Match preview: PAK vs SL
On Tuesday, October 10, the two Asian powerhouses Sri Lanka (SL) and Pakistan (PAK) squared off in Hyderabad in what could be an exciting match during the ODI World Cup 2023. Pakistan entered the major competition after a poor Asia Cup in 2023. Additionally, they lost both of their exhibition games against Australia and New Zealand. Babar Azam and company overcame a few minor batting breakdowns to set a lofty target of 287 and prevailed by 81 runs in their opening match against the Netherlands.
Match preview: PAK vs SL
On the other hand, Sri Lanka entered the competition after losing to an in-form Indian team in the Asia Cup finals. Similar to Pakistan, Sri Lanka dropped both of their exhibition matches against Bangladesh and Afghanistan. Known performers like Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga are absent for the Lankan team. In their opening match in Delhi against South Africa, their bowling misfired. Before dismissing Dasun Shanaka’s team for 326, the Proteas struck a record-breaking 428/5 in their 50 overs.
In order to generate momentum before their highly anticipated match against India on Saturday, October 14, Pakistan will try to win this match. On the other side, Sri Lanka will look to restart their campaign by building on their Asia Cup triumph over the “Men in Green” on the final ball.
Many high-scoring games have been played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in front of adoring spectators. The batters can benefit from the pitches that are available on the field. More than 300 runs were scored in each of the two exhibition games played at this field. The field wasn’t as good for the match between Pakistan and the Netherlands, though. In the second inning, Shadab Khan’s balls took several violent turns. The Sri Lankan team will need to adjust, though, as the pitch could not be as batting-friendly as the one on which they played against South Africa in Delhi during the ODI World Cup 2023.
PAK vs. SL Probable Playing XI
Pakistan (PAK)
Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf
Also read: Shubman Gill Released From The Hospital, Will He Play Against Pakistan? Reports Claim…
Sri Lanka (SL)
Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dunith Wellalage, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Lahiru Kumara, and Maheesh Theekshana
