ODI World Cup 2023, Match 33: India vs Sri Lanka Match Preview

The unbeaten Indian (IND) side would look to secure their spot in the semi-finals of the ODI World Cup 2023 with a win against Sri Lanka (SL) in Mumbai on Thursday, November 2.

These two sides met in the finals of the Asia Cup 2023 in September. Sri Lanka wouldn't have fond memories of that encounter in Colombo as they were bowled out for 50 before India chased down the 51-run target in the seventh over with all ten wickets intact.

The injured duo of Matheesha Pathirana and Lahiru Kumara was replaced by two of Sri Lanka's most experienced cricketers - Angelo Mathews and Dushmantha Chameera. The former champions would bank on their experience as they try to break India's six-match winning streak.

Sadeera Samarawickrama has been the standout batter for the island nation as he has scored 331 runs in six matches at an average of 82.75 and a strike rate of 104.42. Pathum Nissanka has also been among the runs. Stand-in captain Kusal Mendis has not been able to build on the sensational start he had to the ten-team event. The likes of Charith Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva have not lived up to their potential, and that has added to Sri Lanka's problems. Dilshan Madushanka is Sri Lanka's leading wicket-taker with 13 scalps in six games at 24.46. He would have a crucial role to play with the new ball. Kasun Rajitha will also have to support his new-ball partner.

With only two wins from six games, Sri Lanka have very little chance of progressing to the semi-finals. However, they are a proud cricketing nation and wouldn't want to go down without a fight.

Rohit Sharma has led his team from the front in the ODI World Cup 2023 so far. He has scored 398 runs in six matches at an average of 66.33 and a strike rate of 119.16. Former India captain Virat Kohli was out for a duck against England, but his numbers in the ten-team tournament have been excellent. The Delhi batter has accumulated 354 runs in six games at an average of 88.50. KL Rahul has also been in good touch, but Shreyas Iyer's form would be an area of concern for the Men in Blue.

Jasprit Bumrah has enhanced his reputation, bagging 14 wickets at 15.07 and delivering whenever Rohit has needed him. Mohammed Siraj hasn't hit his straps as yet, but Mohammed Shami has been lethal since he came into the side after Hardik Pandya's injury. The right-arm pacer has picked up nine wickets in two matches and is looking in phenomenal rhythm. Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja have also done well in choking opposition teams in the middle overs.

Also Check: Most Wickets in ODI World Cup 2023

IND vs SL, Wankhede Stadium Pitch and Conditions

Batters enjoy themselves at the Wankhede Stadium. Bowlers, on the other hand, have to be at their best to keep the batters in check. South Africa batted first in both the games played at the venue in the World Cup. They scored 399/7 against England and 382/5 against Bangladesh. A lot of fours and sixes could be expected in the batter's paradise. The team that wins the toss could opt to bat first and look to put on a huge total.

IND vs SL Probable Playing XIs for ODI World Cup 2023, Match 33

India (IND)

India are expected to stick to the same playing XI that defeated England in their last game. Shreyas hasn't been at his best, but the Indian team management could give him a couple of more opportunities before bringing the in-form Ishan Kishan into the side.

Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj

Sri Lanka (SL)

The Sri Lankan team dropped Kusal Perera in their last game against Afghanistan and brought back the experienced Dimuth Karunaratne. Sri Lanka's red-ball skipper failed to impress, but he should get another chance against India. Maheesh Theekshana has had a dismal campaign, having picked up just three wickets in five games. He could be replaced by Dunith Wellalage, who picked up a five-wicket haul against India in the Super-Four stage of Asia Cup 2023.

Predicted XI: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (C & WK), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka

IND vs SL Head-to-Head in ODIs: