[VIDEO] Sri Lanka vs Scotland highlights: 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup scores

Match 35 of the 2015 Cricket World Cup sees Sri Lanka up against Scotland at Bellerive Oval in Hobart. You can follow the live scores from 2:30pm (AEDT) and leave your comments below.

As we near the quarter-finals, today’s match will do little to change the complexion of the final eight. Despite this, both teams have plenty to play for.

For Scotland, pride is on the line. The Scots are still searching for their maiden World Cup victory after falling agonisingly short against Bangladesh, and even more so against Afghanistan.

Kyle Coetzer, the former captain, is leading the charge. His 156 against Bangladesh was inspirational, but he needs more support from the middle order if Scotland are to challenge Sri Lanka today.

Scotland’s bowlers will also need to stand up. They are yet to take 10 wickets in a game and if Tillakaratne Dilshan and Lahiru Thirimanne find their rhythm early, Scotland may struggle to challenge Sri Lanka, let alone defend a score.

Oh and in case you forgot, the man batting at number three goes alright as well.

Kumar Sangakkara became the first man in World Cup history to score three consecutive centuries with his knock of 104 against Australia. In doing so, he also surpassed 14,000 ODI runs and now only trails Sachin Tendulkar for most ODI runs ever scored.

Sangakkara is a champion and if you watch this match for nothing more than his poise and power at the crease, it will be well worth it.

With a place in the quarter-finals locked in, Sri Lanka will be looking to fine tune any niggles their team has before the knock-out stages begin.

The Sri Lankan top order is arguably the best in the competition, but after the injury to Dinesh Chandimal against Australia and the ongoing absence of Rangana Herath, the starting XI is not as strong as it could be.

This match will be important for the players that are asked to step up, both for match fitness and team morale, and especially in the bowling stakes.

Against Australia, Lasith Malinga was the only bowler to look dangerous. His trademark yorker troubled the Australian batsmen, including Michael Clarke, who he dismissed for 68. With each spell, Malinga’s impact was immediate, whether through a wicket or a series of dot balls. Unfortunately for Sri Lanka, he cannot bowl 20 overs.

Against Scotland this won’t be an issue. But if Sri Lanka are serious about their World Cup Finals campaign, they will need the likes of Seekkuge Prasanna and Sachithra Senanayake to support the fiery Malinga.

Prediction
Sorry Scotland, but Sri Lanka have you covered.

Sangakkara to score a fourth consecutive 100 and break more record books. Go Kumar, go!