Players to Watch Out for in Pakistan vs Sri Lanka ICC Cricket World Cup 8th Match

Get ready for the 8th ICC World Cup match between Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka. Pakistan won their 1st match against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka’s batters performed well to chase down South Africa’s Huge score. Sri Lanka is in bowling woe. On the other hand, Pakistan has their top-notch First bowling attack. As we approach this highly anticipated clash, it’s time to take a closer look at some of the key players who could turn the table at any time.

Before we dive into the players, let’s take a quick look at the head-to-head record between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in recent matches. The last five encounters between these two teams have been nothing short of spectacular:

Sri Lanka clinched a hard-fought victory on September 14, 2023, winning by 2 wickets with no balls remaining, thanks to the DLS method. Meanwhile, on October 2, 2019, Pakistan emerged victorious with a 5-wicket win and 10 balls to spare. Their clash on September 30, 2019, saw Pakistan dominate with a commanding 67-run victory. However, two matches on September 27, 2019, and June 7, 2019, were abandoned without a ball bowled, adding an element of unpredictability to their cricketing rivalry.

Now, let’s turn our attention to the standout players who could shape the outcome of this thrilling contest:

Babar Azam (Pakistan)

Babar Azam (Photo Source: Twitter)

One of Pakistan’s most talented and consistent batsmen, Babar Azam, is a player to watch out for. With a career spanning from 2015 to 2023, Azam has scored an impressive 5414 runs in 109 matches, at an astonishing average of 57.59. His ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed makes him a vital asset for Pakistan.

Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)

Mohammad Rizwan (Photo Source: Twitter)

Another key figure for Pakistan is Mohammad Rizwan. Rizwan has been a revelation for his team, scoring 1761 runs in 66 matches at an average of 37.46. His ability to adapt to different situations and his wicket-keeping skills make him a valuable asset for Pakistan.

Haris Rauf (Pakistan)

Haris Rauf (Photo Source: Twitter)

When it comes to bowling, Haris Rauf has been Pakistan’s standout performer. In 29 matches spanning from 2020 to 2023, Rauf has taken 56 wickets with a best bowling figure of 5/18. His pace and ability to generate bounce make him a formidable force in the bowling department.

Dasun Shanaka (Sri Lanka)

Dasun Shanaka (Photo Source: Twitter)

Turning our attention to the Sri Lankan side, Dasun Shanaka is a player who can make a significant impact. With a batting average of 23.12 and a strike rate of 92.84, he has the ability to accelerate the scoring and play crucial cameos with the bat. Additionally, his medium-pace bowling could be handy in providing breakthroughs for his team.

Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)

Kusal Mendis (Photo Source: Twitter)

Kusal Mendis is another Sri Lankan batsman who could make a difference in the match. With over 3000 runs in 113 matches and a strike rate of 85.50, Mendis has the capability to stabilize the innings and accelerate when needed. His experience and ability to build partnerships will be crucial for Sri Lanka.

Dilshan Madushanka (Sri Lanka)

Dilshan Madushanka (Photo Source: Twitter)

In the bowling department, keep an eye on Dilshan Madushanka. Although relatively new to international cricket, Madushanka has shown promise with 12 wickets in just 7 matches. His ability to control the run flow and take wickets at crucial junctures can be a game-changer for Sri Lanka.