In a must-win match, England will face Sri Lanka at Sydney on Saturday, hoping with a victory they will join New Zealand as the semi-finalists of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022.
With 7 points and 2.113 NRR, New Zealand have already qualified for the semi-final from Group 1.
Now Australia and England remain the contender for the second qualifier. Australia have 7 points as well but their NRR of -0.173 is the main concern.
If England, which currently carry 5 points, win against Sri Lanka, they will through to the semis as the former maintain 0.547 NRR better than Australia’s.
Group 1 Points Table T20 World Cup 2022
One of the favorites of the title England pushed themselves into trouble after they lost to Ireland at Melbourne in a rain-affected match. Later, their another match against Australia at the very venue was washed out.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka are already out of the race for the semis. They have 4 points and are placed at fourth position in the group. Even a win against England won’t help them to stay alive in the tournament any longer.
Head to Head in T20Is: Match 13, England won 9, Sri Lanka won 4
Both England and Sri Lanka have been face to face in T20Is 13 times in the past. Sri Lanka suffered 9 defeats including the last seven consecutive losses.
Last time, Sri Lanka defeated England on May 20, 2014 at The Oval.
England’s playing XI against Sri Lanka (possible):
- Jos Buttler (Captain & Wicketkeeper)
- Alex Hales
- Dawid Malan
- Ben Stokes
- Liam Livingstone
- Harry Brook
- Moeen Ali
- Sam Curran
- Chris Woakes
- Mark Wood
- Adil Rashid
Sri Lanka’s playing XI against England (possible):
- Kusal Mendis (Wicket Keeper)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Dhananjaya de Silva
- Charith Asalanka
- Bhanuka Rajapaksa
- Dasun Shanaka (Captain)
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Pramod Madushan
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Kasun Rajitha
- Lahiru Kumara
