World Twenty20 semi-final: Sri Lanka v Pakistan It is believed that Pakistan will look to their spinners to bowl them to the victory over their hosts Sri Lanka in their World Twenty20 semi-final on Thursday in Colombo. Saeed Ajmal, Raza Hasan, Shahid Afridi and captain Mohammad Hafeez have helped the 2009 champions reach their fourth straight semi-final in the event. "It's because of our spinners that we are doing a great job," said Hafeez. "Sri Lanka also plays spin well. But whatever conditions we have seen here, it suits the spinners." Pakistan bowled 18 overs of spin during the 32 run win over Australia on Tuesday, which clinched their place in the last four. However, Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene said his side would not be fazed by the prospect of facing their rivals' in-form spinners. "We have some quality guys and play spin quite well," said Jayawardene. "We need to make sure that we execute our plans well against them." Jayawardene can also call upon his own star spinner in Ajantha Mendis. He took the best figures ever recorded in Twenty20 internationals with 6-8 against Zimbabwe in the opening match of the tournament. The home side can also draw upon the talents of fast bowler Lasith Malinga, who took a T20 career best 5-31 while helping to eliminate England. Hafeez said Pakistan would come up with a plan for Mendis, but said there was more to the home side's attack than spin. "Mendis is the one who is always very good in the Twenty20 format," said Hafeez. "We have played each other quite often, so we know each other as players. We will come up with a plan hopefully. "But we know that Sri Lanka has good seamers. [Nuwan] Kulasekera is playing a good role for them and Malinga is also there. |
