PAK vs SL Preview: Asian counterparts collide on the World’s biggest stage

The action will continue in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 as Pakistan and Sri Lanka take on each other in Match 8 on Tuesday, October 10 at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. Pakistan are coming into the game having beaten the Netherlands by 81 runs. After being put in to bat first, Pakistan scored 286 with Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan scoring 68 each. In reply, Hari Rauf’s 3/43 bundled out the Netherlands for 205.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka have lost their opening game against South Africa by 102 runs. After opting to bowl first, Sri Lanka were hammered for the highest score in World Cup history. South Africa scored 428/5 in their allotted 50 overs. In reply, the Dasun Shanaka-led side showed great fight but could only manage to reach 326 with Kusal Mendis top scoring with (76 off 42).

Notably, Pakistan have an edge over Sri Lanka as they have beaten them on all the seven occasions the two teams have met in the World Cup history. They will once again look to assert their dominance on the Asian rivals while Sri Lanka will be desperate to turn things around in the upcoming fixture.

Pitch Report

There have been a total of eight ODIs played in Hyderabad where teams chasing have won thrice. The average first innings score has been 287 while the highest target chased is 250. The pitch has traditionally been a high-scoring one and the captain winning the toss is likely to bat first. The batting first team will make the most of the good batting conditions on offer.

Probable Playing XI: