In the upcoming match of the ICC World Cup 2023, Pakistan is set to play its second game against Sri Lanka. This encounter holds significant importance as both teams have a history of intense battles on the cricket field. The match is scheduled to take place at the Hyderabad Deccan Stadium, commencing at 1:30 PM local time.
Historically, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have faced each other eight times in World Cup tournaments, with the 2019 match being washed out due to rain. During the period from 1975 to 2011, Pakistan suffered defeats in 7 out of 7 encounters against Sri Lanka. Their first meeting in 1975 saw Pakistan lose by a substantial margin of 192 runs.
In the 1983 World Cup, Pakistan secured two victories against Sri Lanka, winning the first match by 50 runs and the second by 11 runs. The 1987 World Cup also witnessed two matches between the teams, with Pakistan emerging victorious in both encounters, winning the first by 15 runs and the second by 113 runs.
However, the highlight of Pakistan’s World Cup journey against Sri Lanka came in 1992 when Pakistan won a close match by just 4 wickets. This victory was a crucial moment during Pakistan’s triumphant World Cup campaign.
The last encounter between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the World Cup took place in 2011, where Pakistan emerged victorious by 11 runs, marking a significant win in their World Cup history against Sri Lanka.
In preparation for this crucial match, the Pakistan team held practice sessions at the Jam Khan Ground in Hyderabad. The training included key players such as Captain Babar Azam, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Haris Rauf, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Haris, Zaman Khan, and Abrar Ahmed.
This match holds immense significance for both teams, especially considering their performances in the previous matches. Pakistan suffered a defeat against the Netherlands by 81 runs in their first match, while Sri Lanka faced a 102-run loss to South Africa. Both teams will be aiming for a victory to regain momentum in the tournament and secure a spot in the later stages of the ICC World Cup 2023.
