In the world of ODI cricket, all eyes are on the thrilling clashes set to unfold today in the 2023 ODI World Cup. Defending champions England are poised to redeem themselves as they face off against Bangladesh at the iconic HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala on this Tuesday, October 10. This game kicks off an action-packed doubleheader, with Pakistan subsequently squaring off against Sri Lanka in Hyderabad.
England, who stumbled out of the gate with a disheartening nine-wicket loss to last edition's runners-up, New Zealand, in the tournament opener, are looking to regain their footing. Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra's centuries dismantled the England bowling attack and made quick work of the 283-run target at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium.
The English squad is now in dire need of a comeback, and Bangladesh stands in their way. Bangladesh enters the contest with momentum, having dispatched Afghanistan with a resounding six-wicket victory at the same venue. Bangladesh's prior experience at Dharamsala gives them an edge, while England has been on a grueling travel schedule this year, aiming to protect their coveted title.
Recent Form:
Bangladesh enters the game riding high on their opening victory against Afghanistan in Dharamsala. Meanwhile, England is reeling from their loss to New Zealand in Ahmedabad. However, recent form can often prove irrelevant when these two formidable teams clash on Tuesday.
Head-to-Head:
England boasts a commanding lead in their head-to-head record against Bangladesh in ODIs. The 2019 World Cup champions have crossed paths with Bangladesh 24 times, securing victory on 19 occasions. In contrast, Bangladesh has managed to notch only five wins against England in ODIs.
Squads:
England: Jos Buttler (w/c), Jonny Bairstow, Dawid Malan, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Ben Stokes, Gus Atkinson, David Willey, Reece Topley
Bangladesh: Shakib Al Hasan (c), Tanzid Hasan, Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim (w), Towhid Hridoy, Mahmudullah, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Mahedi Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud, Tanzim Hasan Sakib
Prediction for England vs. Bangladesh:
Given England's dominant track record against Bangladesh in ODIs, the defending champions are the clear favorites to emerge victorious in Tuesday's clash.
Meanwhile, Pakistan is determined to sustain their winning momentum in the tournament as they prepare to take on Sri Lanka in their second match of the World Cup in Hyderabad. Pakistan has been acclimatized to the conditions in Hyderabad for a month now, which could prove advantageous. However, despite their victory over the Netherlands in the tournament opener, Pakistan's performance raised more questions than answers.
On the flip side, Sri Lanka endured a high-scoring contest against South Africa, ultimately suffering a defeat at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi. The return of spinner Maheesh Theekshana bolsters Sri Lanka's prospects, as they seek their first win of the tournament.
Recent Form:
Pakistan secured a victory in their World Cup opener against the Netherlands, while Sri Lanka heads into the game after a loss in their first match of the tournament. Sri Lanka's 14-match unbeaten streak in ODIs was recently halted during the Asia Cup 2023 final against India.
Head-to-Head:
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have locked horns in 156 ODIs, with Pakistan prevailing on 92 occasions. Pakistan holds a substantial advantage in their head-to-head record, with Sri Lanka claiming victory in only 59 encounters.
Squads:
Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Rizwan (w), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Agha Salman, Usama Mir, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Wasim Jr.
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (w), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dunith Wellalage, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana, Dilshan Madushanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Lahiru Kumara, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana.
Prediction for Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka:
Sri Lanka had the upper hand against Pakistan in their most recent encounter during the Asia Cup 2023. Both teams are well-equipped, and the outcome may hinge on who performs better on the day. Nevertheless, considering the home advantage, we favor Pakistan to emerge victorious in this contest.
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