ENG vs SL: Sri Lanka playing XI vs England, Match 25, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 – Predicted

Sri Lanka will lock horns with England in match No. 25 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on Thursday.

Sri Lanka had only a few options at the start of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, as a number of their key players got injured. That also affected their performance, and they started the tournament with three consecutive defeats. Then, their skipper Dasun Shanaka and Matheesha Pathirana were also ruled out after two games.

But despite that, Sri Lanka registered their first win against Netherlands and will look to regroup themselves for the rest of the games. They will face England in their next game on October 26 (Thursday) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. There are no other options apart from winning this game, so we expect them to come hard. Here we will talk about the predicted playing XI for Sri Lanka.

ENG vs SL: Sri Lanka's Predicted playing XI vs England

1. Pathum Nissanka :

Pathum Nissanka has been the highest run-getter for Sri Lanka in 2023 in 50-overs cricket. He has also looked pretty decent in this tournament and has been among the runs. He has scored 166 runs in four innings at an average of 41.50. At the top, Sri Lanka will expect him to play, as he scored 54 in the chase against Netherlands, to provide them with a good start.

2. Kusal Perera :

Kusal Perera is an aggressive option at the top for Sri Lanka and has been experienced enough to deliver on a big stage. But he has looked a bit rusty in this tournament. 90 runs in four innings haven't done justice either. But Bangalore pitch can be helpful, and he can put English bowlers under pressure with his attacking approach in the power-play.

3. Kusal Mendis (c & wk):

Kusal Mendis started the tournament with two blazing knocks in the first two games and hit 14 sixes. But then he became the captain, and it looks like he is feeling the pressure. However, Mendis has to take all the pressure away from his mind and play his natural game, a strike rate of 146.30 in this competition suggests what damage he can do.

4. Sadeera Samarawickrama :

Sadeera Samarawickrama has been the best batter for Sri Lanka in this tournament. He has scored the most runs for his team, including an unbeaten 91 against Netherlands in a chase to take his team to their first win. Samarawickrama is in good form and is expected to deliver against England. So far, he has scored 230 runs at an average and strike rate of 76.66 and 103.13.

5. Charith Asalanka :

Charith Asalanka is another middle-order batter who has played useful knocks in this tournament. The left-hander has scored 149 runs at an average of 37.25 and has adjusted brilliantly according to the conditions. Asalanka is good at holding one end and can change gears when required, which makes him a crucial member of this middle-order.

6. Angelo Matthews :

Angelo Matthews has replaced Matheesha Pathirana in the World Cup squad, and it could be a brilliant move with the experience he has. The former captain is a brilliant batter, has won numerous games for his team, and is also a useful bowler. He will add value to this line-up and will be a key player in the middle.

7. Dhananjaya de Silva :

Dhananjaya de Silva's form is another reason that Sri Lanka have not been consistent. He is unable to pick wickets in the middle-overs and has scored runs at an average of 18.25, where he is expected to fill the role of Wanindu Hasarange. But he has immense experience and has gone through such situations. Thus, he can be pretty effective for Sri Lanka in a big game against England.

8. Dushan Hemantha :

It is just early days for Dushan Hemantha, who has played only four ODIs in his career. But he is a capable all-rounder who can turn the ball on any surface and come out to smash some big shots with the bat. His team will hope for him to contain English batters, which will be hard, but he has done well on the domestic circuit and is a fine spinner.

9. Maheesh Theekshana :

Maheesh Theekshana will be a big threat for England. English players have always struggled against good spinners, and Theekshana has all those ingredients to trouble them. His role will be to restrict English batters, which will put them under pressure so they can get out. Theekshana has a number of variations, which can be hard to pick at times.

10. Kasun Rajitha :

Kasun Rajitha has played two games so far and has picked up wickets with the new balls. He has taken five wickets in just two games and took 4/50 against Netherlands, which was one of the reasons that Sri Lanka recorded their first win. He can be good with the new ball and a couple of early wickets to give an edge to his team.

11. Dilshan Madushanka :

Dilshan Madushanka has been at the top of his game. He is among the highest wicket-takers in this tournament. Madushanka has taken 11 wickets in four games at an average of 21.18. He has taken some big wickets in this tournament so far. He will be the one that Sri Lanka will rely on with the new ball and pick up wickets.