ICC World Cup 2019: Match 11, Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – Match Preview

The two Asian giants – Pakistan and Sri Lanka will clash against each other at the County Ground in Bristol on June 7 (Friday) to look for their second win in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2019. Meanwhile, the Lankans have never defeated Pakistan in a World Cup match and that they have lost in the last five meetings will keep Sarfraz Ahmed & Co ahead in the encounter.

Pakistan did an unexpected beating England after a debacle against Windies in the World Cup opener. The whole team came together as a unit and backed each other with the senior cricketers raising their hands when in needs was the positives from the game. The Men in Greens will look to do the same things they did against England to secure another win against a weaker opponent. The management played the masterstroke by promoting Mohammad Hafeez at four which provided stability in the batting order as Pakistan posted a excellent total before defending it with a bowling attack that has quality in it.

Read More: ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 (Match 11): Pakistan vs Sri Lanka – Stats Preview

Also read: Mumbai Cricketer Rakesh Panwar Stabbed To Death

On the other hand, Sri Lanka did overcome the Afghanistan hurdle but had to struggle a lot. The batsmen once again failed to put the runs on the scoreboard and need to pull up their socks under the leadership of Dimuth Karunaratne. The likes of Lahiru Thirimanne and Angelo Matthews need to stand up and score runs for the team. The bowling did a fair job in the last game, and it will take another magical effort from Lasith Malinga to stop a confident Pakistan team.

Date & Venue: June 7, 2019, 3:00 PM IST, County Ground, Bristol

Predicted XI

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

Sri Lanka:  Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Kusal Perera (wk), Lahiru Thirimanne/Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Jeevan Mendis, Thisara Perera, Isuru Udana, Nuwan Pradeep, Lasith Malinga

World Cup Head to Head

Statistical Preview

• In 56 innings since 2017, Sri Lanka have been bowled out 32 times – more than once every alternate innings.
• In ODIs since 2017, Sri Lanka have been the quickest to lose half their side – they lose five wickets inside 29 overs on an average. Pakistan’s average for the same stands at 34.4 overs.
• Shadab Khan is one short of 50 ODI wickets, while Hafeez needs one half-century for 50 ODI fifties

Pitch Report

England chased down 359 runs against Pakistan just a month ago during their 4-0 series win. If there’s another flat wicket, combined with the short boundaries, it could result in another hard day for bowlers. However, considering the overcast skies, the bowlers can extract some assistance with the new balls.

Read More: ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 (Match 10): Australia vs Windies – Statistical Highlights

Weather Forecast

The forecast reads there are 90 percent chances of rain throughout the Friday morning which can put the game in jeopardy. However, one can hardly predict the Bristol weather. Meanwhile, the temperature will hover around 15-16 degrees Celsius, making it chilly for the players.

Match Prediction

Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka will come to this match on the back of a win and will be desperate to keep the winning run going. While Pakistan routed England, Sri Lanka defeated Afghanistan in their individual last match.

Besides, Pakistan have never lost against Sri Lanka in the World Cup and will look to keep their record intact. And going by the recent form, Sarfraz Ahmed & Co will have a significant advantage over the Lankans at Bristol.