Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Cricket World Cup - Pakistan set for comfortable win at County Ground

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 05 Jun 2019

Ralph Staniforth 05 Jun 2019

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Azam and Ul-Haq tipped to dominate Sri Lankan bowlers

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Pakistan are odds on favourites to beat Sri Lanka in their next 2019 Cricket World Cup fixture (Getty Images)

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Cricket World Cup Preview, Predictions, Betting Tips & Live Stream

Pakistan play Sri Lanka at the Country Ground in their third 2019 Cricket World Cup match with both in search of their second victory. The form batsmen all come from Pakistan’s side so I am tipping Babar Azam to continue his good form and get over 38.5 runs at 1.90.

Imam-Ul-Haq scored 151 at Country Ground recently and with an average of over 50 runs in 2019, I am looking at him to be Pakistan’s best batsman.

Pakistan Form & Team News

Pakistan had suffered 11 defeats from their last 11 matches prior to their match against England. But this is Pakistan and they tend to come from nowhere to get the biggest results.

Batting first at Trent Bridge, Pakistan got to a fantastic total of 348 against the English. Babar Azam scored 63 and in partnership with Mohammad Hafeez (84) anchored the innings. For once the batsmen and bowlers produced with Wahab Riaz taking 3-82.

This victory will give Pakistan renewed hope after their humiliation against the West Indies in their World Cup opener. Just before the World Cup Pakistan played England at County Ground where Imam-Ul-Haq scored 151, I am backing him to be Pakistan’s best batsman at 4.00.

Pakistan are big favourites for this clash at 1.30 but I prefer to look at the over/under market with Babar Azam. Azam is my tip to get over 38.5 considering he has gone past that mark in four of his last six innings.

Babar Azam batting — Pakistan's Babar Azam is tipped to continue his good form and score over 38.5 runs against Sri Lanka (Getty Images)

Sri Lanka Form & Team News

Sri Lanka had lost nine of their previous 10 ODI's before defeating Afghanistan at Sophia Gardens in their last World Cup match. That performance, despite victory, posed more questions than answers. After reaching 144-2 the inevitable collapse came.

The Lions went from 144-2 to 201 all out as Kusal Perera top scored with 78. Then the rain came and shortened the game. Nuwan Pradeep took advantage the extra life in the pitch and took 4-31. Sri Lanka won by 34 runs on the Duckworth/Lewis method.

Sri Lanka’s performances have offered little to show that they can defeat a Pakistan side that are on a high after their victory over England. They can be backed at 3.50 but this would be risky considering recent performances.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Head to Head

Pakistan have won their last six ODI matches against Sri Lanka and nine of the last 11. This record does not bode well for Sri Lanka who have struggled in the World Cup thus far.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Live Stream

You can watch the live action between Pakistan and Sri Lanka by streaming it on bet365. Please see terms and conditions at bet365 before attempting to watch the match on your iPhone, iPad, Android device or computer.

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Match Up

Pakistan have a strong batting and bowling line-up, as they showed against England in their last outing. In Wahab Riaz and Mohammed Amir they have two fast bowlers who seem to be finding form at the right time.

Sri Lanka’s Lasith Malinga is still very good in the death overs and he will have to produce the goods if the 1996 world champions have any chance in this clash.

Imam-Ul-Haq batting — Imam-Ul-Haq scored 151 runs on his last visit to the County Ground just before the Cricket World Cup (Getty Images)

Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Key Statistics

Pakistan’s Babar Azam averages 50.63 in 14 ODI’s in 2019.
Pakistan’s Babar Azam has scored has scored over 38.5 in 4 of his last 6 innings’.
Pakistan’s Babar Azam scored 63 in his last innings against England.
Pakistan’s Imam-Ul-Haq scored 151 in his last innings at Country Ground, Bristol.
Pakistan’s Imam-Ul-Haq has averaged 51.16 in ODI’s in 2019.

Verdict

Babar Azam has been Pakistan’s form batsman over the last two years and scored 63 in his last outing at the World Cup. My tip is for him to get over 38.5 runs against Sri Lanka at 1.90.

Imam-Ul-Haq recently scored 151 at County Ground and as the opening batsman he is good value to take the Sri Lankan bowlers to task. I’m backing him to be Pakistan’s best batsman at 4.00.

Best Bet: Babar Azam Over 38.5 Runs @ 1.90 at bet365 - 4 Units

Value Bet: Pakistan Best Batsman - Imam-Ul-Haq @ 4.00 at bet365 - 1 Unit