Given Sri Lanka’s travails, winning this match should not be difficult for Virat Kohli & Co. But as is well-known, the only certainty in cricket is its uncertainty!
Sri Lanka have dazzled intermittently, and as the match against England showed, can also raise their game several notches when in the mood.
Avishka Fernando has shown blazing form with the bat, Lasith Malinga has turned back the years with fiery, skillful bowling, and Mathews looks like he may still have a matchwinning knock or two in him.
These are serious threats to India who must win this match to have a chance of going top of the points table and avoid meeting rampaging England in the semi-final.
There is a case for trying out Ravindra Jadeja, perhaps in place of Shami, but the greater attention will be on how M S Dhoni is tuned up for the big challenge ahead
Key Players: Avishka, Malinga; Rohit, Bumrah
Australia v South Africa
South Africa have been the most disappointing team in the World Cup. The batting’s been woeful, the bowling only marginally better and several careers must be on the line surely.
Australia, on the other hand, have gone from strength to strength after an early hiccup. Openers Warner and Finch are in the running for being the highest run-getters in the tournament, while Starc’s deadly pace and late swing already has him possibly in unsurpassable position as wicket-taker.
Smith and Khawaja, Cummins and Beherndoff, and perky wicket-keeper Alex Carey provide great heft in batting, bowling and behind the stumps.
Given this scenario, it is hardly likely the Proteas can overcome a strong Aussie side that has ticked all boxes: unless someone like Amla, du Plessis, de Kock or Rabada comes up with an inspired, match-winning performance.
Key Players: Finch, Starc; du Plessis, Rabada
