The cricketing world is abuzz as Pakistan (PAK) vs Srilanka (SL) gear up to clash in the 8th match of the Cricket World Cup 2023. Scheduled for Tuesday, October 10, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, this match marks the second outing for both teams in this prestigious tournament.
PAK vs SL,Matches Preview
Pakistan
In their previous game, Pakistan faced off against the Netherlands, who won the toss and opted to bowl first. Pakistan’s performance wasn’t exactly what they had hoped for, as they were bundled out for 286 runs in 49 overs. Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel stood out, each scoring 68 runs. The Netherlands did put up a fight with a 70-run partnership for the third wicket but eventually crumbled, finishing at 205 runs. Pakistan emerged victorious by 81 runs, with Haris Rauf being the star bowler, claiming three wickets for 43 runs in nine overs.
Sri Lanka’s
On the other side of the coin, Sri Lanka was involved in a high-scoring encounter against South Africa. They won the toss and chose to bowl, but South Africa posted a massive total of 428 runs for the loss of five wickets, powered by centuries from Quinton de Kock, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram. In response, Sri Lanka fought valiantly but could only muster 326 runs before getting bowled out in 44.5 overs, succumbing to a 102-run loss.
PAK vs SL ,Match Prediction
The PAK vs SL encounter promises to be an intriguing battle in the ODI World Cup 2023. Pakistan, despite a disappointing Asia Cup 2023 and losses in their warm-up matches against New Zealand and Australia, showed resilience in their opening game against the Netherlands. They set a challenging target of 287 runs and secured an 81-run victory.
Sri Lanka, however, comes into the tournament after a defeat in the Asia Cup finals against an in-form Indian side. Their warm-up matches against Bangladesh and Afghanistan also ended in losses. Missing key players like Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka’s bowling struggled in their opening game against South Africa, conceding a record-breaking 428/5 before being dismissed for 326.
Pakistan aims to secure a win in this match and build momentum for their highly-anticipated clash against India on Saturday, October 14. In contrast, Sri Lanka seeks to regain confidence after their last-ball victory against Pakistan in the Asia Cup and get their campaign back on track.
PAK vs SL Match Details:
| Match | Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka, ODI World Cup 2023, Match 8 |
| Venues | Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, Hyderabad |
| Date & Time | Tuesday, October 10, 2:00 PM (IST) |
| Live Streaming | Star Sports Network, Disney+ Hotstar |
PAK vs SL Match Stadium And Pitch Report
The Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium has witnessed numerous high-scoring encounters, making it a favorable ground for batsmen. In the two warm-up matches held here, both innings saw scores exceeding 300. However, the pitch displayed some trickery during the Netherlands vs. Pakistan match, with Shadab Khan’s deliveries turning viciously in the second innings. While batsmen are expected to enjoy the conditions, Sri Lanka may need to adapt to a less batting-friendly pitch compared to their game in Delhi against South Africa in the ODI World Cup 2023.
PAK vs SL Head-to-Head Record:
| Pakistan Won | 92 |
| Sri Lanka Won | 59 |
| Tied | 1 |
| No Result | 4 |
| First Played | 14June,1975 |
| Last Played | 14Sep,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
- Haris Rauf
Srilanka (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/Maheesh Theekshana
PAK vs SL Probable Best Performers:
Probable Best Batter: Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)
Kusal Mendis, the wicketkeeper-batter, has been in outstanding form recently. He was the second-highest run-scorer in the Asia Cup 2023. In a warm-up match against Afghanistan, Kusal scored a phenomenal 158 off just 87 balls. He followed it up with an entertaining knock of 76 off 42 balls against South Africa, hitting four fours and eight sixes.
Probable Best Bowler: Haris Rauf (Pakistan)
Haris Rauf, the right-arm pacer, played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s victory against the Netherlands. His pace and bounce during the middle overs turned the game in Pakistan’s favor. Rauf possesses the ability to pick crucial wickets during this phase of the game, which is crucial in 50-over cricket. Sri Lankan batters should be cautious not to fall victim to the 29-year-old’s skills.
Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. When making your own prediction, take into account the points mentioned and make an informed decision.