World Cup 2023, IND vs SL | Playing 11 Prediction, Cricket Tips, Preview & Live Streaming

India face off against Sri Lanka (Twitter)

Team India returns to the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai for their next match of the ICC World Cup 2023 against Sri Lanka on Thursday (November 2). Rohit Sharma's men, who have been on a roll as the numero uno side after six consecutive victories in the league stage, strive to flex their muscles past the Lankan Lions and cement their spot in the knock-outs stage. 

For Sri Lanka, it's a final opportunity to resurrect their sinking ship and stay put in the semifinals race. Kusal Mendis-led Island nation has been struggling with inexperience and inconsistency, clinching just two wins in their six matches. Another defeat would prove fatal to their hopes of reclaiming the coveted crown. 

IND vs SL: Team Previews 

India 

Men In Blue have been a juggernaut of absolute dominance and excellence over the last six league matches. India have battered and bruised their oppositions into submission and stand at the top of the points table, one win away from sealing a place in the knock-outs stage. 

In what is shaping up to be the most robust side of the competition, the only two worries are uncertainty around the return of premier allrounder Hardik Pandya and the lack of substantial scores from key batters Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer. 

Iyer has had an inconsistent run in this World Cup (x.com)

Iyer has especially fallen under scrutiny for his dismissals versus the short ball despite healthy contributions in wins against Pakistan and New Zealand and needs a strong knock to reinforce his value. A match-up at his home ground in Mumbai is thus an ideal setting for the earnest right-hander to emerge as the team's hero. 

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Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka have won 3 games in this WC (AP Photo)

The Lankan Lions have been the picture of inconsistency in a brittle outfit hurting due to multiple injuries and inexperience within the ranks. Their gut-wrenching loss to Afghanistan in Pune, only a few days after drowning the much-vaunted Englishmen, laid bare the longstanding pattern with them as they couldn't extend their allround display to two matches. 

They're expected to join the list of oppositions India would've butchered on their way to the ultimate glory, which makes it an opportunity to fly under the radar and play freely without taking the pressure. It could be a perfect scenario for their young troops to rally together and pack their strongest punch. 

Sri Lankans require their batting to put up a more substantial allround effort in the middle and embolden their bowling resources, which would be an achievement beyond the result if it happens against India's battery of stars. 

IND vs SL: Match Details & Live Streaming

IND vs SL: Mumbai Pitch Report

The red-soil surface at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai has always provided seamers rising bounce and aided stroke-making. Unless watered and rolled excessively, the track also gives spinners some bite and turn off the straight, making it one of the most balanced pitches on Indian shores as it brings both departments into play. Wankhede, however, also boasts of small boundary dimensions and that makes it a perfect ground for well-set batters to play their strokes without hesitation. 

IND vs SL: Probable Playing XIs

India: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis (c & wk), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Angelo Mathews, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka

IND vs SL: Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips

IND vs SL: Winner Prediction

India look set to continue their rich vein of form against Sri Lanka and take a giant stride towards the knock-outs stage. The Men in Blue are playing every bit like the tournament favourites and the struggling Lankan Lions aren't expected to challenge them at the Wankhede Stadium. 

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