Lanka favourites. In my opinion the markets have got it wrong. I believe, on the balance of the sides, Pakistan should be favourites. As ever, let’s not moan and groan about the market, let’s instead take advantage and oppose Sri Lanka, and oppose them with confidence.
 
 The weather in Sri Lanka can be unpredictable and a game or two washed out cannot be ruled out. In a 5 match series, a washout could bring a drawn series into the equation and for this reason I will be laying Sri Lanka rather then backing Pakistan.

I will also be investing small stakes in the Series Correct score market and so my suggested bets for this series are:

In the Series Outright Market:

LAY Sri Lanka for 5 points liability @ 1.74 on Betfair

In The Series Correct Score Market:

BACK Pakistan to win 4-1 for 1 point @ 7.0 at Bet365

BACK Pakistan to win 5-0 for 1 point @ 21.0 at Bet365, PaddyPower, and Skybet

Join me as I believe matters will be balanced up.