Though cricket is an unpredictable game, the way Pakistan demolished New Zealand on Thursday looks as if Sri Lanka would be up against giants in today's encounter. Let us, however, not forget that they have a giant killer called Muralitharan.

Sri Lanka takes on a proud Pakistan in the 4th match of the ARY Gold Cup in Sharjah. Despite a victory against New Zealand to their credit, they shall be facing a rejuvenated and highly spirited Pakistan outfit transformed as such after their prolific victory over the Black Caps.

New Zealand's batting was quite impressive. Taking advantage of Pakistan's usual fielding lapses, the Black Caps managed to pile up a challenging total of 266 runs with Mathew Sinclair scoring a wonderful century. Facing a fighting target of 267 runs to win, Pakistan achieved the landmark for the loss of only 2 wickets. It was a magnificent display of Pakistan's batting prowess.

The trio of giants like Shahid Afridi, Saeed Anwar and Inzamam-ul-Haq dominated the proceedings in such a way that the batsmen in waiting did not have a chance to take the crease. The flurry of fours and sixes that they hit not only baffled and tired the fielders but also delighted the crowd to the peak of enjoyment. Saeed Anwar's return to form highlighted by marvelous scores of 90 and 81 in the two matches has given a lot of boost to Pakistan's otherwise uncertain batting line. He can act as the match winner if he continues to maintain his form.

The outcome of this match and the fact that Pakistan has won both matches played so far crowns it as the best team in the competition. In the 1st encounter between the two teams, Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by a narrow margin of only 16 runs. It was just the start of the tournament. In the matches that followed Sri Lanka got a boost up by defeating the black Caps while Pakistan also defeated them rather more convincingly.

In the overall analysis Pakistan has won its two matches while Sri Lanka lost one. Pakistan does not lead the competition only statistically but also for its excellent performance. The manner in which Sri Lanka overwhelmed the Black Caps would, however, indicate that it is an awfully determined outfit. They would not give in without taking Pakistan to its limit. The Pakistan team will have to bowl and field a lot better to humble them.

The match to be played in front of a full house is expected to be highly tough as well as exciting. If Pakistan wins, the team jumps straight into the finals while in the event of Sri Lanka's success, the competition shall remain open.

© CricInfo