ODI World Cup 2023: Match 8, PAK vs SL Match Prediction – Who will win today’s World Cup match between Pakistan vs Sri Lanka?

Asian giants Sri Lanka (SL) and Pakistan (PAK) cross swords in Hyderabad on Tuesday, October 10, in what promises to be an intriguing encounter in the ODI World Cup 2023. Pakistan came into the marquee event on the back of a disappointing Asia Cup 2023. They were also beaten in their two warm-up matches against New Zealand and Australia. However, in their opening encounter against the Netherlands, Babar Azam and Co. overcame a couple of mini-batting collapses to set a challenging target of 287 and went on to win by 81 runs.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, came into the tournament after being annihilated in the finals of the Asia Cup by an in-form Indian side. Like Pakistan, Sri Lanka also lost their two warm-up games against Bangladesh and Afghanistan. The Lankans are missing proven performers like Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga. Their bowling came a cropper in their first game against South Africa in Delhi. The Proteas scored a record-breaking 428/5 in their 50 overs, before dismissing Dasun Shanaka's men for 326.

Pakistan will look to win this clash and build momentum ahead of their highly-anticipated showdown against India on Saturday, October 14. On the other hand, Sri Lanka will take confidence from their last-ball victory against the 'Men in Green' in the Asia Cup and try to get their campaign back on track.

PAK vs SL Match Details:

Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium Pitch Report:

The Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium is a venue where fans have seen many high-scoring encounters. The pitches on offer at the venue are helpful for the batters. The two warm-up games at this venue saw scores in excess of 300 being amassed in all four innings. However, the pitch wasn't as great in the encounter between Netherlands and Pakistan. Some balls from Shadab Khan turned viciously in the second innings. While the batters are still expected to be in for a treat, the Sri Lanka team will have to adjust as it might not be as batting-friendly as the one on which they played in Delhi against South Africa in the ODI World Cup 2023.

PAK vs SL Head-to-Head Record:

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

Sri Lanka (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

Probable Best Performers: 

Probable Best Batter:

Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)

The wicketkeeper-batter has been in prolific form in recent times. He was second on the list of highest run-getters in the Asia Cup 2023. In a warm-up clash 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.

Also Check: Most Runs in ODI World Cup 2023

Probable Best Bowler:

Haris Rauf (Pakistan)

The right-arm pacer changed the game in the middle overs with his pace and bounce against the Netherlands. He has the ability to pick wickets in the middle overs, which is very important in 50-over cricket. Sri Lankan batters will do well to not lose wickets to the 29-year-old in that phase of the game.

Today's Match Prediction: Pakistan to win the match