The ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 is all set for Match 8 between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, which will take place on Tuesday, October 10 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Pakistan is led by Babar Azam, while Sri Lanka is captained by Dasun Shanaka.
As of now, 156 ODI matches have been played between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, in which Pakistan has won 92 matches while Sri Lanka has won 59 matches. The Pakistani team is currently ranked second, while the Sri Lankan team is ranked eighth in the ICC ODI rankings.
Also Read: ICC ODI World Cup 2023: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka 3 Key Player Battles to Watch Out in Today Match
Here are top five players to watch out during Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 8th Match ICC ODI World Cup 2023:
1) Charith Asalanaka
Charith Asalanaka showcased his talent with an impressive knock in the first match against South Africa. He displayed excellent shot-making against both pacers and spinners, scoring a brilliant 79 off 65 deliveries, including 8 boundaries and 4 sixes. Asalanaka’s ability to perform under pressure, as demonstrated in the Asia Cup 2023, makes him a vital asset for Sri Lanka.
2) Mohammed Rizwan
Mohammed Rizwan played a crucial role in Pakistan’s first match against the Netherlands. Despite early wickets falling, Rizwan held the innings together with his composed batting, scoring 68 off 75 deliveries. His performance in the Asia Cup against Sri Lanka further highlights his value as a dependable middle-order batsman.
3) Mahesh Theekshana
Mahesh Theekshana was sidelined due to injury in the South Africa match. With his ability to maintain discipline in line and length during the first 10 overs, Theekshana can put pressure on Pakistan’s openers. His experience, particularly from the Asia Cup encounter against Pakistan, will be crucial in containing runs during the middle overs.
4) Haris Rauf
Haris Rauf delivered an excellent performance in the opening match against the Netherlands. His pace and aggression troubled the Dutch batsmen, resulting in figures of 3 for 43 in 9 overs. Rauf’s ability to provide early breakthroughs and maintain pressure with his aggressive bowling will be a key factor against Sri Lanka.
5) Kusal Mendis
Kusal Mendis displayed sublime form while chasing a massive target of 429 runs against South Africa. He scored 76 off 42 deliveries, including 4 boundaries and 8 sixes. His previous success in the Asia Cup match against Pakistan, where he scored 92 runs, makes him a key player for Sri Lanka’s chances of victory in this tournament.
