(Poornama Edirisooriya writes)
England, the defending champions are in a tremendous pressure. Came to india as one of the favorites. Now their journey's hanging by a thread.And they are facing a team that they haven't beat in a WC since 1999.
Sri Lanka, lost couple of major players even before the WC, lost its captain and a bowler at the first couple of matches. Nothing to lose, everything to gain scenario. What you can ask than that to play freely and fearlessly.
Even with the most dangerous side in 2019 , England lost to Sri Lanka. Predictors showed 3% for us but we beaten them thanks to great Lasith Malinga. So who's gonna do for us this time.
As mentioned England are in pressure in this must win game. Their attacking pattern didn't give them the results they wanted. So they are in a spot of bother with their approach. They might try a defensive mode at some stages of the game. That's where Sri Lanka has to put the gas on their game. One bowling spell, One good batting partnership may , One good attacking inning might push Englishmen to the backfoot. Remember , in this game pressure can do wonders !!!
If Sri Lanka can play their A-game, we might have a chance to beat defending champions once again in a world cup. Short boundaries will be tough challenge since Sri Lankan bowlers haven't clicked yet in the tournament. Bangalore always provides run fests. Batters always dominate in this ground and tomorrow will be no different surely. For Sri Lanka if Kusal Perera could find his groove again and Kusal Mendis could do what he did in the first two matches, Sri Lanka will be in a great position with the bat. Pathum Nissanka's 50s converting to a 100 would be ideal too. Dilshan Madushanka is having a great world cup campaign so far, and is currently the second most wicket taker of the tournament.
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| Madushanka is SL's best bowler so far |
Considering about playing xi, couple of changes can be expected. Chris Silverwood confirmed that Maheesh Theekshana is available for the selections, hence he will come in to the xi. Still no confirmation on whether Angelo Mathews play or not, but with the way things were aligned past two days he will play his 4th world cup. With the ground conditions and dimensions, Hemantha will have to sit out most probably. If Mathews play as a finisher, there is a chance to play a proper fast bowler instead of Chamika Karunaratne.
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| Mathews set to play his 4th World Cup |
Probable xi:
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (C & WK), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka.
Can the defending champions take a turnaround for their campaign ?
Can Sri Lanka continue their winning streak over England in WCs ?
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