When the Asia Cup was transferred from Sri Lanka to the UAE, few people could have predicted that Sri Lanka and Pakistan would play in the final. Both nations are experiencing economic unrest. Due to the political and economic turmoil, it was impossible for the original hosts Sri Lanka to ensure a supply of fuel and host several teams for the competition.
According to government estimates, record monsoon rains and melting glaciers inundated roughly a third of Pakistan, causing catastrophic flooding that left more than 1,440 people dead and caused an estimated $10 billion in economic damage. Nevertheless, both teams have advanced to the decisive round despite difficult circumstances and the intense heat of the UAE.
Although Pakistan leads the head-to-head series 13 of 22 to 22, their most recent T20 victory over Sri Lanka was in October 2017. (the two sides have played just four T20s since). Pakistan lost to Sri Lanka by five wickets in the semifinal practise match on Friday, despite the absence of Shadab Khan and Naseem Shah.
Pitch and Conditions: As it has been for the past two weeks, it will be hot and dry once more.
Team news: Pakistan should revert to the lineup from the three-game winning streak prior to Friday's loss after resting certain players in the previous game.
Pakistan (predicted): 1 Babar Azam (capt), 2 Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 3 Fakhar Zaman, 4 Iftikhar Ahmed, 5 Khushdil Shah, 6 Shadab Khan, 7 Asif Ali, 8 Mohammad Nawaz, 9 Naseem Shah, 10 Haris Rauf, 11 Mohammad Hasnain
Sri Lanka may consider bringing Asitha Fernando back, but after that commanding bowling performance on Friday, an unchanged XI is more likely.
Sri Lanka (predicted): 1 Kusal Mendis (wk), 2 Pathum Nissanka, 3 Dhananjaya de Silva, 4 Danushka Gunathilaka, 5 Dasun Shanaka (capt), 6 Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 7 Chamika Karunaratne, 8 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Maheesh Theekshana, 10 Pramod Madushan, 11 Dilshan Madushanka
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