Pakistan face Sri Lanka in the second ODI after a thumping win in the first game at Dambulla thanks to a memorable all-round performance from veteran Mohammad Hafeez, who took four wickets and smashed a brilliant century.

Sri Lanka are yet to come to terms with the retirement of their two stalwarts — Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. Their batting looks brittle at best, with only Tillakaratne Dilshan and Angelo Mathews providing any sort of stability. Dinesh Chandimal and Lahiru Thirimanne have proved their mettle in the past, but still lack the consistency to be counted as threats by the opposition.

On the whole, the contest is evenly poised going into the match. Pakistan desperately need to win every match to qualify for the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, and Sri Lanka will want to use that added pressure to their advantage. But Pakistan are capable of a lot when their backs are to the wall; it is that unpredictability that will add a bit of zing to the contest.