England will lock horns with Sri Lanka in the 25th of the Men’s World Cup ODI 2023 in Bengaluru on Thursday, 26th October. Both teams have been struggling to make an impact in the tournament thus far. The defending champions England are yet to stay true to their status as they’ve won only one game from four matches. Sri Lanka have lost three matches on the trot before claiming their first tournament win against Netherlands. The Three Lions are currently at the 9th spot with two points and an NRR of -1.248, while Sri Lanka are above the defending champions at the 8th position with two points and an NRR of -1.048 in the points table.
In the Men’s World Cup ODI, England and Sri Lanka have faced off against each other 12 times, with the Three Lions leading 6-5. The last encounter between the two teams in the tournament was in 2019 when Sri Lanka defeated England by 20 runs in a thrilling match. The upcoming match is expected to be exciting as England and Sri Lanka will look to turn the tables around and keep their semifinal hopes alive.
Players to watch out for
1. D Malan (ENG): D Malan is one of the top batters for England in the ongoing Men’s World Cup ODI. The 36-year-old is currently the leading run-scorer for the side, aggregating 192 runs, including a century, at an average of 48 in four matches so far. His best performance came against Bangladesh, where he scored 140 off 107 balls. Thereafter, he registered scores of 32 and 6 against Afghanistan and South Africa, respectively. D Malan is an attacking top-order batsman who can pile runs in the powerplay and anchor the innings when needed. Though he was not in his best form in the last two games, Malan will look to get back to his rhythm and pose a threat to Sri Lanka’s bowling attack.
2. S Samarawickrama (SL): S Samarawickrama has been one of the mainstays of Sri Lanka’s batting line-up in this Men’s World Cup ODI. In the last match against the Netherlands, the 28-year-old scored a match-winning unbeaten knock of 91 off 107 balls while chasing the target of 263. Samarawickrama is currently the leading run-scorer for Sri Lanka, aggregating 230 runs, including a century and half-century, at an average of 76.66 in four matches. He is one of the reliable middle-order batters for his side alongside C Asalanka. S Samarawickrama can anchor the innings in the middle and turn the game on its head. Samarawickrama will look to carry on his good form in the upcoming match against England.
3. J Buttler (ENG): J Buttler has not been in his best form in the ongoing Men’s World Cup ODI. The England captain is yet to play a crucial role in the tournament as he scored just 87 runs at an average of 21.75 in four matches so far. But, one cannot strike through his name. Once he finds his groove, he will start unleashing his firepower and can change a game at any point. Buttler can take charge in the middle and anchor the innings to help his side post a respectable total on the board. Since the pitch in Bengaluru is for batting, Buttler can easily find his feet and get back to his rhythm with a good performance.
4. D Madushanka (SL): D Maushanka is currently the pace spearhead for Sri Lanka in this ODI World Cup. In the previous match against the Netherlands, the 23-year-old scalped four wickets while conceding 49 runs at an economy rate of 5.10 in 9.4 overs. Madushanka is currently the joint-second leading wicket-taker in the tournament, taking 11 wickets, including a four-wicket haul, at an average of 21.18 and an economy rate of 6.13 in four matches so far. Madushanka is one of the crucial bowlers for Sri Lanka in the powerplay as well as in the middle overs. Madushanka has the ability to deliver the ball at a good line and length, which can trouble the batsmen. D Madushanka will look to lead the pace attack against England.
5. M Wood (ENG): M Wood has not made any impact yet despite his fiery pace in the ongoing Men’s World Cup ODI. The 33-year-old has managed to take only 3 wickets at an average of 70 and an economy rate of 6.77 in four wickets. However, M Wood can be a dangerous bowler on his day. His fiery pace and the ability to swing the ball in both ways can trouble the batsmen. Also, M Wood can hit few blows while batting at the lower order, which was evident during his 43-run knock against South Africa. Wood provides support to the team not just with his batting but also with his bowling. M Wood will look to improve his bowling in the upcoming match against Sri Lanka.
Predicted Playing XI
ENG: J Bairstow, D Malan, J Root, H Brook, J Buttler (C/WK), B Stokes L Livingstone, A Rashid, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, M Wood,
SL: P Nissanka, D Karunaratne, K Mendis, S Samarawickrama, C Asalanka, D de Silva, D Hemantha, D Wellalage, M Theekshana, K Rajitha, D Madushanka,
Fantasy Playing XI Picks
Wicketkeeper: J Buttler (C)
Batsmen: D Malan, H Brook, S Samarawickrama (VC), C Asalanka
All-rounder: L Livingstone, D de Silva
Bowlers: A Rashid, D Madushanka, M Wood, M Theekshana,
Prediction
England are expected to make a strong comeback following two consecutive defeats in the tournament. The Bengaluru pitch suits England more than Sri Lanka as they have a strong batting unit compared to their opponent. Since it is high scoring ground, England batters will look to put up a good performance and post a solid total. England are expected to post a solid total on the board if they opt to bat first.
