Pakistan look to counter Malinga as ODI series starts today

Misbah concedes fast-bowler could be vital, Sri Lanka look to revive fortune.

DUBAI: Rival captains Misbahul Haq and Tillakaratne Dilshan agreed sling-action paceman Lasith Malinga could make the difference when Pakistan and Sri Lanka play their first One-Day International (ODI) today.

The 28-year-old, who bowls with a round-arm action, is fresh from his exploits in last month’s Champions League where he finished as the player of the tournament.

Pakistan captain Misbah conceded Malinga could be vital. “Malinga’s a very good bowler, he makes a difference and everyone knows that,” said Misbah. “We’ve played well against him but they ‘ve an edge with him in the side.”

Pakistan won the preceding three-Test series 1-0 when Sri Lanka were without Malinga who retired from Test cricket earlier this year.

Dilshan said Malinga, who has 149 wickets in 94 ODIs, is an asset for his team.

“He’s one of the assets for Sri Lanka,” said Dilshan. “He’s one of the great bowlers in the world and he can guide other bowlers as well and his comeback in the series is a good sign.”

Malinga was also sidelined with injury when Pakistan beat Sri Lanka in the group match in Colombo in this year’s World Cup.

Afridi, Razzaq pluses for Pakistan

If Sri Lanka are rejoicing at the return of Malinga, Pakistan were boosted by the return of all-rounders Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq who both had turbulent periods since the World Cup.

And Misbah hopes both give Pakistan more strength. “Afridi and Razzaq give strength to our team,” said Misbah, who was appointed captain for all three formats in June. “We know Sri Lanka are a good side but we are ready for them.”

Hosts look to continue  good run

Pakistan will also be aiming to continue an impressive run this year, which has seen them win ODI series against hosts New Zealand, Ireland, West Indies and Zimbabwe.

On the other hand, Dilshan hoped his team’s fortune turned around since their run to the World Cup final where they lost to India.

“We know we haven’t won a series since the World Cup, so the players are determined to put that behind,” said Dilshan.

Sri Lanka need to win 4-1 or better to keep their second place in the International Cricket Council (ICC) ODI rankings intact. For Pakistan, a 4-1 win will see them jump to fifth and in case they win 5-0, the team rises to fourth place.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 11^th,  2011.