Sri Lanka v Pakistan, World Twenty20 Final preview.

For the second tournament in succession, the World Twenty20 Final will be contested by two Asian teams. In the inaugural tournament in South Africa, it was India who reached the final, ultimately beating Pakistan, who once again take their place in the grand finale. Their opponents this year, the much improved Sri Lankan outfit, captained these days by the shy, but highly respected Kumar Sangakkara. While his captaincy has brought renewed enthusiasm and vigour into the Sri Lankan camp, his batting has yet to really get going. An average of just 22.60 in his 6 innings to date, doesn't underline the talent he really has. A strike rate of just over 100 also indicates that he has not hit top form. He will say that he is saving the best till last. Sri Lanka's batting has relied upon Tillakaratne Dilshan and Sanath Jayasuriya at the top of the order, with the world-classy Mahela Jayawardene coming in at three. And indeed, it has been those three that have propelled Sri Lanka into the final. Dilshan's form has been up there with South Africa's AB de Villiers, who seems to be in the form of his life right now. Dilshan's enigmatic stroke play, emphasised by the stroke he has labelled the 'starfish' has been something fresh and exciting for the Sri Lankan team. That, coupled with the brutal hitting of Sanath Jayasuriya, and the class of Mahela Jayawardene has brought great balance to the Sri Lankan batting lineup. They will be hoping that all three of these guys, along with Sangakkara, will be on top of their game come 5.30, Sunday evening.

As for their bowling, is there any better attack in the world? The mere fact that Chaminda Vaas has been excluded from the squad, tells you something about the depth of this wonderfully talented unit. Nuwan Kulasekara is the no.1 bowler in the world when it comes to One-day Internationals. Isuru Udana, new on the scene, has bamboozled batsman with his brilliantly executed slower ball (bowled out the back of the hand). Lasith Malinga has already built up the reputation for the being the world's best death bowler, as well as possessing an impossible slower ball. And as for the spin department - Ajantha Mendis provides mystery and complexity, whereas Muttiah Muralidaran possess the lethal doosra and the big-spinning offy. In the midst of all these superstars and mystery men, is Angelo Mathews. Somewhat the unsung hero, Mathews ripped out the heart of the West Indies batting in the semi-final, taking three wickets in an over, and finishing with figures of 3-16 from his 4 overs. His batting has also been very reliable, with some powerful lower order hitting and the ability to stay at the crease during those final overs. Who would dare look beyond Sri Lanka?

As for Pakistan, they have relied purely and solely on their bowling attack. Yasir Arafat had to fly home early due to a foot injury, but the 17 year old Mohammad Aamer has certainly taken up the mantle as Pakistan's spearhead, along with Umar Gul. Gul's incredible return of 5-6 against New Zealand, in a game where Pakistan completely answered all their critics, and some, really made the world realise the potential they have as a bowling unit. Aamer's consistency of pace, if nothing less, has been more than enough to support Gul, and the likes of Saeed Ajmal and Shahid Afridi have given captain Younus Khan more than enough options to rely on. Ajmal has had a wonderful tournament, unleashing a variety of deliveries, most notably the doosra that had even Kevin Pietersen in trouble. One questions, however, whether Pakistan's fielding will be good enough to support the likes of Gul and Ajmal. Against England they were atrocious. Against South Africa, they were faultless.

Along with the fielding, Pakistan's biggest worry is their batting. With only 3 fifties in the whole tournament, Pakistan will be relying religiously on Younus Khan at the top of the order, with contributions from the likes of Kamran Akmal, whose ability seems endless, and Shahid Afridi who is just regaining his confidence and form. In the middle order, Pakistan seem frail. Misbah ul-Haq and Fawad Alam lack runs and time at the crease, while Shoaib Malik hasn't fulfilled his potential as one of the world's best. Against Sri Lanka's world class bowling line up, will Pakistan's inconsistent batsman be able to get 160, 170 on the board, and give their powerful bowlers enough to defend? Come what may, the 2009 World Twenty20 Final will be unmissable.