SL vs NL Match Preview
The gap has been closing between Test nations and Associate nations over the years. This World Cup has proved that. You can expect this one to be a nail-biting encounter.
You would do well to include Wanindu Hasaranga in your Dream11. He is able to contribute all-round. He will be best-known for his effective legspin bowling, but with the bat in 2024 his T20I strike rate is as high as 164,78.
Pathum Nissanka has enjoyed batting under Wanindu Hasaranga's captaincy. The classy right-handed batter averages just over 30 with a strike rate in excess of 160 under Hasaranga.
Nuwan Thushara was involved with the Mumbai Indians in the 2024 Indian Premier League. He would have benefitted from interacting with world-class fast bowlers such as Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga.
Dutch bowler Paul van Meekeren is one of the most economical T20I bowlers in the world. His career T20I bowling economy rate is 6,85.
Opener Max O'Dowd will want to prove his abilities against an experienced side. He has scored over 1800 runs at T20I level.
Weather Report
Scattered showers have been forecasted for the area on Sunday.
Pitch Report
Potentially damp conditions may favour the seam bowlers on both sides. Scoring runs may not come as freely.
Notable stats
Hasaranga doing the double
Wanindu Hasaranga is the only other bowler, alongside Umar Gul of Pakistan, to be the leading wicket-taker in back-to-back T20 World Cups.
Team News
With hopes of qualification to the Super Eights over, Sri Lanka may feel the time is right to give more members of their squad a game. Dushmantha Chameera and Bhanuka Rajapaksa may get their opportunity to feature. Netherlands have tended to stick with a consistent team throughout by only using 12 players in their squad. They may look to do the same against Sri Lanka.
SL vs NL Probable 11
SL Playing 11
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Mendis (Wk)
- Kamindu Mendis
- Dhananjaya de Silva
- Charith Asalanka
- Wanindu Hasaranga (C)
- Angelo Mathews
- Dasun Shanaka
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Nuwan Thushara
NL Playing 11
- Michael Levitt
- Max O'Dowd
- Vikramjit Singh
- Sybrand Engelbrecht
- Scott Edwards (C)
- Bas de Leede
- Logan van Beek
- Tim Pringle
- Aryan Dutt
- Paul van Meekeren
- Vivian Kingma
Dream11 Prediction
On paper, Sri Lanka will be favourites. They will count on their experienced players to take them home. The Netherlands will make it a difficult task for the Sri Lankans.
Top Picks
Wanindu Hasaranga: The Sri Lankan all-rounder was the leading wicket-taker at the previous two T20 World Cups. He took 15 wickets in the 2022 edition and 16 wickets in the 2021 edition.
Max O'Dowd: O'Dowd was the second-highest run-scorer in the 2022 T20 World Cup behind Virat Kohli. He scored 242 runs including two fifties.
Nuwan Thushara: The right-arm fast bowler has already picked up a hat-trick in T20Is.
SL vs NL Dream11 Team 1
Keeper: Kusal Mendis, Scott Edwards (VC)
Batters: Pathum Nissanka, Max O'Dowd, Michael Levitt, Kamindu Mendis, Angelo Mathews
All-rounders: Wanindu Hasaranga (C)
Bowlers: Maheesh Theekshana, Paul van Meekeren, Nuwan Thushara
