Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad - ICC Men's CWC 2023; Match Preview
Pakistan began their CWC 2023 campaign with a comfortable victory against the Dutch at the same venue while Sri Lanka suffered a huge loss against South Africa although they did give the chase of 429 a fair fight till the end.
Pakistani batting looked in superb touch in the warm ups but the top order was woefully exposed in their opening match against the Dutch. Fakhar and Imam were both disposed of early along with the mercurial Babar Azam. It was the youngster Saud Shakeel along with Rizwan who steadied the ship and with late cameos from Nawaz and Shadab helped Pakistan to a decent total. How long will Pakistan stick with Fakhar Zaman remains to be seen. Iftikhar also remains a threat in that middle order.
Bowling remains the stronger suit of Pakistan even with Naseem out. Shaheen Shah and Hasan Ali remain a potent threat with the new ball while the pace of Rauf becomes a crucial factor in the middle and closing overs. Shadab is still struggling for rhythm and he went for runs even against the Netherlands. The 20 overs of spin remains their weak link.
Sri Lankan batting which was torn apart by Siraj and Bumrah in the Asia Cup Final came roaring back against the Proteas in the opening game in Delhi. Kusal Mendis lit up the night with his clean hitting while Asalanka and Shanaka also contributed quick runs. The form of Pathum Nissanka at the top of the order remains a small worry while Sri Lanka will also want Kusal Perera to provide a breezy start like he did in the Asia Cup taking Shaheen Shah Afridi on. Dananjaya de Silva seems a misfit at number 6 but Sri Lanka are expected to stick to him for the time being.
Sri Lankan bowling suffered at the hands of Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram with all of them smashing 100's but the return of Theekshana will give the Lankan bowling much needed lift. I hope Kasun Rajitha will make way for him. Pathirana might also be replaced with Lahiru Kumara after being very expensive in the opening game. He was also erratic with his line and length. Wellalage, even though he went for runs, looked the best bowler in Delhi so should keep his place.
Key Battles: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
Babar Azam Vs Dunith Wellalage
Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis Vs Shaheen Shah Afridi
Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka Vs Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan
Mohammad Rizwan Vs Maheesh Theekshana
The two teams were involved in a last ball thriller in the Asia Cup where Asalanka took the Lankans over the line. Sri Lanka has never beaten Pakistan in an ODI World Cup game till date so that's one record that the Men in Blue will be looking to change.
Probable Pakistan XI
Fakhar Zaman, Imam ul Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali
Probable Sri Lanka XI
Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madhushanka, Lahiru Kumara
Top 5 Fantasy Picks for Pakistan v Sri Lanka at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
Babar Azam
Kusal Mendis
Haris Rauf
Maheesh Theekshana
Charith Asalanka
The match will start at 02.00 PM IST (streamed live on Disney plus Hotstar app & on TV on Star Sports 1)
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Who do you think will come out on top in this clash of the Asian Giants?
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