Will Pathum Nissanka’s aggressive form continue? England have qualified for the Super 8 stages of the tournament. The Three Lions did not play their best in the group stage and lost a game against West Indies and almost lost against Nepal. They have been seeded in Group 2 along with co-hosts Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Pakistan.
The Three Lions will play their matches in Sri Lanka, where the ball grips and spins a little. However, they have the advantage as they recently whitewashed Sri Lanka 3-0 at home. This will help them adapt to the conditions quickly and play the cricket like the one played during the bilateral series.
Pathum Nissanka is breathing fire with the bat
But one thing of concern for the English team is the aggressive form of Pathum Nissanka. He has been on fire with his bat, scoring a match-winning century against Australia, followed by a crucial half-century against Zimbabwe, although his team lost against Chevron. His form will be a matter of concern for the England team.
Pathum Nissanka has been in tremendous form as he is the leading run-scorer for the team and the second-highest run-scorer in the competition. He has scored 199 runs at an average of 66.33 and an excellent strike rate of 156.69.
Harry Brook prepared well for Pathum Nissanka
Speaking on his form, England captain Harry Brook has shared his views. He believes that Pathum Nissanka’s form will be a threat to the English team and his wicket will be important; They will look to get him out early at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Sunday.
“Nissanka is in a bit of heat at the moment, so it would be ideal if we could get him out early,” Brook said in Saturday’s pre-match press conference. Brook admitted that his team has been “a little bit more cautious” with the bat at times. However, they will consider the next phase as a new beginning.
He said, “Now we look at it as a new competition. Without carrying forward the points, it is a completely new start.” “We can maybe be a little bit braver in some situations and trust the people behind us more.”
England confident of defeating Sri Lanka
Although they won the series at the same venue, they are cautious about placing big bets on the World Cup. Harry Brook is confident that his men are fully prepared for a full T20 match. But there has been heavy rain, and speaking to the adaptability of the short game, it would be important if the overs are reduced.
“They’re obviously a strong team with a lot of confidence after some very good wins,” Brook concluded. “If we stick to our guns and play our best cricket, there’s no reason why we can’t beat them. I think you just have to prepare as if it’s a T20 game and hope the rain stays away. If it doesn’t, we have to adapt.”
The Sri Lanka vs England game is scheduled to start at 3:00 PM IST at the R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
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