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COLOMBO: Twenty20 clash between Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be held today. The tourists slumped to a 2-0 defeat in the Test series and lost the One-dayers 3-2 against Kumar Sangakkara’s rampant home team.WATCH LIVE CRICKET MATCHPakistan salvaged their reputation by winning the last two One-day matches and hope to carry the momentum into today’s clash in which they will be led by flamboyant all-rounder Shahid Afridi.
Afridi, man of the match in both the semi-final and final of the World Twenty20, was appointed T20 captain after Younus quit the shortest form of the game soon after leading Pakistan to the title.
“It is not important that we lost the Test and One-day series,” said Afridi. “This is a new game and we are determined to end the tour on a positive note.”
Sangakkara was, however, confident of a good showing by his team, provided the top order batsmen delivered.
Sri Lanka called up opening batsman Mahela Udawatte to replace Tillakaratne Dilshan, who is still recovering from finger and eye injuries sustained during the third Test last month.
Udawatte is expected to open the innings with veteran Sanath Jayasuriya.
Off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan will lead the bowling in the absence of seamer Chaminda Vaas.