Match: England vs Sri Lanka, Cricket World Cup 2023 (ENG vs SL)
Date: October 26, Thursday, 2.00 PM IST
Venue: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore
England will face Sri Lanka at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on October 26. England’s performance in the tournament has been a far cry from their championship-winning campaign in 2019.
With just one win in four matches, their path ahead is now complex. They must win their remaining five matches to stay in contention for a semifinal spot.
England have struggled in both the batting and bowling department. They faced an unexpected loss to Afghanistan and, more recently, lost to South Africa. Adding to their challenges, Reece Topley, an in-form fast bowler, has been ruled out of the tournament due to a finger fracture.
Against South Africa in their most recent match, England conceded 399 runs, in reply to which they were able to score only 170.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka found some relief with a victory against the Netherlands following three consecutive losses. Some of their batsmen have delivered consistency but the bowling still doesn’t look too impressive. Aside from Dilshan Madushanka, who has 11 wickets in four matches, the bowlers haven’t really clicked.
In their most recent match against the Netherlands, Sri Lanka chased down 263 with 19 balls remaining. The path ahead for Sri Lanka is also difficult – they need to win at least four of their next five matches to cement their place in the top four.
Ahead of the next game of Cricket World Cup 2023, here is everything you need to know to maximize your chances of winning cash prizes on MPL fantasy.
Weather update and pitch report for ENG vs SL, Cricket World Cup 2023
The pitch at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru is a haven for batsmen, offering excellent conditions for stroke play as the ball comes nicely onto the bat. Additionally, the ground’s short boundaries further favour batsmen, as was evident in the match between Australia and Pakistan. In that game, Australia posted a formidable target of 368 runs, and Pakistan managed to score 305 runs while chasing it down.
The weather in Bangalore will be pleasant with no chance of rain. The maximum temperature during the day will be 33 degrees Celsius.
England team news and predicted XI
Team news: After the injury to Reece Topley, who has been one of England’s most successful bowlers in the tournament, Brydon Carse has been included in the squad. It’s anticipated that England will opt to replace Topley with Chris Woakes in the playing XI.
Squad: Jos Buttler (c), Moeen Ali, Gus Atkinson, Jonny Bairstow, Sam Curran, Liam Livingstone, Dawid Malan, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Brydon Carse, David Willey, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes.
Predicted XI: Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler(c)(w), David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Adil Rashid, Gus Atkinson
Sri Lanka team news and predicted XI
Team news: Sri Lanka may replace Dushan Hemantha with Dunith Wellalage. The rest of the line-up is likely to remain unchanged.
Squad: Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Mendis (vc), Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka.
Predicted XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (c)(w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya De Silva, Dunith Wellalage, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dilshan Madushanka
Head-to-head
The two teams have played a total of 78 matches in the 50—over format, of which England have won 38 while Sri Lanka have 36 wins. Three games did not produce a result while one match was tied. The last time the two teams played – in 2021 – England won by eight wickets.
Five players to watch out for
Here we list five players you must pick in your MPL fantasy XI for ENG vs SL, Cricket World Cup 2023
Dawid Malan – batsman, England
Dawid Malan has been inconsistent, but his knock of 140 against Bangladesh in Dharamshala gave a glimpse into the carnage he can create when in form. On a batting paradise like the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Malan will be raring to go. In 25 ODIs for England, he has a batting average of 58.95. He has already notched up six centuries in the format.
Dilshan Madushanka – bowler, Sri Lanka
Dilshan Madushanka has been a standout performer for the Sri Lankan side in the 2023 World Cup, securing 11 wickets, which is the highest for his team and ranks as the third most in the tournament so far. In the match against the Netherlands, he achieved his career-best bowling figures of 9.1-1-49-4. Given the conditions in Bengaluru, he will be crucial in dismissing England’s top-order batsmen as the pitch favours fast bowlers during the initial overs.
Jos Buttler – wicketkeeper batsman, England
Jos Buttler’s dip in form is one of the reasons why England has struggled in this edition of the World Cup. Apart from a knock of 43 against New Zealand, his performance has been underwhelming. But for a player of his calibre, a good knock is only around the corner, especially on the Bangalore wicket. With England now needing to win all their remaining matches, Buttler’s contribution will be essential.
Joe Root – batsman, England
Another batsman you can pick in your fantasy team is Joe Root. He began the tournament with two impressive half-centuries, but in the last two matches, he was dismissed for relatively low scores. Nonetheless, his proven ability as a batsman is well-known, and his batting average of over 50 is a testament to his consistency and skill.
Kusal Mendis – wicketkeeper batsman, Sri Lanka
Kusal Mendis batted brilliantly in his first two innings of the tournament, but has scored only 20 runs combined in his last two outings. Mendis scored 76 against South Africa and 122 against Pakistan, and will now be looking for another big knock against an unimpressive English bowling attack.
MPL fantasy XI – ENG vs SL, Cricket World Cup 2023
ENG vs SL – where and what time to watch the match live in India
The England vs Sri Lanka ODI will be televised on the Star Sports Network in India. You can also watch the game on the Disney + Hotstar app. The match will begin at 2.00 PM IST on October 26.
Check out our detailed guide on fantasy cricket for more tips and tricks. https://www.mpl.live/blog/todays-match-prediction/
Note: The players recommended here need not be a part of the Playing 11 on game day. Users are advised to do their own research also and follow official sources and create their teams.
