Pakistan bank on recent familiarity to build momentum

For as alien as it is for Pakistani players to be playing in India, the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad won't be alien enough when they face Sri Lanka on Tuesday. Over the last two weeks, they have played three games at the venue, even if they haven't come close to producing their potential best performance.

Sri Lanka isn't an opposition they would mind coming up against. Not only have they beaten their Asian counterparts in eight out of the last nine encounters but it's also a team that has never beaten Pakistan in World Cups. Being on the other side of the spectrum against India, Pakistan know a thing or two about the psychological advantage these historical baggages tend to bring.

Pakistan's head coach Grant Bradburn has insisted that the form of the fast bowlers has overshadowed the improved performances of their middle order. He isn't far from the truth. It's the best year that middle order has had since the 2019 World Cup. But also the worst for their top order. While the poor form of the openers has been well highlighted, Babar Azam has managed to score only 61 runs in the last 4 ODIs. A concern for Pakistan, an opportunity for Sri Lanka to pounce on and gain the early advantage.

It's still early days in the tournament and there is some early momentum already, even if largely insignificant. Sri Lanka will be coming into the game after having their bowling attack being taken apart by South Africa in their tournament opener in Delhi. Even as the batters put up a respectable score, it was far from enough to challenge the opposition. The