Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Mohsin Shaikh
In the highly anticipated ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, Team India is gearing up to face Sri Lanka in a crucial encounter set to unfold at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The Men in Blue currently lead the World Cup points table, while Sri Lanka finds itself in a challenging seventh position
India has been in impeccable form, winning all six of its matches against formidable opponents, including Australia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh, New Zealand, and England. In stark contrast, Sri Lanka has struggled, losing four out of its six matches. Their recent loss to Afghanistan by 7 wickets further added to their woes, following defeats against Pakistan, South Africa, and Australia. However, Sri Lanka managed to secure victories against England and the Netherlands
Rohit Sharma, India's explosive opener, encountered a challenging start to the World Cup with a duck against Australia. However, he swiftly rediscovered his form in subsequent matches against Afghanistan, Pakistan, England, and New Zealand. This remarkable resurgence saw Sharma amass 398 runs in just six innings, establishing him as the fourth-highest run-scorer in the World Cup so far. His ability to provide a blistering start makes him a crucial asset for the Indian batting lineup
Shubman Gill, who has experienced a lackluster run in the World Cup, has only managed to accumulate 104 runs in four innings. While he did display promise with a half-century against Bangladesh, Gill's inconsistency underscores the need for other Indian batters to step up in case key figures like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli falter. The Wankhede track, known for favouring his strengths, presents an ideal opportunity for Gill to regain his form with a stellar performance
In the bowling department, Jasprit Bumrah, India's right-arm death specialist pacer, has made a significant impact since returning from injury. Bumrah has consistently taken wickets, securing 3 against England, 2 against Pakistan, 1 against New Zealand, 2 against Bangladesh, 4 against Afghanistan, and 2 against Australia
Mohammed Shami, after a relatively slow start to the World Cup, showcased his top form by claiming a five-wicket haul against New Zealand and four wickets against England. Despite sitting out against Bangladesh, Shami appears to be in rhythm, poised to decimate the opposition with his in-swing bowling
Sri Lanka's experienced campaigner, Angelo Mathews, is viewed as a pivotal figure for the team's fortunes. With the team needing victories in all of their remaining matches, Mathews' expertise with both the bat and ball is expected to be crucial. Known for pulling the team out of tight spots and taking timely wickets in the middle overs, Mathews boasts an impressive average of 40.9 and a strike rate of 83.1 in 223 ODIs
Another standout for Sri Lanka is Kusal Mendis, who recently broke Kumar Sangakkara's record by smashing the fastest century by a Sri Lankan in the history of ODI World Cups. Mendis impressed with a rapid 65-ball hundred against Pakistan. His good form continued with a blistering 42-ball 76 against South Africa in Sri Lanka's opening match
Sri Lanka's pace sensation, Dilshan Madushanka, has emerged as one of the leading wicket-takers in the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023. Captain Kusal Mendis has highlighted Madushanka's versatility, suggesting that he can bowl effectively in all phases of the game. His ability to swing the ball late into right-handed batsmen has been complemented by a disconcerting short ball, which left even the likes of Glenn Maxwell feeling slightly uncomfortable in Australia's recent victory in Lucknow