Start time: 1030, 07/06/2019
Venue: Bristol
TV: Sky Sports
Pakistan and Sri Lanka have both shown how erratic they can be at the Cricket World Cup, so we reckon the value lies in supporting the underdog here.
The Crusaders went into the competition under a cloud, but enjoyed a confidence boost when beating Afghanistan in Cardiff on Tuesday.
With that win on the board, 9/4 for the 1999 champions to prevail again is tempting enough to be our initial Pakistan vs Sri Lanka prediction.
Pakistan never losses self-belief
Pakistan kicked off their campaign with a seven-wicket loss to the West Indies, being skittled out for just 105 in Nottingham.
However, they then beat England by 14 runs at Trent Bridge after posting a fine 348 for eight.
Hasan Ali insists Pakistan never lost self-belief, despite tasting defeat in their previous 11 completed ODI games.
He said: “After the first match, we sat down and talked about our weakness and about our plans and execution, all these things.
“But one thing is very important, which is our coach (Mickey Arthur) is always backing us. That moment turned us, as everyone was confident.”
Opener Imam-ul-Haq contributed a measured 44 on Monday and will have happy memories of his recent trip to Bristol, when smashing 151 against the Three Lions last month.
Looking at the Pakistan vs Sri Lanka odds, we like 7/2 for him to top score for the men in green.
But Sri Lanka is also confident
Sri Lanka looked in disarray when going down by 10 wickets to New Zealand and then suffering a mid-order collapse versus Afghanistan.
However, after being all out for 201 in Wales, their bowlers came to the rescue and secured a 34-run victory, with Nuwan Pradeep taking 4-31.
Head coach Chandika Hathurusingha feels there is more to come from his side, stating: “The two wickets we’ve had (in Cardiff) are not ideal for one-day cricket, for my mind.
“But we really needed a win and it will give us a lot of confidence, so I am sure you will see a better approach from the team after this.”
Kusal Perera came into this tournament in decent form and shone with 78 earlier this week, so 333/100 for him to be his side’s top batsman again completes our Pakistan vs Sri Lanka betting tips.
