ODI World Cup 2023, Match 25: England vs Sri Lanka Match Preview

England and Sri Lanka square off in Bengaluru on Thursday, October 26, in what could be a do-or-die contest for both teams. England and Sri Lanka are currently tied on points as they have both won one game from the four they have played. Kusal Mendis' side is placed at No. 8 on the points table, one place above England, due to a better net run rate (NRR).

After suffering a crushing defeat against New Zealand in the opening game of the competition, England bounced back strongly to annihilate Bangladesh. However, Jos Buttler and Co. suffered a shocking defeat against 'giant killers' Afghanistan and were subsequently blown away by South Africa. To add salt to the wound, England's highest wicket-taker so far in the tournament, Reece Topley, suffered an injury and has been ruled out of the rest of the tournament.

However, the positive news is Ben Stokes' return to full fitness. The experienced campaigner played in the recent encounter against the Proteas but couldn't make a mark. England fans, however, know that a player of the calibre of Stokes won't take too much time to fire on all cylinders. The form of the England batters has left a lot to be desired and they will have to get their act together if they want to entertain hopes of retaining the title. Bowling isn't England's strong suit and Topley's injury further enhances the conundrum.

Hit with multiple injuries to key players, both prior to and during the tournament, Sri Lanka will need a miracle of sorts to make it to the semifinals. Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama have been the in-form batters for the 'Lankan Lions' and the onus will be on them to take the attack to the English bowlers. Dilshan Madushanka has been good with the ball as he has picked up 11 wickets in four games at 21.18. The left-arm seamer has the ability to swing the ball both ways and he will have to bring his A-game against Jos Buttler's men.

After suffering three consecutive losses, Sri Lanka managed to open their account with a win against the Netherlands in their most recent game. They have replaced the injured Matheesha Pathirana with veteran Angelo Mathews. The former Sri Lankan captain might be slotted into the playing XI straight away as his experience could hold the team in good stead in pressure situations.

ENG vs SL Pitch and Conditions

The M Chinnaswamy Stadium is known for being one of the best venues to bat in India. The boundaries are also on the shorter side and a lot of runs could be there for the taking. Bowlers will have to make the new ball count as things could go haywire for them if the batting side can keep wickets in hand. The only game played so far in the ODI World Cup 2023 at this venue involving Australia and Pakistan yielded 672 runs in 95.3 overs.

ENG vs SL, Probable Playing XIs for ODI World Cup 2023, Match 25

England (ENG)

Reece Topley being ruled out of the World Cup opens up a slot in England's playing XI. The defending champions have the option to go back to the experienced Chris Woakes, who was dropped for the clash against South Africa after struggling with his form in the preceding games. They can also bring in the exciting Brydon Carse, who has been named as Topley's replacement.

Predicted XI: Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (C/WK), Harry Brook, Chris Woakes/Brydon Carse, David Willey, Adil Rashid, Gus Atkinson, Mark Wood

Also Check: Most Runs in ODI World Cup 2023

Sri Lanka (SL)

Angelo Mathews might have to wait for his chance as no Sri Lankan batter has looked woefully out of form and worthy of being dropped from the playing XI. After finally tasting victory in their previous game, Sri Lanka might not tinker with the winning combination against England. However, Theekshana is a doubtful starter as he is dealing with a hamstring injury suffered during the match against the Netherlands. If he doesn't the cut, Dunith Wellalage could come into the playing XI.

Predicted XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (C/WK), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana/Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka

ENG vs SL Head-to-Head in ODIs:

ENG vs SL Broadcast Details:

Also Check: ICC World Cup 2023 Points Table