ICC World Cup 2023, PAK vs SL | Five Player Battles To Watch Out For

image-lnipntu4Pakistan started their World Cup 2023 campaign with a win over Netherlands 

The Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium is all set to witness a classic encounter between Asian giants as Pakistan squares off against Sri Lanka in Match 8 of World Cup 2023.

PAK vs SL: Five Player Battles To Watch Out For

With Pakistan riding high on their 81-run victory against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka reeling from a significant 102 run defeat by South Africa, individual player battles could very well determine the trajectory of the upcoming PAK vs SL game. Here’s a look into the top five player battles to watch out for.

Babar Azam vs Dunith Wellalage

image-lnipwmwmBabar Azam (Twitter)

In the limelight will be the face-off between Pakistan’s skipper, Babar Azam, and Sri Lanka's promising spinner, Dunith Wellalage. The young spinner has previously managed to restrict Babar to just one run off nine balls and even claimed his prized wicket. With Babar’s sublime technique against spin, this contest promises fireworks.

Pathum Nissanka vs Shaheen Afridi

image-lnipx69pShaheen Afridi (Twitter)

Sri Lanka's talented batsman, Pathum Nissanka, seems to have a particular vulnerability against left-arm pacers, as indicated by his ODI stats. With 205 runs but seven dismissals against left-arm pace, and his recent wicket to left-armer Marco Jansen, Nissanka's technique will be tested against the Pakistan bowling mainstay.


Mohammad Rizwan vs Matheesha Pathirana

image-lnipxmwbMohammad Rizwan (Twitter)

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batsman, Mohammad Rizwan has shown a knack for scoring quickly against Sri Lanka's Pathirana. With 21 runs off just 15 balls and no dismissals, Rizwan's aggressive approach could pose problems for Pathirana. How this prodigious pacer counters the Pakistan batsman’s charge will be intriguing.

Kusal Mendis vs Hasan Ali

image-lnipyceqHasan Ali (Twitter)

Kusal Mendis's struggle against the fiery pace of Hasan Ali has been evident. In their past encounters, Mendis has managed a mere 7 runs off 18 balls and has fallen to Ali three times. Ali, with his knack for breaking partnerships, will aim to continue his dominance over Mendis while the Sri Lankan would look to capitalize on his rich vein of form.

Dasun Shanaka vs Haris Rauf

image-lnipyuv6Dasun Shanaka (Twitter)

An electrifying contest awaits as Sri Lanka captain, Dasun Shanaka takes on Pakistan's pace sensation, Haris Rauf. With Shanaka’s penchant for taking on fast bowlers and Rauf's reputation for raw pace and bounce, this battle could very well set the stadium alight.