In the forthcoming showdown at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore on Thursday, October 26, England (ENG) faces a perilous situation, as they battle Sri Lanka (SL) in the 25th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. This clash could make or break England’s aspirations to defend their World Cup title, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
England’s hopes of retaining their World Cup crown were dealt a severe blow in a recent encounter with South Africa at the Wankhede Stadium. The Proteas launched a relentless assault on England’s bowling unit, amassing a formidable 399 runs in their 50-over innings. Heinrich Klaasen’s dominant and aggressive batting display further complicated England’s campaign.
Sri Lanka finds itself in a similar predicament, heading into this crucial match with an identical record. Their recent victory against the Netherlands adds to the intrigue of this contest, as both teams languish in the lower half of the points table. However, Sri Lanka faces additional challenges, primarily due to several injuries, and concerns loom over Matheesha Pathirana’s availability for the rest of the tournament.
Match Details:
- Match: England Vs Sri Lanka, ODI World Cup 2023, Match 25
- Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore
- Date & Time: Thursday, October 26, 2:00 PM (IST)
- Live Streaming: Available on Star Sports Network, Disney+ Hotstar app, and website
M Chinnaswamy Stadium Pitch Report: The pitch at this venue has been a paradise for batsmen, as evidenced by Australia’s recent feat of amassing 367 runs in the last ODI played here. While spinners may find some assistance from the pitch, the smaller ground dimensions leave them with little room for error. Bengaluru is expected to experience mostly sunny weather with a high temperature of 31 degrees Celsius, promising an exciting contest between bat and ball.
Head-to-Head Record (ENG vs SL):
- Matches Played: 78
- England won: 38
- Sri Lanka won: 36
- N/R: 3
- Tied: 1
- First Played: 13 Feb 1982
- Last Played: 04 Jul 2021
Probable Playing XI: England (ENG):
- Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (C, WK), Harry Brook, Chris Woakes, David Willey, Adil Rashid, Gus Atkinson, Mark Wood
Sri Lanka (SL):
- Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (C, WK), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka
Probable Best Performers:
Probable Best Batter: Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka) Kusal Mendis has emerged as a standout performer for Sri Lanka in their initial two matches, amassing 76 runs off 42 balls in a challenging chase against South Africa, followed by a century off 65 balls against Pakistan. Moreover, he’s one of just four players who were part of the team that caused an upset against England at Headingley during the 2019 World Cup, giving him valuable experience.
Probable Best Bowler: Mark Wood (England) Mark Wood has demonstrated his pace, delivering a 154 kmph ball in the 2023 World Cup, earning him the title of the fastest delivery of the tournament. While his performance in the competition hasn’t been remarkable with just three wickets, his adaptability in terms of variations and lengths can make him a valuable asset in the conditions at Bangalore.
- Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
