The ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 is all set for Match 25 between England and Sri Lanka, which will take place on Thursday, October 26 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. England is led by Jos Buttler, while Sri Lanka is captained by Kusal Mendis.
As of now, 78 ODI matches have been played between England and Sri Lanka, in which England has won 38 matches while Sri Lanka has won 36 matches. The England team is currently ranked sixth, while the Sri Lanka team is ranked seventh in the ICC ODI rankings.
Also Read: ICC ODI World Cup 2023: England vs Sri Lanka 3 Key Player Battles to Watch Out in Today Match
Here are top five players to watch out during England vs Sri Lanka, 25th Match ICC ODI World Cup 2023:
1) Adil Rashid
Right-arm leg spinner Adil Rashid posted decent figures of 2 for 61 against South Africa, providing stability during the middle overs. He has a reasonable record against Sri Lanka in ODIs, securing 15 wickets from 14 matches with an economy rate of 4.93, and best figures of 4 for 36. Rashid’s role will be essential in picking key wickets, creating pressure on the Sri Lankan batsmen and maintaining control on a batting-friendly pitch.
2) Dilshan Madhushanka
Dilshan Madhushanka delivered a remarkable performance in the previous match against the Netherlands, showcasing control, swing, and seam. He claimed crucial wickets, including those of Nidamanuru and Bas De Leede, and impressed in the death overs with figures of 4 for 50 in 9 overs. His early wickets will be pivotal in pressuring England’s batting lineup.
3) Jos Buttler
Jos Buttler displayed promise in a short stay against South Africa, pressuring their bowling but failing to convert it into a substantial score. He has a strong record against Sri Lanka in ODIs, having accumulated 574 runs from 25 matches (19 innings), with the best score of 121. Buttler’s role in the middle order is crucial for England’s performance.
4) Kusal Mendis
Kusal Mendis had a modest outing against the Netherlands, playing a rash stroke on a challenging Lucknow pitch. He’s looking to exert pressure on England’s bowlers, having secured 277 runs from 9 matches (9 innings) against them. Batting at number 3, Mendis aims to lead from the front and contribute significantly to Sri Lanka’s quest for victory.
5) Jonny Bairstow
Known for his aggressive batting style, Jonny Bairstow aims to apply early pressure on bowlers. Despite his attempt to slog every ball in the previous match against South Africa, he was dismissed cheaply. With 181 runs from 12 matches (9 innings) and a best score of 43, Bairstow seeks to make a solid start, partnering with Malan in the first 10 overs, which can be pivotal on Bengaluru’s batting-friendly pitch.