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Untitled Document
 Pakistan face daunting task against Sri Lanka
28th Jun 2008 23:01 IST
Agencies
Handicapped by the absence of their pace spearhead Umar Gul, Pakistan need to sort out their bowling combination when they take on a confident Sri Lanka in the Super Four stage of Asia Cup in Karachi on Sunday.
The in-form Gul has been ruled of the entire tournament after suffering a rib cartilage injury and the home team will no doubt feel his absence for the crucial floodlit encounter at the National stadium.
The Pakistani bowlers were taken to the cleaners by archrivals India who overhauled a target of 300 without much difficulty in the last match and the hosts will have to plug the bowling loopholes if they hope to contain the formidable Sri Lankan batsmen.
Coach Geoff Lawson and skipper Shoaib Malik must be scratching their heads to come up with the best bowling combination, which will now be spearheaded by Sohail Tanvir.
Pakistan's chances rely heavily on their batsmen, who have looked in good touch since the tri-series final win in Bangladesh. But much will depend on whether the bowlers can make a mark on a pitch, which was expected to produce a lot of runs.
Pakistan's top order batsmen have been in good form with captain Malik, Salman Butt, Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf having runs in their kitty. Malik scored 125 in the last game against India and will be keen to continue in the same manner in the more important matches ahead.
All-rounder Shahid Afridi has been a trifle disappointing with the bat and the team management will be hoping that he strikes form quickly as he is capable of destroying any attack on his day.
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