ENG vs SL Match Preview
For England Jos Buttler and Alex Hales will be key in this match against Sri Lanka. We think they will be attacked a lot with spin and so the role of Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, and Harry Brook could be quite crucial as well. Sam Curran has 9 wickets to his name and has been the most successful bowler for England so far. His ability to bowl in the powerplay and in the death makes him invaluable. No wickets for Adil Rashid so far is a concern for England. The extra pace of Mark Wood could also pay dividends against the Sri Lankan lineup.
Sri Lanka has disappointed in the tournament with its batting. Bhanuka Rajapaksa has played cameos, Pathum Nissanka has failed when it matters, and Dasun Shanaka cannot seem to buy a run. Kusal Mendi and Dhananjaya de Silva are the two batters that have shown some good form.
The bowling for Sri Lanka has not been much better either. Wanindu Hasaranga has 13 wickets but has not done too well against the stronger teams. Hasaranga and Theekshana are the two bowlers that could end up doing something special in this match.
Weather Report
The weather forecast for Sydney is quite good. There does not seem to be any real threat of rain.
Pitch Report
The pitch is going to be interesting. We saw a slightly slow surface when Pakistan played South Africa and if that is the case then Sri Lanka will have a slight advantage.
Notable stats
Hasaranga - Stats that Flatter to Decieve
Wanindu Hasaranga has 13 wickets in the T20 World Cup but just one in the two matches he played against New Zealand and Australia. Teams that are willing to attack Hasaranga have had more success against him.
Team News
Both teams should be at full strength and possibly unchanged. There are no injury worries.
ENG vs SL Probable 11
ENG Playing 11
- Jos Buttler (C)
- Alex Hales
- Dawid Malan
- Harry Brook
- Moeen Ali
- Liam Livingstone
- Ben Stokes
- Sam Curran
- Chris Woakes
- Adil Rashid
- Mark Wood
SL Playing 11
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Mendis (Wk)
- Dhananjaya de Silva
- Charith Asalanka
- Bhanuka Rajapaksa
- Dasun Shanaka (C)
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Pramod Madushan
- Lahiru Kumara
- Kasun Rajitha
Dream11 Prediction
England is the team that is most likely to come out the winner. It is not as far ahead of Sri Lanka as the odds suggest but it does hold all the advantages. Its batting is stronger, bowling more suited to the Australian conditions, and it has a great recent record against Sri Lanka.
Top Picks
Sam Curran - As the highest wicket-taker for England in recent matches, Sam Curran has a great run of form going into this match. He bowls in the powerplay and at the death making him likely to add to his tally.
Kusal Mendis - As an opening batter, Mendia is in a great position to score runs. he is also in good form and the only player for Sri Lanka with two fifties.
Maheesh Theekshana - We expect to see him during the powerplay to try and attack the English openers. His battle with Alex Hales could be very interesting indeed.
ENG vs SL Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: J Buttler (C), K Mendis
Batters: A Hales, M Ali (VC), C Asalanka
All-rounders: L Livingstone, S Curran, W Hasaranga
Bowlers: C Woakes, M Wood, M Theekshana
