Cricket World Cup 2019: Pakistan start favourites against Sri Lanka but rain-threat looms large

Sooraj Kamath - Writer 16:15 06/06/2019
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • With both teams overturning a defeat in their opener to contrasting wins in their second game, subcontinent teams Pakistan and Sri Lanka prepare to build a winning momentum as they take the field at Bristol on Friday.

    The Lankans enter the tie after a rather underwhelming win over Afghanistan in a rain-hit game, while Pakistan barge in with an upset over England.

    We take a look at some of the talking points ahead of the first match of the third round of the 2019 World Cup.

    Pakistan’s batsmen hold the edge

    Although both teams won their respective games in the second round, the manner in which Pakistan comprehensively outplayed tournament favourites England was impressive.

    The batsmen looked in good shape with the likes of Babar Azam and Mohammad Hafiz and captain Sarfaraz Khan scoring 50s.

    Azam, in particular, could be crucial against the Lankans who have been his favourite opponents. The talented batsman has an average of 58.33 against them with two centuries in the last eight games decorating his impeccable record.

    Should the rains leave this fixture untouched, we could be in for a big score given how the Bristol surface has favoured the batsmen. The warm-up game involving West Indies and New Zealand at this venue saw 751 runs being scored in one day.

    With their batsmen on top of their game and the bowling duo of Mohammad Amir and Wahab Riaz looking in good touch, the 1992 champions are favourites for this game.

    Patchy middle-order could spell Sri Lanka’s doom

    The Lankans did get their first win of the tournament after they were able to ward off the threat posed by a determined Afghanistan. But that win could only do little to convince that they are among the formidable teams to watch out for in the World Cup.

    Barring openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Perera, none of the players were unable to register a score over 30 runs against the tournament minnows.

    Their patchy middle-order was exposed in both the games they have played so far in the World Cup. Against New Zealand, Sri Lanka collapsed from 46/1 to 60/6, losing five wickets in a span of just 14 runs and six overs.

    On a batting surface, you would want your middle-order to step up and perform. It’s a matter of now more than ever for the Sri Lanka batsmen as they take the field against Pakistan.

    Winning the toss could be crucial

    Heavy rains have been predicted at Bristol on Friday and the possibility of the 100 overs being played is low. The forecast has been described as cloudy with high chances of intermittent showers.

    With the possibility of the D/L rule likely to play a role in determining the result, winning the toss could play a key role.

    It’s worth noting that the team batting first has won only seven of the last 17 games held at the venue with none of those victories coming in 2019.

    Both teams will be locking horns against stronger opposition in the future and two points in this game could be crucial.

    Recommended