‘This is our best chance to beat Sri Lanka’

Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq admits that this might be their best opportunity to beat hosts Sri Lanka when the third Test starts on Friday.

The three-match series is currently locked at one-all but Sri Lanka will go into the match without one of their two batting legends, Mahela Jayawardene or Kumar Sangakkara, in the starting lineup for the first time in 15 years.

Jayawardene retired from international cricket after the world cup earlier this year while Sangakkara only played the first two Test matches in this series as part of the his farewelll to Sri Lanka cricket.

Pakistan have injuries and absentees to contend with ahead of the series decider with fast bowler Wahab Riaz ruled out through injury and allrounder Mohammad Hafeez not available because he has to work on his bowling action.

Misbah said: "At least we have 11 players to pick from. We have a lot of options and each one of them is focused on doing well for the country.

"We will field a combination that is good enough to win the match. With Jayawardene and Sangakkara not there, this is our best chance to beat Sri Lanka."

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