World Cup 2023 | ENG vs SL, Match 25 - Top Captain and Vice-captain Picks

image-lo5qihwbKusal Mendis will be a key player for Sri Lanka against England (Source: AP Photos)

Two struggling sides England (ENG) and Sri Lanka (SL) will be playing against each other in the ongoing sixteenth edition of the World Cup. Match No. 25 is scheduled to take place on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore at 14:00 PM IST. Both teams have played four games each and have managed to register just one victory so far. Defending champions England are placed in the ninth position while the Lankan Lions are just above them in the eighth spot. (All scenarios till Match No. 23) Before the match goes live, here is a look at the top captain and vice-captain choices for the fantasy contests of this fixture.

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ENG vs SL, 25th Match: Venue Analysis

The Bangalore track is always full of runs and the batters enjoy their time in the middle to the fullest. The stadium has shorter boundaries with lightning-fast outfield. Bowlers may go for plenty of runs again in this fixture.

M.Chinnaswamy Stadium ODI Records

Matches: 27
Matches Won Batting First: 12
Matches Won Batting Second: 12
Tied: 1
No Result: 2

Average First Innings Total: 264
Average Second Innings Total: 241

World Cup 2023 Record

Match: 1
Match Won Batting First: 1
Match Won Batting Second: 0

Average First Innings Total: 367
Average Second Innings Total: 305
Highest Total Recorded: 367/9 by Australia vs Pakistan
Lowest Total Recorded: 305/10 by Pakistan vs Australia


ENG vs SL, 25th Match - Toss Factor

Australia and Pakistan played out the opening game at his venue in this WC. Both managed to surpass the 300-run mark as the pitch offers runs with ease. Captain winning the toss will look to chase down the target here.

Scenario: If England Fields First

Dawid Malan and Joe Root are the glue of this England's batting line-up. The Chinnaswamy stadium is known for high-scoring encounters and if Sri Lanka post a massive total on the board then Malan and Root will be extremely crucial for already struggling England team. Notably, the duo are the top two run-getters for their side so far. The left-hander Malan is averaging 48.00 while Root 43.00.

Scenario: If Sri Lanka Fields First

Sadeera Samarawickrama, Pathum Nissanka and captain Kusal Mendis have been doing the majority of the runs scoring so far for the Lions in this WC. All three are in the top three positions in terms of leading the batting chart for Sri Lanka. The trio will once again will key if they are facing a stiff target against the 2019 WC champions.


ENG vs SL, 25th Match - Top Captain and Vice-captain choices

Scenario: If Sri Lanka Fields First

Kusal Mendis (SL)

Kusal Mendis is now the skipper of Sri Lanka as Dasun Shanaka got injured and ruled out of the tournament. The no. three right-handed player has struck 218 runs in four innings at an average of 54.50 with one century and one fifty. Mendis will look to lead his side from the front by getting a significant score under his belt.

Sadeera Samarawickrama (SL)

Sadeera Samarawickrama is leading the batting charts for the Lions so far in this campaign. The no. four middle-order batter has amassed 230 runs at an average of 77 which includes one century and one half-century. Sri Lanka will again rely on him to hold the innings in the middle if they are set a big target by England.


Scenario: If England Fields First

Joe Root (ENG)

Joe Root began the campaign with two half-centuries in the first two games. After low scores in the previous two matches, the no. three right-handed player would look to get amongst the runs again and help his side in chasing down the target.

Dawid Malan (ENG)

Left-handed opener Dawid Malan has mustered the most runs so far for his side. He has 192 runs to his name at an average of 48.00. Malan struck a magnificent 140 against Bangladesh in Dharamsala and he would hope to repeat it against Sri Lanka on a batting-friendly surface in Bangalore.


ENG vs SL, 25th Match - Big Risk, Big Return Choices 

Jonny Bairstow (ENG)

Opener Jonny Bairstow has managed to score just 97 runs so far. The explosive right-handed opening player is averaging 24.25 with one fifty. He has scores of 2 and 10 in the last two matches. Bairstow is a risky but a worthy pick against a weakened looking Lanka bowling line-up.

Kusal Perera (SL)

Opener Kusal Perera has hit only 90 runs in four innings so far. The left-hander is averaging 22.50 with one half-century. Other than his knock of 78, Perera has three low scores of 7, 0 and 5 under his belt. He might be a good pick considering the nature of the pitch and shorter boundaries.