ICC World Cup 2019: Match 11, Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Preview – Asian battalions fight for redemption in Bristol

The scars from their respective first defeats eventually were not that indelible, but they could be resurrected when they meet at the County Ground. Both Sri Lanka and Pakistan got toyed in their opening games against New Zealand and Windies respectively, but both bounced back with important wins.

Pakistan though has a lot to cheer about as their win against England was a lot more satisfying and morale-boosting when compared to the Islanders just about pipping the Afghan contingent despite not putting in their best effort. These two sides, who won the championship in consecutive editions back in 1992 and 1996, find themselves in a situation where survival is the top priority.

Pacers thus far have been dominating the proceedings this World Cup. If that factor once again is set to decide the result, the Men in Green could possibly run away with the result. There are plenty of factors against the Lankan side, but considering the unpredictability of the Pakistani unit, one can never predict what can happen.

Playing Combinations

Pakistan

No changes are expected in this XI with both Haris Sohail and Imad Wasim expected to warm the bench. Asif Ali will keep his place and so will Shoaib Malik despite not showering any big runs so far. Apart from Babar Azam and Mohammad Hafeez, no other batters got a considerable amount of runs and that will be something for them to ponder upon. Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz were sensational with the ball and Hasan Ali too will be keen to catch up with his bowling partners.

Probable XI

Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Sarfaraz Ahmed (c & wk), Asif Ali, Shoaib Malik, Wahab Riaz, Hasan Ali, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir

Sri Lanka

Kusal Perera and Dimuth Karunaratne are getting some runs, some positive for the Sri Lankan unit. The likes of Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva need to buck up soon before they receive a cold shoulder from the management. Nuwan Pradeep saved the day for Sri Lanka against Afghanistan with Lasith Malinga cleaning up the tail, they are getting into this game with some confidence. They might be tempted to play Jeffrey Vandersay, but might go ahead with Udana.

Probable XI

Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Kusal Perera (WK), Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Isuru Udana, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Pradeep.

Focus will be on

Mohammad Amir (Pakistan)

Apart from finding some edges with the new ball, Mohammad Amir chipped in with some crucial wickets against England. He bowled well against Windies too, where the side got walloped but he returned with three wickets. After all the doubts and concerns raised over his selection, he’s beginning to vindicate it with some stupendous bowling and the fans wearing green will be desperate to see him continue the good work.

Dimuth Karunaratne (Sri Lanka)

Although he might have less than 500 runs in ODIs, Karunaratne is a technically strong cricketer and that will be imperative on these bouncy and cranky wickets in England. The pitches here have been consistently offering good bounce and they’ll need his valiant experience to counter the quality fast bowling from Pakistan. He has one fifty to his name this World Cup and got a good start against Afghanistan, so the form is not really a concern for him.

Head to head

Matches played – 153 | Pakistan won – 90 | Sri Lanka won – 58 | Tied – 1 | No result – 4

Stat Attack

1 – Shadab Khan is one short of 50 ODI scalps

Broadcast Details

TV – Star Sports

Live Streaming – Hotstar

Match Timings – 15:00 IST; 10:30 local