Pakistan looks to grab a series victory against Sri Lanka in the fourth One-Day International match in Colombo.
Under the leadership of Azhar Ali, Pakistan, who last won a series in Sri Lanka in 2006 and will be eager to add to their Test success. More importantly, it will keep their chances of qualifying for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy alive.
According to local media reports Azhar Ali said, “We are pretty much ready for both the outcomes at the toss, we will look to restrict them to a low total. We need to keep the plans simple and play well. Everyone is performing well, today is another chance to do well”.
Ninth-ranked Pakistan need a series wins to remain in contention for a place in the eight-nation Champions Trophy in England in 2017. While Sri Lanka currently ranked fifth, are assured of taking part in the tournament. Apart from a low score in the second ODI which Pakistan lost by two wickets, Hafeez has been in top form, with 166 runs thus far and six wickets, four of which came in the first game. However, Pakistan will have to make do without his services with the ball after the International Cricket Council banned the off spinner from bowling for 12 months.
If Pakistan wins the series 4-1 or better, then it will move ahead of Sri Lanka at fifth position. In case of Pakistan’s 4-1 series win, both sides will be on 108 ratings points but Pakistan will be ranked above Sri Lanka when the ratings are calculated beyond the decimal point.
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