India has the opportunity to secure a spot in the knockout stage as they face a Sri Lanka team desperate to upset the hosts to keep their own tournament hopes alive.
The highly anticipated match is scheduled for Thursday, November 02, at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
India stands out as the only unbeaten team in the tournament, having clinched six comprehensive victories. They currently lead the standings and are on the verge of solidifying their position in the knockout stage.
A seventh consecutive win will not only guarantee India a place in the later stages of the competition but also allow them to fine-tune their lineup while aiming for a top spot finish.
Sri Lanka, initially considered a dark horse in the tournament after reaching the final of the recent Asia Cup on their home turf, suffered a demoralizing defeat to India in that final.
The memory of that match, where Sri Lanka was dismissed for a mere 50 runs while Mohammed Siraj claimed 6 wickets for 21 runs, will loom large over them.
India had previously defeated Sri Lanka in the same event and won all three ODIs when they met in January earlier this year. However, it’s worth noting that the Sri Lankan lineup for this encounter is expected to be quite different.
Sri Lanka has been hit hard by injuries before and during the tournament, with captain Dasun Shanaka, Lahiru Kumara, and Matheesha Pathirana all ruled out.
Nevertheless, the remaining squad will need to find a way to cause an upset if they are to keep their tournament hopes alive.
READ MORE: Pakistan’s Third CWC23 Win: Convincing Victory Over Bangladesh
