PAK vs SL

The first match to be abandoned in this World Cup.

Does anyone remember 1992 World Cup?

Pakistan lost their first match, won their second and the third got washed out. They went on to win the World Cup.

Though repeating this history is as difficult as South Africa not choking in important matches, but well, it’s always possible.

So, on one hand, Pakistan might not be happy with the result knowing they had the upper hand. On the other, Sri Lanka will be pleased with the one point.

It seems even the clouds don’t want Sri Lanka to play complete matches.

First Match against NZ – 135 All out, clouds never had to play a role.

Second Match against AFG – 41 overs a side match after a rain interruption. DLS played a part.

Third Match against PAK – Washed Out. Abandoned.

So, Pakistan play their next against Australia and Sri Lanka play their next against Bangladesh.

Up Next Tomorrow –

Once again, it’s a Saturday and a double header for us!

Match 1 – England vs Bangladesh.

England is coming off a humiliating loss against Pakistan which was one of the biggest upsets in this Tournament till now. On the other hand, Bangladesh is coming off with a loss against New Zealand but victorious against South Africa. Hence, this will be a battle worth watching and one cannot count Bangladesh out in tomorrow’s contest. Though, one has to accept the fact that England are still the favourites for the match and would seek Pakistan’s revenge against Bangladesh tomorrow.

Key battles –

Archer, Woakes, Stokes and Wood vs Shakib, Tamim, Sarkar and Mushfiqur.

Mustafizur, Shakib, Saifuddin and Mortaza vs Roy, Bairstow, Root and Morgan.

Match 2 – New Zealand vs Afghanistan.

New Zealand players aren’t a good team against Spin and Afghanistan team is known for their spin attack with Nabi, Rashid and Mujeeb. Afghanistan scored a 207 against the Australian bowling attack and would again look for a good total against the Kiwi bowling attack. Obviously, New Zealand are still the favourites for this battle tomorrow.

Key point – Mohammad Shahzad has been ruled out of the World cup with an injury. He’s a huge loss to Afghanistan since Ikram Ali Khil is more of a defensive player and Shahzad’s aggresive start will be missed.

Key battles –

Nabi, Rashid, Mujeeb and Naib vs Guptill, Williamson, Taylor and Munro.

Boult, Ferguson, Henry and Santner vs Rahmat, Nabi, Zazai and Najibullah.