Team India is on the charge. They have won six out of six in the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup so far and are sitting pretty at the top of the points table with 12 points. India’s semi-final chances now look almost certain, as they have three games remaining in the league stage.
The Men in Blue will next take on Sri Lanka at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on November 2. The Lankan Lions haven’t had the best of campaigns and are just coming off a crushing loss to Afghanistan. India will certainly fancy themselves against them, particularly because they have had the better of Sri Lanka in recent times.
THE VENUE FOR INDIA-SRI LANKA GAME
As the game progresses and the pitch begins to wear, spinners can come into play. Mumbai’s hot and humid conditions can cause the pitch to deteriorate, leading to assistance for spinners, particularly in the latter stages.
Average 1st Innings Score: 234
Average 2nd Innings Score: 204
TEAM PREVIEW
INDIA
Team India is on a winning streak, showing remarkable resilience and adaptability against their opponents. They seem to have all aspects of their game covered and are making the most of their home advantage.
In their previous game against England, India struggled to score, posting 229-9. However, their bowlers delivered an exceptional performance, leading to a convincing 100-run victory.
India has a lineup filled with match-winners, led by Captain Rohit Sharma, who was named Player of the Match in their game against England for his brilliant 87-run innings. He’s the top run-scorer for the team.
Virat Kohli is another key player, despite a recent duck. He has scored 354 runs in the tournament, with a high average, and has a good track record against Sri Lanka.
Shubman Gill, though not having a standout World Cup, is expected to perform well on favorable batting conditions.
India’s bowlers, especially Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, have been outstanding. Spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja have also played their part in taking crucial wickets.
EXPECTED XI OF INDIA v SRI LANKA
Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj
SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka’s campaign has not gone as planned, and their net run rate is disappointing. Injuries have affected Sri Lanka, and their performance as a team hasn’t been consistent.
Sadeera Samarawickrama has been their best batter in the competition, maintaining good form. Kusal Mendis, despite recent failures, is expected to perform well on the batting-friendly pitch. Opener Pathum Nissanka has been consistent and should provide a solid start.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers have been inconsistent, and injuries have disrupted their bowling lineup. Dilshan Madushanka has been a standout performer among Sri Lanka’s bowlers.
Sri Lankan bowlers might struggle against India’s strong batting lineup, but early wickets by Madushanka and Rajitha could create pressure.
EXPECTED XI OF SRI LANKA v INDIA
Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka
PREDICTION FOR THE GAME
India’s exceptional form and ability to overcome challenges make them a formidable opponent, and they are likely to win this match, making it seven wins out of seven in their World Cup 2023 campaign.
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