World Cup 2023, 8th Match | PAK vs SL - Cricket Fantasy Top Captain and Vice-captain Picks
Charith Asalanka might prove to be a match-winner for Sri Lanka in this match (Source: AP Photos)
In the eighth match of the World Cup 2023, Pakistan (PAK) will play against Sri Lanka (SL) at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Here is a look at the top captain and vice-captain choices ahead of the match.
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PAK vs SL, 8th Match: Venue Analysis
The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium pitch has so far been good for batting. The batters have enjoyed the surface throughout the match. On the other hand, as far as the bowlers are concerned, the spinner will get help from the wicket as the match progresses.
Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium ODI Records
Matches: 9
Matches Won Batting First: 6
Matches Won Batting Second: 3
Average First Innings Total: 291
Average Second Innings Total: 251
World Cup 2023 Records
Matches: 2
Matches Won Batting First: 2
Matches Won Batting Second: 0
Average First Innings Total: 304
Average Second Innings Total: 224
Highest Total Recorded: 322/7 by New Zealand vs Netherlands
Lowest Total Recorded: 205/10 by Netherlands vs Pakistan
PAK vs SL , 8th Match - Toss Factor
We have seen two matches at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium so far. In both the matches, the team batting first managed to win. Regarding the nature of the wicket, it has been good for batting in the first half. But with the match's progress, the wicket slows down a little, and the spinners get help from the surface.
Scenario: If Pakistan Wins the Toss
Pakistan looks like a balanced team, with an assortment of good batters and world-class bowlers. On winning the toss, they will look to bat first, put a formidable total on the board and then restrict the Sri Lankans within that. Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, and Shadab Khan will be very important picks in this scenario.
Scenario: If Sri Lanka Wins the Toss
If Sri Lanka wins the toss, they, too, will be looking to bat first. Though the absence of Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga has weakened the bowling force of the team, Dasun Shanaka and the team management will hope that their current bowling contingent manages to win the game for the team. Sri Lanka must look to include Dushan Hemantha for this game. If Sri Lanka does bowl second in the match, then Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, and Dunith Wellalage will be the important picks from this match.
PAK vs SL, 8th Match - Top Captain and Vice-captain options
Scenario: If Pakistan Bats First
Babar Azam (PAK)
The Pakistani skipper failed to deliver in the first match. But if the Asian Giants bat first, Azam will become an important player in favourable batting conditions. Babar Azam is adept against pace and spin, and given his class, it is a matter of time before he returns to form. So, he could be a safe option to be used as the captain or vice-captain of the match.
Kusal Mendis (SL)
Kusal Mendis is in a golden batting form at the moment. In the last match, Mendis showed that he could bat under pressure and maintain his aggressive approach. If Sri Lanka must chase a target, Kusal Mendis will be an important choice as the captain or vice-captain for the match.
Scenario: If Sri Lanka Bats First
Sadeera Samarawickrama (SL)
The Sri Lankan middle-order batter looked in good form during the Asia Cup 2023. But he failed to deliver under pressure in the game against South Africa. However, if Sri Lanka bats first in this game, Samarawickrama will become a key cog for them in setting up a target. He is a good spin player, which is very important in choosing him as the captain or vice-captain of the match.
Mohammad Rizwan (PAK)
The Pakistan keeper played a calm and composed knock under pressure in the last match. If they must chase a target, Rizwan's composure in the middle-order will be essential for Pakistan. In this scenario, Rizwan will be an excellent option for multiplying points.
PAK vs SL, 8th Match - Big Risk, Big Return Choices
Iftikhar Ahmed (PAK)
Iftikhar Ahmed might be a differential, risky and worthy choice as the captain or vice-captain of the match. Not only is he a powerful lower middle-order batter, but Iftikhar can also be handy with the ball if the pitch indeed tends to slow down.
Charith Asalanka (SL)
Charith Asalanka proved his mettle in the previous game. He scored runs under pressure in the last match and will also be a key for the Sri Lankan team in this game. Asalanka also showed in the Asia Cup 2023 that if the pitch helps the spinners, he could be a handful with the ball.
 "Probuddha Bhattacharjee")
