Battle in Brisbane: Sri Lanka versus Pakistan – Dream11 Prediction for the 1st Test 2023

Sri Lanka vs Pakistan: Clash of Titans in the World Test Championship Cycle Opener

Introduction

The World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle is set to kick off with a thrilling bilateral series between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. The two-match series will commence on Sunday at the Galle International Stadium. Sri Lanka will be looking to exploit home conditions, especially with the talented spinner Prabath Jayasuriya in their ranks. Meanwhile, Pakistan, led by Babar Azam, will be bolstered by the return of pacer Shaheen Afridi. Both teams are seeking victory, with Sri Lanka aiming to continue its dominance at home and Pakistan hoping to break its winless streak in the longest format.

Teams and Playing XI

Sri Lanka’s playing XI for the first Test includes captain Dimuth Karunaratne, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dinesh Chandimal, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wicketkeeper), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Vishwa Fernando, and Kasun Rajitha.

Pakistan‘s playing XI features Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Babar Azam (captain), Saud Shakeel, Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper), Agha Salman, Nauman Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah.

Key Players and Predicted XI

Key players for Sri Lanka include captain Dimuth Karunaratne and spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, who has an impressive record with 50 Test wickets in just seven matches at an average of 23.70. The predicted XI for Sri Lanka includes Karunaratne, Nishan Madhushka, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wicketkeeper), Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Dilshan Madushanka, and Praveen Jayawickrama.

Pakistan will rely on captain Babar Azam, who leads the batting unit, along with the return of pacer Shaheen Afridi. The predicted XI for Pakistan includes Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, Babar Azam (captain), Sarfaraz Ahmed (wicketkeeper), Saud Shakeel, Agha Salman, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah.

Recent Form Guide

Sri Lanka has had a mixed record in Test cricket recently, with five wins and four defeats in its last 10 games. They are coming off a 2-0 win over Ireland at home but suffered a 0-2 loss to New Zealand away. Sri Lanka’s last two Test series at home, against Pakistan and Australia, ended in a 1-1 draw, and all four matches were played at Galle.

On the other hand, Pakistan has struggled in Test cricket, with just one win in their last 10 appearances. Their last Test win was against Sri Lanka at Galle one year ago. They have since been swept 0-3 by England and drew a two-match series 0-0 against New Zealand at home. Pakistan will be hoping for a change in fortune in the new cycle of the World Test Championship.

Key Match Statistics

The Galle International Stadium has witnessed some memorable contests between Sri Lanka and Pakistan. In their previous encounters at this venue, Sri Lanka won by 246 runs in July 2022, while Pakistan won by four wickets in the same month. In June 2015, Pakistan won by 10 wickets, but in August 2014, Sri Lanka emerged victorious by seven wickets. In June 2012, Sri Lanka won by 209 runs, and in July 2009, Sri Lanka won by 50 runs. Pakistan‘s only dominant victory at this venue came in June 2000 when they won by an innings and 163 runs.

Editorial and Advice

The clash between Sri Lanka and Pakistan in the World Test Championship opener promises to be a thrilling contest. Sri Lanka’s strong record at home will give them the confidence to exploit the familiar conditions, especially with spinner Prabath Jayasuriya in their lineup. On the other hand, Pakistan will be looking to break their winless streak and make a statement in the new cycle of the World Test Championship.

The key for Sri Lanka will be to capitalize on their home advantage and ensure that their experienced players, such as captain Dimuth Karunaratne and spinner Jayasuriya, perform at their best. Pakistan, on the other hand, will need their batting unit to step up and support captain Babar Azam, while relying on the return of pacer Shaheen Afridi to bolster their bowling attack.

Both teams should pay attention to the recent form guide, with Sri Lanka aiming to build on their recent wins and Pakistan seeking a turnaround. However, cricket is a game of uncertainties, and anything can happen on the day.

As for the viewers, this series promises to be an exciting start to the new World Test Championship cycle. It is an opportunity to witness the clash between two talented teams and observe how they navigate the challenges posed by the longer format of the game. Australian cricket fans should tune in to the Sony Sports Network or stream the match on SonyLIV or the FanCode app and witness the battle unfold.

In true Australian sportsmanship, we wish both Sri Lanka and Pakistan the best of luck and hope for an engaging and fair cricketing contest.