ICC World Cup Qualifiers 2023: Match 19
Stadium: Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
27 June 2023
Sri Lanka and Scotland are going head to head against each other at Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo, Zimbabwe on 27th June. With both the teams already qualified for the next round makes this game is not significant in terms of the next stage. Both teams have won three games respectively. Who will win this game?
Claim Your Welcome Bonus!Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has displayed a clinical performance throughout this tournament, establishing itself as the dominant team in Group B. Meeting the expectations of their fans, they have emerged victorious in all three matches played thus far. Despite already securing a spot in the Super Sixes, the team remains determined to sustain their winning streak.
The opening duo of Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne will aim to provide Sri Lanka with a strong start once again. While Nissanka has faced some inconsistencies, Karunaratne is currently in exceptional form, having scored two half-centuries and a century in his last three innings.
The middle order is also in good shape. Sadeera Samarawickrama has displayed impressive performances with half-centuries in both of his appearances. Additionally, players like Charith Asalanka and Kusal Mendis have showcased good form. Wanindu Hasaranga has been outstanding with the ball, accumulating an impressive tally of 16 wickets in just three matches.
Supporting the bowling attack, Maheesh Theekshana will contribute in the spin department, while Lahiru Kumara, Kasun Rajitha, and Dasun Shanaka will feature in the pace attack.
Sri Lanka Predicted Lineup
Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka (wk), Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Dushmantha Chameera.
Scotland
Scotland has enjoyed an outstanding run in this tournament, mirroring their opponents by remaining unbeaten in three matches and securing a place in the next stage.
Captain Richie Berrington has displayed exceptional leadership skills, leading by example as the highest run-scorer for his team in the tournament. His impressive contributions include a century and a half-century. However, openers Christopher McBride and Matthew Cross have struggled to find their best form thus far, and they will be eager to turn that around by providing a strong start to the team.
The middle-order batting has been Scotland's greatest strength in the tournament. Alongside Berrington, players like Michael Leask, Brandon McMullen, and Tomas Mackintosh have performed well, contributing to the team's solid foundation.
Shifting the focus to the bowling department, all-rounder McMullen has been the leading wicket-taker with seven dismissals and will play a crucial role in the pace attack alongside Chris Sole and Safyaan Sharif. Spinner Chris Greaves showcased an impressive performance in the last match, taking five wickets, and will lead the spin attack supported by Leask and Mark Watt.
Scotland Predicted Lineup
Christopher McBride, Matthew Cross, Brandon McMullen, Richie Berrington (c), Tomas Mackintosh (wk), Michael Leask, Chris Greaves, Mark Watt, Chris Sole, Safyaan Sharif, Adrian Neill.
Expert betting tips
The pitch at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo offers a balanced contest, presenting fair chances for both batsmen and bowlers. Fast bowlers will require discipline to avoid being costly, as the pitch can be demanding. The ground has witnessed several matches recently, resulting in rough patches that spinners can exploit to their advantage. A target of approximately 265 runs is considered a standard score on this pitch. The weather forecast indicates clear conditions with temperatures in the early 20s. Sri Lanka has been consistent and they will be favourites to win the game.