ICC CWC 2023: Sri Lanka opt to bowl first after winning toss against India

The Men in Blue remain undefeated with six victories in as many matches, while Sri Lanka has won only two out of their six games.

Mumbai: Sri Lankan skipper Kusal Mendis won the toss and elected to bowl first in his side’s ICC Cricket World Cup match against India at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Thursday.

Men in Blue are undefeated so far, with six wins in six matches while SL is struggling, having won only two of their six games.

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SL skipper Kusal said at the toss, “We are going to bowl first. I think the pitch will be better for batting in the second part. Everyone did their best in the last few games. Hopefully, they will continue to do the same today. One change, DDS (Dhananjaya De Silva) is not playing, Dushan Hemantha is playing.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, leading India for the first time in a World Cup match at his childhood venue, said, “Would have batted first. Obviously, some assistance to start with but under lights there will be good assistance for our pacers. Great honour, a great moment to lead the team. It is important for us to not get carried away by the performances we put in. Same team as the last game.”

India (Playing XI): Rohit Sharma(c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul(w), Suryakumar Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj

Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kusal Mendis(w/c), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Angelo Mathews, Dushan Hemantha, Maheesh Theekshana, Kasun Rajitha, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka.