ODI preview / Andrew Hughes / 14 March 2012 /

Despite losing their opener, Andrew Hughes believes that Sri Lanka have the edge in Thursday's Asia Cup game.

March 15, Pakistan v Sri Lanka, Dhaka, 08:00 GMT

Team News
The absence of Angelo Mathews and the continued injury problems of Thisara Perera mean that Sri Lanka will stick with the same batting line-up they used in the latter stages of the Commonwealth Bank Series with Chamara Kapugedera at seven. Lasith Malinga was left out of the first game, but he should return for this one.

Pakistan won their opener against Bangladesh and have no injury worries so are likely to be unchanged, although fast bowler Aizaz Cheema wasn't that impressive on Sunday and may be replaced by Wahab Riaz.

Venue and Conditions
The evening dew was expected to make things tough for teams chasing at the Shere Bangla Stadium, but that has not proven to be the case and both matches so far have gone to the team batting first. There was a little more grass on the surface than we have come to expect in the opening games but it is essentially a batsman's pitch with a lightning fast outfield ensuring batsmen get full value for their shots.

Match Odds
Sri Lanka got off to a sluggish start in this tournament, being unable to contain the powerful Indian top order and their batting fell away rather tamely in the middle order. On paper they bat deep, but Kapugedera and Upul Tharanga are out of form and the bowlers didn't chip in with those quick runs that were a feature of their performances in the Commonwealth Bank Series.

That said, they have the tools to beat Pakistan who laboured to an unconvincing win over Bangladesh on Sunday. In their recent series against England, Misbah ul-Haq's team struggled against quicker bowlers and that failing was in evidence even against lowly Bangladesh. With Malinga back in the team, Sri Lanka can test their opponents with pace and have by far the more powerful top order. At [1.77] they are the best bet in the Match Odds market.

Top Sri Lankan Batsman
The old hands Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara both looked back to their best against India and are the men to rely on in this market. Both hit half-centuries, but Jayawardene in particular was in splendid form, hitting 12 boundaries in his half-century. He should be backed at [4.9] or better

Top Pakistan Batsman
Pakistan's batting rather fell away against Bangladesh so until those lower down the order start to show some form, it's best to stick with the Professor, Mohammed Hafeez, who top scored on Sunday and is [4.7] to do the same against Sri Lanka.

Featured Market
Sri Lanka's captain looked in blistering form in the opening game and is definitely preferred to his predecessor in the Dilshan v Jayawardene market. Back Mahela Jayawardene -0.5 runs at [1.85] or better

Recommended Bet
Back Sri Lanka to beat Pakistan at 1.77

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