Match Details
The encounter between Pakistan and Sri Lanka is scheduled for Tuesday, 10th October, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad.
Match Preview
Coming off a victory against the Netherlands, Pakistan is keen to maintain their winning streak. On the other hand, Sri Lanka, having suffered a defeat against South Africa in Delhi, is eager to bounce back.
Sri Lanka’s performance was notably affected by the absence of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana in their previous match. The team is hopeful that Theekshana, who was sidelined due to a hamstring injury, will be fit to face Pakistan in Hyderabad.
Theekshana’s role will be crucial in containing Pakistan’s formidable batting line-up, led by captain Babar Azam. Azam, who had a rare off day against the Netherlands, will be eager to make amends.
Saud Shakeel, who was the standout performer in the match against the Netherlands, is expected to play a significant role in Pakistan’s World Cup journey.
Team Line-ups
Pakistan:
Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim.
Sri Lanka:
Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Mendis (vc), Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Kumara, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dushan Hemantha
Players to Watch
Pakistan – Haris Rauf
Haris Rauf, the right-arm fast bowler, was in top form during Pakistan’s World Cup opener against the Netherlands, claiming three crucial wickets. With Naseem Shah out of the tournament due to injury, Rauf’s partnership with star pacer Shaheen Afridi will be vital in dismantling opposition batting line-ups.
Sri Lanka – Kusal Mendis
Kusal Mendis, the Sri Lankan powerhouse, has been in sublime form in India. He followed up his century against Afghanistan in the warm-up matches with a blistering 76 against South Africa in Delhi. Mendis, who hit eight sixes in that innings, will be the prized wicket that Pakistan will be aiming for in this clash of the Asian giants.