In the midst of the ongoing World Cup, the race for the last-four berth is getting intense. On Thursday, Rohit Sharma’s team will face Sri Lanka at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. This match will be crucial for Sharma’s team as they aim to secure their spot in the semi-finals.
Currently, India is leading the points table with 12 points from six wins. On the other hand, Sri Lanka is placed seventh with two wins and four losses. Sri Lanka still has a chance to make it to the last four, but they will need to win all three of their remaining matches and hope for other teams to finish on 10 points. Additionally, they will have to significantly improve their Net Run Rate.
Unfortunately, Sri Lanka has faced several setbacks in this tournament, including injuries to key players such as skipper Dasun Shanaka and Lahiru Kumara. These injuries, along with their failure to perform well in both batting and bowling, have hindered their chances of success. The defeat to Afghanistan has further dampened their prospects.
India has also faced injury concerns, with all-rounder Hardik Pandya doubtful for the upcoming match. However, Mohammad Shami has stepped in as a replacement and has already claimed nine wickets in two matches.
India has had an exceptional campaign in the World Cup so far, winning five matches while chasing and one by defending a small total against England. Their bowlers, especially Jasprit Bumrah and Kuldeep Yadav, have been instrumental in their success. Rohit Sharma has been leading the batting front with impressive performances, while Virat Kohli has also contributed significantly. However, the other batsmen need to step up and make substantial contributions.
With one more win, India will secure a place in the knockout stage. However, they cannot afford to be complacent and must continue to perform well. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka also needs to bounce back from their recent defeat and keep their chances alive.
In their previous encounters, India and Sri Lanka have had a balanced record in ODI World Cups, with both teams winning four matches each. Overall, India has a better head-to-head record, winning 98 out of the 167 matches played between the two teams.
At the Wankhede Stadium, India has had a decent track record, winning 11 out of the 20 ODIs played there. However, they have only won three matches batting first, so it won’t be surprising if Rohit Sharma chooses to bowl first if he wins the toss.
In 2011, India won the World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium, defeating Sri Lanka in the final. Rohit Sharma and his team will be aiming to repeat history and lift the trophy once again.
Overall, this match will be crucial for both teams as they fight to secure their spot in the semi-finals. Both sides will be eager to put up a strong performance and keep their World Cup dreams alive.
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