Osman Samiuddin's 5 keys to the Pakistan v Sri Lanka ODI series

Osman's already written about how he sees the estimable Sri Lanka batsman Kumar Sangakkara for us, saying:

"Not only is he such a champion cricketer, he is an articulate man. To some eyes, there is nothing better than Sangakkara on one knee, driving through covers. To some minds, there has not been a better talk given by a serving cricketer than Sangakkara’s Spirit of Cricket Cowdrey Lecture in 2011."

Now after Pakistan and Sri Lanka split the two-match Twenty20 series, the hosts will take on the Sri Lankans over five one-day internationals across three emirates in the UAE. Osman offers his five areas where the next stage of their tour could be won or lost:

1. Sangakkara's duel with Ajmal

Kumar Sangakkara is one of the few batsmen to have played Saeed Ajmal not just with comfort, but authority, since 2011. In the two T20s, each had a victory; Ajmal dismissed Sangakkara in the first, deceiving him with pace and flight. In the second, Sangakkara took nine runs from the three Ajmal balls he saw.

2. Kulasekera v Pakistan's top order

If Nuwan Kulasekera could bowl against one side forever, he would pick Pakistan. Over half his Test wickets have come against them, at a superior strike rate, economy and average than his career norm. In ODIs, the story is similar. His sharp in-swing has been crucial.

3. Sharjeel Khan

Pakistan’s problems with openers are well known and the extent is now comical. In Sharjeel’s first three internationals – all T20s – he has looked unusually assured and elegant. He likes playing straight, but has some panache in his leg-side shots. He has notched a fifty already.

4. All-rounders

Of all the other variables, this could be a series ultimately decided by the contributions of its all-rounders. One reason why both Sri Lanka and Pakistan are always so feared by opponents is because of the depth and flexibility their all-rounders usually afford them.

5. Coaching farewells

The series is the last for the coaches. Dav Whatmore’s two-year deal with Pakistan expires in February, while Graham Ford leaves in January. Neither stint has been as successful as hoped. It leaves little time to fill the gap before the World Twenty20 next year.