Pakistan vs Sri Lanka: How to pick the winning Dream11?
What's the story
Asian sides Pakistan and Sri Lanka face each other in match number 11 of the ICC World Cup 2019 at the Bristol County Ground on Friday. Both teams go into this game after having earned victories in their previous respective matches. Fans playing the Dream11 will look to select a winning team. Here we decode the same.
Batting
Babar, Karunaratne are the two pillars of the batting unit
Dimuth Karunaratne has been the only Lankan player to show some authority with the bat. He gets the vice-captaincy nod of this Dream11 team and opens the batting alongside Imam-ul-Haq. Both players will look to apply themselves. The in-form Babar Azam (captain) comes in at number three. He gets the desired support from experienced names Lahiru Thirimanne and wicket-keeper batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed.
All-rounders
Powerful and experienced all-rounders in the mix
We have gone with three all-rounders in the side. Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik are two premier faces in that middle order. They offer substance with their crucial spin bowling on offer. Both can take wickets and contain batsmen. Hafeez with his match-winning skills could guide Pakistan. Lanka's veteran star Thisara Perera fills in as the third all-rounder. His cameo could be vital.
Bowling
Malinga, Riaz handle the bowling department
Lasith Malinga leads this bowling unit. The veteran superstar did well in the previous match against Afghanistan and will look to continue in the same vein. Nuwan Pradeep will support Malinga in the Lankan bowling quartet. He can chip in with wickets and test the Pakistani batting. Wahab Riaz fits in as well. The left-arm pacer can dictate the show of the match.
Information
Rationale behind the Dream11 team
We have gone for immense depth in batting up till number eight. This is because both teams can be vulnerable. Lanka in particular have struggled. The pace department looks strong and experienced. The three all-rounders will have the maximum say. It's a balanced playing XI.
Predictions
Predicted starting XI and possible winners
Predicted Pakistan playing XI: Imam, Fakhar, Babar, Sarfaraz (captain and wicket-keeper), Malik, Hafeez, Imad, Shadab, Riaz, Amir and Hasan. Predicted Sri Lanka playing XI: Karunaratne (captain), Perera (wicket-keeper), Thirimanne, Mathews, Mendis, Perera, Dhananjaya, Udana, Lakmal, Malinga and Pradeep. Both teams are unpredictable and it will be a close contest. Pakistan have the edge and the better resources available. They could beat Sri Lanka.