Asia Cup final: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka

[Da Bannu Mazdigar]

Sri Lanka has Won all the matches Including the one Against Pakistan.

Sri Lanka Points=17
Pakistan Points=13

Pakistan is the Defending Champion

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2014_Asia_Cup

[Da Bannu Mazdigar]

Asia Cup final: Pakistan battle injuries ahead of Sri Lanka clash

Pakistan are facing injury concerns ahead of the Asia Cup final against Sri Lanka, as four of their players are striving to attain complete fitness for Saturday’s all-important clash in Dhaka.

The unfit players include all-rounder Shahid Afridi, who played key role in the team’s entry to the final with his explosive knocks against India and Bangladesh. In-form opening batsman Ahmed Shehzad, who struck a century in a record-chase against the hosts, is also nursing an injury.

Opening batsman Sharjeel Khan, who missed the fixture against Bangladesh after injuring his leg on the field against India, and Mohammad Talha, who could bowl just seven overs against the archrivals on debut, are also struggling to attain full fitness



A team official confirmed the injuries to the players, while hoping that they would get fit for the final in time.

“Afridi has a groin problem that flared up during his innings against Bangladesh,” the official told The Express Tribune.

“Shehzad is suffering from a shoulder injury. He took painkillers and went out to bat in considerable discomfort against Bangladesh. He showed a lot of courage by staying on the crease for a long time during his century.

“He only trained lightly today [Thursday],” said the official before hoping for the availability of the following players for the final.
Afridi looks forward to title-clash

Afridi, who has made a stunning impact on the tournament, spoke to the media after the team’s training session, hoping to recover from the injury.

“Yes, there is a groin problem but it’s not a major issue,” he told reporters.
“I am hopeful of recovering from the injury in a day’s time.”

Commenting on his game changing knocks, Afridi stated that winning the Asia Cup was important for the team and he just wanted to give his best efforts.

“It’s an important tournament for us and I am happy with my timely performance.”

The former captain said it had always been his target to make vital contributions for the team in both bowling and batting.

“It’s not possible to perform every day, but I am working very hard. I am making a lot of effort in bowling also.”
‘I don’t need a coach’

Afridi, who has played in 377 One-Day Internationals, said he was at a stage in his career where he did not require coaching.

“I have been playing for a really long time,” he said. “I am better off coaching myself. All I need is the support of people around me.”
Speaking on the high octane Indo-Pak matches, he said the crunch encounters were all about handling the pressure.

“The team that handles pressure well on that day wins.”

When asked about the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Twenty20 fixture between the arch-rivals on March 21, the all-rounder said he was not looking at things beyond the Asia Cup final at the moment.

“Our focus is on the final. We’ll speak about that when the time comes.”
Published in The Express Tribune, March 7th, 2014.

http://tribune.com.pk/story/679697/asia-cup-final-pakistan-battle-injuries-ahead-of-sri-lanka-clash/

[Da Bannu Mazdigar]

Sri Lanka has more chances of winning But Pakistan can change the situation.

Fawad Alam need to remain replacing Sherjil While Anwar Ali should again Replace Abdur Rehman.

Pakistani Squad

Misbah-ul-Haq (c)
Sharjeel Khan
Ahmed Shehzad
Mohammad Hafeez (vc)
Sohaib Maqsood
Umar Akmal (wk)
Fawad Alam
Shahid Afridi
Bilawal Bhatti
Saeed Ajmal
Abdur Rehman
Junaid Khan
Umar Gul
Anwar Ali
Mohammad Talha

Sri lankan Squad

Angelo Mathews (c)
Kusal Perera (wk)
Lahiru Thirimanne
Kumar Sangakkara (wk)
Mahela Jayawardene
Dinesh Chandimal (vc & wk)
Ashan Priyanjan
Thisara Perera
Chathuranga de Silva
Sachithra Senanayake
Ajantha Mendis
Lasith Malinga
Dhammika Prasad
Suranga Lakmal

Sri Lanka has World best Batsmen.Pakistani bowlers won't be a big problem for them.If they score above 280 For Pakistan.It would be extremely difficult for Pakistan to chase them.

Best of Luck to Both Pakistan and Sri lankan Team's

[Shehbaz Khan]

Fingers crossed!

[Da Bannu Mazdigar]

Well After Pakistan,Sri Lanka is my fav team.

Even though i would support Pakistan win but even if we loose,I won't be as much sad as much i would had been if we would have lost the last match from India/

[Karachi]

Angelo Mathews of Sri Lanka is very dangerous!

[Pakwatan]

Sucks. I have to work overnight and will have to watch from there.

[Da Bannu Mazdigar]

Pakistan to bat first.

Pakistan need to reach 280-300

[Da Bannu Mazdigar]

First wicket in First over

[Pakwatan]

finally wicket by Junaid Very good. He is my fav new fast bowler.

[jankhan]

Poor fielding led Pakistan to defeat. Otherwise it was a good match

[Admin Khan]

I did not think Pakistan was going to win; they need new talent, and should recruit from their U-19. I also don't like Afridi's attitude about "I don't need coaching". That sounds arrogant, and there should be better chemistry. Pakistan definitely had the *capability* to win, but out of sheer laziness, and half-assed fielding, they lost.

[Shehbaz Khan]

The so called best bowling attack was smashed by the opposition. There could be many IF(s) and BUT(s) yet the only reason for the loss was their bowling.

They fielded poorly and Umer Akmal behind the stumps missed opportunities.

Congratulations to Sri Lanka!

[jankhan]

Sharjeel has been performing poorly for the last several matches and today he dropped a big catch. He needs rest I think to learn from his mistakes. Talha does not seem a good guy too.