Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Match 8
ICC World Cup, 10th October 2023, 2:00 PM IST, Rajib Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
Pakistan and Sri Lanka are preparing for a clash that promises to be a thriller in the 2023 ODI Cricket World Cup. Pakistan, coming off a comfortable victory against the Netherlands in their opener, showed moments of vulnerability in a game that could've swung in any direction.
On the other side, Sri Lanka faced a formidable challenge from South Africa, who posted an imposing total of 428 runs. The Lankans, in their pursuit of the mammoth target, stumbled early with the loss of two wickets.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka head-to-head stats
However, they displayed a strong will, fueled by Kusal Mendis' explosive 72, a gritty 68 from captain Dasun Shanaka, and a solid 79 from Charith Asalanka, amassing a respectable total of 326 runs with all of their wickets. Despite their efforts, they fell short by 102 runs against the Proteas i one of their most disappointing matches.
With a defeat in their first match, the Sri Lankan lions are undoubtedly hungry for a victory, drawing confidence from their recent triumph against Pakistan in the Asia Cup on home turf.
Pakistan, riding high after their initial success, will be eager to secure back-to-back wins and strengthen their position in this crucial cricket World Cup campaign. It's a clash of titans, and cricket fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the showdown between these two formidable teams.
Team Form, Last 5 Matches for Pakistan: L-L-L-L-W
Team Form, Last 5 Matches for Sri Lanka: W-L-L-L-L
Contents
PAK vs SL match preview
Pakistan
In Pakistan's recent victory over the Netherlands, there was a notable hiccup in their top-order batting as they grappled against the Dutch bowlers. Losing three wickets in quick succession undoubtedly piled on the pressure for the team.
It was a debutant, Saud Shakeel, who emerged as the saving grace. His impressive innings of 68 runs off just 52 balls played a pivotal role in Pakistan posting a competitive total.
However, as they gear up to face Sri Lanka, the lessons from that match should serve as a cautionary tale. Sri Lanka's spin bowlers possess a formidable reputation, and they have the skill set to curtail Pakistan's run-scoring capabilities with regular wickets.
As Pakistan can't afford to post a low total against Sri Lanka, they must avoid the same batting woes that plagued them against the Netherlands.
Probable Best Performers
Probable Best Batter: Babar Azam
Probable Best Bowler: Shaheen Afridi
Probable Playing XI: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali
Sri Lanka
South Africa recently etched their name in the record books by amassing a whopping 428 runs in their ODI cricket World Cup clash against Sri Lanka. It was a day that Sri Lankan bowlers would probably prefer to erase from memory, with all their main bowlers posting economy rates of 8 or more.
Now, looking ahead to their match against Pakistan, it's crucial for Sri Lanka to conjure up a solid game plan. Pakistani batters possess a similar level of skill and firepower to the Proteas, and if Sri Lanka doesn't come up with a strategy to contain them, our prediction is history could repeat itself.
Historic.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 7, 2023
Sri Lanka vs South Africa match has the highest aggregate runs in World Cup history. pic.twitter.com/3EgKQvjg0u
To avoid a déjà vu scenario, the Lankans will need to put on their thinking caps and figure out how to tame the Pakistani batting juggernaut.
Probable Best Performers
Probable Best Batter: Kusal Mendis
Probable Best Bowler: Wanindu Hasaranga
Probable Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga.
Pitch report and expected weather conditions for PAK vs SL
The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad has seen a fair share of wins for both batting and bowling sides. Usually, the pitch favors the pacers but here's the scoop: lately, it seems like the pitch starts playing tricks as the game goes on, helping spinners as the game progresses.
Sri Lanka's got some spinners with Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga. They may be playing a crucial role in limiting Pakistani batters to a low total.
But when it comes to batting, Pakistan's got the edge. With skilled batters at the top and middle order, Sri Lankan bowlers won’t have it easy. On top of that, Pakistan's got some handy spin options themselves, along with a pace attack that is among the best.
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium ODI Statistics
Matches Played 8
Won Batting First 5
Won Batting Second 3
Average First Innings Score 288
Average Second Innings Score 262
Expected weather report: A few days ago, the weather forecast was not looking good ahead of this match. Now, however, there has been a significant improvement, and the chances of this clash being impacted by rain are slim. There is a 5% chance of rain, with a high of 33 Degrees Celsius and a low of 23 Degrees Celsius. Wind will be negligible, with plenty of haze around instead.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Dream11 match prediction
Wicketkeeper: Kusal Mendis
Batters: Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Perera
All-rounders: Shadab Khan, Dasun Shanaka, Dunith Wellalage
Bowlers: Wanindu Hasaranga, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf
Recommended Captain: Babar Azam
Recommended Vice-captain: Dasun Shanaka
A wicketkeeper like Kusal Mendis has excellent reflexes, as well as a fantastic batting technique, making him the ideal pick for our Dream11.
The batting order boasts the likes of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Charith Asalanka, and Kusal Perera, ensuring a strong foundation. Shadab Khan, Dasun Shanaka, and Dunith Wellalage bring versatility to the team with their all-round capabilities.
Bowling duties fall on the capable shoulders of Wanindu Hasaranga, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf, making this lineup a formidable force to reckon with. With this combination, we've got power, finesse, and experience – the perfect recipe for success in any format of the game.
We give Babar the captain’s helm, and it's a no-brainer. His calm nature and mature decision-making ability have made him our Dream11 captain. Meanwhile, Shanaka steps in as the vice-captain, because he loves to lead by example.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka win prediction: Pakistan to win
While Sri Lanka's hunger for a win is undeniable, the odds tips in favor of the “Men in Green” this time around, and our Dream11 prediction agrees. This assessment is not without merit, as Pakistan boasts a robust batting order and a potent pace attack that could prove overwhelming for the Lions.
