Overview

Heading into the one-day series Pakistan have it all to prove following their 2-0 loss in the recent Test series, a series they had numerous opportunities to claim the ascendancy in.

Pakistan's triumphant World Twenty20 campaign suggests that Intikhab Alam's men certainly have what it takes to deliver in coloured clothing.

The visitors will be boosted by the return of talisman Shahid Afridi as well as former 'rebels' Imran Nazir and Rana Naved, giving the squad a good mixture of youth and experience.

On the home front Sri Lanka will be lifted by the return of Muttiah Muralitharian, but will be without the talents of the charismatic Tillakaratne Dilshan. The Lions do however have enough depth in all departments to ensure that Dilshan's runs aren't too sorely missed.

With Sanath Jayasuriya's career winding down the hard-hitting opener will be looking to up his game after a disappointing World T20 in order to ensure he is not put out to pasture before he sees fit.

The clash of two units unafraid of unleashing their attacking intent should provide mouth-watering entertainment, despite the slow nature of pitches in Sri Lanka.

Spin will of course be key, not only in the sense that conditions will aid the slower bowlers but also in that Pakistan have Shahid Afridi in lethal bowling form and that the men in green appear to be the only nation to have grasped the basics of reading the formally unintelligible Ajantha Mendis.

The Murali/Mendis partnership that looked so deadly at one stage has lost a some of its aura with the younger of the spin twins failing to reach such dizzy heights in his sophomore season.

Expected Match-Winners
Sri Lanka: The three M's of Murali, Mendis and Malinga may be the bowlers on the lips of most fans, but Nuwan Kulasekara aptly illustrated during the recently completed Test series that he too has a lot to offer the Sri Lankan attack. The 27-year-old's ability to maintain a tight line and length will be of great use in the one-day arena.

Pakistan: After a two year absence from the international scene due to his ties with the rebel Indian Cricket League, you can expect Imran Nazir to come out with all guns blazing when he replaces Salman Butt at the top of the order. The likes of Afridi, Younus and Gul will always be crucial, but a feisty contribution from a less fancied performer such as Nazir could be the key to Pakistan's hopes of success.

Probable Bench-Warmers
Sri Lanka: Despite demonstrating some smashing form in the Test arena, a recall to the squad is the closest Thilan Samaraweera will get to playing his first ODI since 2005. The Sri Lankans have a settled batting line-up, with Upul Tharanga coming in for the injured Tillakaratne Dilshan the only change expected.

Pakistan: With Rana Naved and Abdul Razzaq back in contention, Rao Iftikhar may find it difficult to break back into the starting XI after failing to grab his chance in their absence.

Last Five Head-To-Head Results
2009: Third ODI: Sri Lanka won by 234 runs in Lahore
2009: Second ODI: Sri Lanka won by 129 runs in Karachi
2009: First ODI: Pakistan won by eight wickets in Karachi
2008: Asia Cup, Super Fours: Sri Lanka won by 64 runs in Karachi
2007: Third ODI: Sri Lanka won by 115 runs in Abu Dhabi

The Skippers' Say

"We are trying to build as strong a side as we possibly can going forward, and looking at one-and-a-half years of cricket towards the World Cup. The best way to build strong sides is to win matches and win series. This is going to be the first hurdle and the first step towards that goal. We hope to go out there and put up a great performance," - Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara looks to the future.

"There are many players in the team who did not play the Test series, and they are keen to prove that Pakistan are one of the best one-day teams in the world. The Tests are behind us, we look forward to doing well in the one-dayers." - Pakistan captain Younis Khan looks to add to their World Twenty20 and make up for their Test failure with triumph in the ODI series.

Prediction

It should be a tight contest but if Paksitan manage to hold their nerve (and that's a big if) the visitors could just edge it.

Squads
Sri Lanka: Kumar Sangakkara (captain), Muttiah Muralitharan, Sanath Jayasuriya, Mahela Jayawardene, Thilan Samaraweera, Chamara Kapugedara, Angelo Mathews, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Ajantha Mendis, Thilina Kandamby, Malinga Bandara, Thilan Thushara, Isuru Udana, Upul Tharanga.

Pakistan: Younis Khan (captain), Imran Nazir, Nasir Jamshed, Mohammad Yousuf, Misbah-ul-Haq, Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal, Shahid Afridi, Umar Gul, Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Aamer, Rana Naved, Abdul Razzaq, Umar Akmal, Fawad Alam, Rao Iftikhar.

Fixtures
First ODI: Dambulla, 30 July
Second ODI: Dambulla, 1 August
Third ODI: Dambulla, 3 August
Fourth ODI: Colombo, 7 August
Fifth ODI: Colombo, 9 August

Julia Harris