World Cup 2019: England vs Sri Lanka preview

Arijah Siddiqui

June 21, 2019

Hosts England take on Sri Lanka in their World Cup match in Leeds today. Photo: AFP/File

LEEDS: The Cricket World Cup travels to Leeds as hosts England take on Sri Lanka at the Headingley Cricket Ground today.

England whose lone defeat came at the hands of Pakistan, currently sit on the third spot on the points table following their wins against Bangladesh, West Indies and the Afghanistan, where the Lions amassed a World Cup record total of scoring 397 runs.

England's skipper Eoin Morgan hit a dazzling 148 runs from 71 balls, leading him to a record 17 sixes in a one-day innings in a clash against Afghanistan. Photo: AFP

Skipper Eoin Morgan who had been an uncertainty for his side, hit a dazzling 148 off 71 balls, including a record 17 sixes in a one-day innings.

He was joined by Jonny Bairstow who made 90 and Joe Root, who added a tasteful 88 to England's score.

James Vince is relied upon to open as a replacement for injured Jason Roy. Photo: File

For today's game James Vince is expected to come into the side as Jason Roy remains unavailable because of a hamstring injury. Moeen Ali who made a solid case to hold his place over Liam Plunkett scoring 31 off nine in the last game, is also expected to be a part of the playing XI.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka come into the game following an 87-run loss at the hands of Australia.

Sri Lanka's only win of the tournament came against Afghanistan.

Sri Lankan skipper Dimuth Karunaratne (R) and wicket-keeper batsman Kusal Perera (L) hit 97 and 52 individually against Aussies. Photo: AFP

Despite the efforts of Sri Lankan openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Perera who scored 97 and 52 respectively, the Islanders failed to register their second win.

Fast bowler Isuru Udana picked up two wickets for his side, giving away 57 runs against Australia. Photo: File

Left-arm fast bowler Isuru Udana performed well with the ball taking two-57 runs, will require strong support from Nuwan Pradeep who had a costly economy rate of 8.80 without any wickets to appear it.

Sri Lanka will be wary of a strong England side which shows no hints of shortcoming regardless of the absence of Roy. A win for England today would see them qualify for the semi-finals.

The match between England and Sri Lanka will start at 2:30pm Pakistan Standard Time.

Weather in Leeds

According to the UK Met office, no rain has been predicted for today, There will be intervals of sunshine and clouds in Leeds throughout the day.

Eng vs SL ODI stats

Head to head matches: 74

ENG won: 36

SL won: 35

Tied: 1

No result: 2

Highest total: 366/6 by Sri Lanka in 2018

Lowest total: 67/10 by Sri Lanka in 2014

Most runs: 1625 runs in 41 innings by KC Sangakkara (SL)

Most wickets: 44 wickets in 29 innings by SL Malinga (SL)

Squads:

England: Eoin Morgan (c), Moeen Ali, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Tom Curran, Liam Dawson, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, James Vince, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne (c), Dhananjaya de Silva, Nuwan Pradeep, Avishka Fernando, Suranga Lakmal, Lasith Malinga, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Jeevan Mendis, Kusal Perera, Thisara Perera, Milinda Siriwardana, Lahiru Thirimanne, Isuru Udana, Jeffrey Vandersay