**Official** Pakistan in Sri Lanka 2012

[smash84]

has mendis done well against Pak in the past?

 

[chaminda_00]

Yeah at the start of his career, when he did well against everyone.

 

[Furball]

Yeah at the start of his career, when he did well against everyone.

I always thoughPakistan were the one team who figured out Mendis quicker than anyone else.

Anyway, the more important issue is that you should post more.

 

[Nomanculture]

Mendis will surely be part of the T20 WC squad. But playing him against PAK and IND (or any top country for that matter) in ODIs/Tests is just asking for trouble.

 

[smash84]

I always thoughPakistan were the one team who figured out Mendis quicker than anyone else.
.

That was what I remembered too

 

[smash84]

so...predictions for the series?

I reckon Pakistan will take the test series 1 - 0

 

[LegendaryProtea]

Pakistan have better bowling and Sri Lanka have better batting. The batting differences don't matter that much because of the nature of the surfaces so I reckon Pakistan will win it. If Pakistan can cope reasonably well with Jimmy/Broad/Swann, I can't see the likes of Lakmal and Herath causing them too many worries.

 

[Howe_zat]

When you consider that Pakistan's opening bowlers are pretty average, and that Sri Lanka's batting advantage is basically doubled when they're at home - especially against good but orthodox spinners like Rehman and Hafeez - it hard to predict anything but a high scoring series. I'll go for 1-1.

 

[smash84]

misbah vs mahela....good showdown IMO

 

[Prince EWS]

When you consider that Pakistan's opening bowlers are pretty average

Ahem. Hafeez is one of the best opening bowlers in the world.

 

[Howe_zat]

Dilshan is right-handed, so that won't work.

I guess Thirimanne might play, but he'd have to last an over to face Hafeez with the new pill.

 

[Prince EWS]

Dilshan is right-handed, so that won't work.

I guess Thirimanne might play, but he'd have to last an over to face Hafeez with the new pill.

True. Hopefully Mathews opens instead anyway. Don't see it happening though.

 

[chaminda_00]

I always thoughPakistan were the one team who figured out Mendis quicker than anyone else.

Anyway, the more important issue is that you should post more.

In terms of matches no. But in terms of time yes. But that is mainly cus they played so much at the start of his career.

 

[chaminda_00]

If Mahela opens, it leaves a spare batting spot for Chandimal and allows up to play Prasanna as keeper.

I doubt Mendis will play Tests, but he is good chance of making the ODI squad. We really need look to find a long term replacement for Herath and not be left with short term replacement like Herath is for Murali. Though Randiv and Senanayake are probably ahead of him the current rankings.

 

[Agent Nationaux]

Love Hafeez with the left hander using the new cherry.

 

[Furball]

In terms of matches no. But in terms of time yes. But that is mainly cus they played so much at the start of his career.

Didn't Pakistan play him quite easily in the 2008 Asia Cup when he was tying everyone else in knots?

 

[smash84]

Ahem. Hafeez is one of the best opening bowlers in the world.

 

[chaminda_00]

Didn't Pakistan play him quite easily in the 2008 Asia Cup when he was tying everyone else in knots?

I thought they struggled in general that series, apart from a couple spells. He owned India more, but Pakistan didn't look too comfortable that series.

I actually don't think Mendis has bowled that bad recently. It just the expectations are too high after the great start to his career.

 

[Nomanculture]

If Mahela opens, it leaves a spare batting spot for Chandimal and allows up to play Prasanna as keeper.

I doubt Mendis will play Tests, but he is good chance of making the ODI squad. We really need look to find a long term replacement for Herath and not be left with short term replacement like Herath is for Murali. Though Randiv and Senanayake are probably ahead of him the current rankings.

Mahela's ever-persistent problems outside the off stump against the moving ball makes him too vulnerable at the top. Besides we need his experience in the middle order. I'm all for trying Mathews as an opener though, he's much better at handling pace and doesn't look all that comfy against spinners. Somehow has to get Chandimal in, but PJ should be the keeper at least on spinning home tracks.

Mendis' time is all but over IMO. The fact that he doesn't want a stock ball ends it then and there for him. Useless. Senanayake is a good Test prospect while Randiv should play more ODI cricket.

 

[Nomanculture]

Didn't Pakistan play him quite easily in the 2008 Asia Cup when he was tying everyone else in knots?

Only one match was played between the two teams, and his figures of 10-0-47-4 suggest otherwise. Tracks were flat as BTW.