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Sri Lanka Bat First After Winning the Toss
The stage is set at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium for a classic T20 encounter between two of Asia’s cricketing giants. Sri Lankan captain Wanindu Hasaranga won the toss and had no hesitation in opting to bat first. The strategy is clear: post a formidable total of 178 and leverage their spin-heavy attack on a pitch known to assist the tweakers in the second innings.
Shock for Pakistan as Shaheen Afridi Misses Out
The bigger news, however, emerged from the Pakistan camp moments before the toss. In a move that surprised fans and pundits, Pakistan’s pace spearhead, Shaheen Afridi, misses out for this crucial T20. The official reason cited was “workload management” ahead of a packed international calendar.
Shaheen’s absence is a massive blow to Pakistan’s bowling arsenal. His lethal opening spells and toe-crushing yorkers are often the difference-maker. His omission hands a significant psychological advantage to the Sri Lankan top-order, who will be relieved not to face his fiery new-ball attack. The responsibility to lead the pace attack now falls squarely on the shoulders of Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf.
Vijayakanth Viyaskanth Handed an Effective Debut
While Pakistan grappled with the absence of their superstar, Sri Lanka unveiled a future prospect of their own. Leg-spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth was handed his much-anticipated international debut. The 22-year-old from Jaffna has been a sensation in the Lanka Premier League (LPL), earning his spot through consistent domestic performances.
Viyaskanth, who was part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad camp in the recent IPL, showed no signs of nerves on the international stage. His inclusion immediately paid dividends, with the young spinner delivering an effective debut that turned the momentum in Sri Lanka’s favour.
Dream Start: Viyaskanth Claims Babar Azam as Maiden Wicket
Coming on to bowl in the middle overs, Viyaskanth immediately put the brakes on Pakistan’s run chase with his skiddy, unorthodox action. His moment of glory came in his second over when he faced the world-class Babar Azam. Viyaskanth delivered a perfectly disguised googly that spun back sharply, sneaking through the gap between bat and pad to rattle the stumps.
To dismiss a player of Babar’s calibre as your maiden international wicket is the stuff of dreams. The stadium erupted as Viyaskanth justified his selection, finishing his initial spell with exceptional figures. The story of the day became twofold: the gaping hole left by Shaheen’s absence and the exciting arrival of Sri Lanka’s new spin wizard.
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