ICC World Cup 2019: Match 11, Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

After losing their opening match against the Windies in Nottingham, not many would have given Pakistan a chance to roll over England. However, the team, led by Sarfaraz Ahmed, soared above the expectations and edged past the Three Lions by 14 runs at the Trent Bridge in Nottingham. Their batting clicked as a unit after which their bowlers, especially the fast bowlers, guided the team to victory.

Their next encounter is against Sri Lanka on Friday at the County Ground in Bristol. The Lankans are also coming off a victory versus Afghanistan by 34 runs (DLS method) at the Sophia Gardens in Cardiff. But, Pakistan will be a completely different proposition for them. It was way back in July 2015 when Lanka last defeated the Men in Green in a one-dayer and ever since lost six games in the 50-overs format.

Weather Report

There is a forecast of heavy downpour from the morning at 9 am until the end of the day. It won’t be much of a surprise if the match gets abandoned due to rain. The clouds will hover over the ground throughout the day. The temperature will be around 13 and 16 degrees Celsius. The humidity will start on the higher side in the 90s but is expected to come down gradually.

Pitch Report

The pitch in Bristol has been good for batting and a high-scoring game can be expected, provided the match takes place. Only seven out of the 17 completed ODIs were won by the team, batting first. Even the two encounters played this year were won by the chasing teams. Hence, teams may wish to field first after winning the toss. The DLS method also needs to be kept in mind.

Playing combinations

Pakistan

Pakistan is unlikely to tinker with its winning combination. Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman are in decent form but need to convert their starts. Babar Azam has looked good as well. Mohammad Hafeez getting 84 is a big positive for the team. Asif Ali and Shoaib Malik will be hoping for a better show the next time.

Sarfaraz Ahmed scored a morale-boosting fifty last time around and his confidence will be high. In the bowling department, Mohammad Amir has been their gun bowler thus far with five wickets. Wahab Riaz has also been able to spit venom. Hasan Ali’s form is a worrying factor though as he is yet to get a wicket in the WC.

Probable XI

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

Sri Lanka

The Lankans may not make alterations to their winning combination. In their last game, they brought in Nuwan Pradeep, who picked up a four-fer and the Player of the Match award. The decision to open the batting with Kusal Perera also worked as he got an 81-ball 78 that turned out to be a decisive factor in the contest.

Lasith Malinga was also able to hit the Yorker length consistently. Meanwhile, the Lankans would be worried about veteran Angelo Mathews and Kusal Mendis’ form. Dhananjaya de Silva also had a couple of indifferent outings. The likes of Thisara Perera haven’t looked at his brutal best either until now and he’ll need to deliver.

Probable XI

Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Kusal Perera (WK), Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Isuru Udana, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Pradeep.

Probable Top Performer

Mohammad Amir – Pakistan | Kusal Perera – Sri Lanka

Broadcast Details

TV – Star Sports

Online– Hotstar

Match Timings – 15:00 IST; 10:30 local

The prediction is for Pakistan to win the match.