Sri Lanka have won all their games so far [Twitter]
Match 19 of the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers 2023 will see two in-form sides West Indies and Scotland clash in the penultimate first-round Group B match. Both undefeated teams will lock horns at the Queen Sports Club in Bulawayo, which will decide who finishes on top of Group B with both teams having already qualified for Super Sixes.
Team Preview: Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka in this tournament have bullied their opponents, having notched up dominating wins. One of the main reasons behind their success has been all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga, who is also the competition's leading wicket-taker (16). With Test skipper Dimuth Karunaratne leading charge, the batting, too, has looked solid and shows no signs of slowing down, unless they get complacent.
Team Preview: Scotland
Scotland are undefeated in the tournament much like Sri Lanka [Source: Twitter]
Scotland after their narrow last-ball win in their Group B opener against Ireland, have played formidable cricket, and have managed to shock their more experienced counterparts. Leading the way is skipper Richard Berrington, who has been the backbone of their batting, which resolves around several hard-hitting batters. Michael Leask and Brandon McMullen in particular have been terrific. McMullen apart from scoring big runs, is also the side's leading wicket-getter (7).
Match Details
Date & Time: June 27, 12.30 PM IST
Venue: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
Live Broadcast & Streaming: Star Sports Network & Disney+Hotstar
Pitch Report
The track as seen across the tournament, will offer support to bowlers early on, and then become batting friendly. As the game progresses the track will take turn with slight wear and tear.
Probable XIs
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Dhananjaya de Silva, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Lahiru Kumara
Scotland: Christopher McBride, Matthew Cross (wk), Brandon McMullen, Richie Berrington (c), Tomas Mackintosh, Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Safyaan Sharif, Chris Sole, Adrian Neill
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-Keepers: Matthew Cross, Kusal Mendis
Batters: Dimuth Karunaratne, Richie Berrington, Mark Watt
All-Rounders: Wanindu Hasaranga, Michael Leask, Brandon McMullen
Bowlers: Lahiru Kumara, Chris Greaves, Chris Sole
Captain: Wanindu Hasaranga
Vice-Captain: Richie Berrington
Prediction
Both teams are coming off red-hot form, however, given Sri Lanka's experience in high-pressure matches, they have a slight edge over their opponents.