In the quest of keeping the semi-final hopes alive, Sri Lanka will take on an in-form England on Monday in Sharjah. Despite playing bright, aggressive cricket, the Sri Lankans have been patchy in the Super 12s, losing two of their three matches. England, on the other hand, are unbeaten, and a win tonight will seal their semi-final spot from Group 1.
Sharjah has produced some exciting contests in this T20 World Cup. It is also where Sri Lanka have pulled off their only win in the Super 12s, pulling off a steep chase against Bangladesh. The spin-friendly conditions here will suit Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, & co.
However, containing the English power-hitters on those small boundaries will be a huge challenge.
There is variety in the Sri Lankan attack, but they have lack consistency at times. Hence, in order to tame this terrific England batting line-up, the bowlers need to come forward with an all-round show.
The Sri Lankan batters have done well so far. Kusal Perera, Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Charith Asalanka have all taken calculated risks to keep the scorecard moving. But to topple a team like England, they need more individuals to put their hands up.
England, on the other hand, have had a smooth journey so far. More than their celebrated batting line-up, their bowling has impressed the most this time. Chris Woakes, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid, Moeen Ali and Tymal Mills, and even part-timer Liam Livingstone have all been excellent form.
However, their middle-order is yet to be tested properly, as the bulk of the scoring has been done by their top four. This is one aspect which may keep England on their toes going to the knockout round.
Likely XIs
England: Jason Roy, Jos Buttler (wk), Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Eoin Morgan (c), Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid, Tymal Mills
Sri Lanka: Kusal Perera (wk), Pethum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka (c), Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara
Fantasy tips
- Bank on spin all-rounders like Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone and Wanindu Hasaranga to do well in this contest.
- Sri Lanka might pick an extra spin-allrounder Dhananjaya de Silva in their XI for this game.
- England are most likely to be unchanged.
Fantasy XI
Jos Buttler, Kusal Perera, Jason Roy, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Charith Asalanka, Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, Wanindu Hasaranga, Adil Rashid, Chris Woakes, Tymal Mills