Australia Vs Sri Lanka, Match Preview
The first group is the toughest of the two. A win here will take either side to two wins, and will leave them in a handsome position for qualification. As in the other games, both teams won chasing. Chasing is seen as the formula of the tournament. The chases however were a little contrasting for these two sides.
Australia had a struggle chasing a low total against South Africa, while Sri Lanka managed to chase a high target with relative ease. Sri Lanka’s top-order holes showed up, but the chase still looked easy.
Sri Lanka are coming into this game with some momentum. The bowling attack continues to impress, and the batting depth is wonderful. They bat long, and deep despite the top-order struggling. The middle-order success will come as a boost to them, as Asalanka and Rajapaksa steered them out of trouble against Bangladesh.
For Australia, batting is still a slight mystery. Warner is still not in touch, and Finch was out early. The middle-order contributed, but Australia took the game a little deeper than they would have liked. The side was excellent with the ball, as Hazlewood took some key wickets.
Australia Vs Sri Lanka, Team News
Australia will be happy with their flexibility. They have Steve Smith acting as a floater, and an abundance of bowling options. Stoinis, and Maxwell are more than capable with the ball, and the batting looks good too. Starc did limp of the field in practice, and his inclusion is a slight question.
Sri Lanka will use the same side unless Theekshana is fit.
Australia Vs Sri Lanka, Predicted XIs
Australia (probable) 1 David Warner, 2 Aaron Finch (capt), 3 Mitchell Marsh, 4 Steven Smith, 5 Glenn Maxwell, 6 Marcus Stoinis, 7 Matthew Wade (wk), 8 Pat Cummins, 9 Mitchell Starc, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh Hazlewood
Sri Lanka (probable) 1 Kusal Perera (wk), 2 Pathum Nissanka, 3 Charith Asalanka, 4 Avishka Fernando, 5 Wanindu Hasaranga, 6 Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 7 Dasun Shanka (capt), 8 Chamika Karunaratne, 9 Dushmantha Chameera, 10 Lahiru Kumara, 11 Binura Fernando/Maheesh Theekshana
Australia Vs Sri Lanka, Players to Watch out for
David Warner
Recently celebrating his birthday, Warner feels he is not out of form as others suggest. His touch seemed to have returned briefly against South Africa, but his mindset was the issue, according to Warner himself. Against Sri Lanka, Warner will have to counter a lot of pace, an he seems up for it. Australia will hope he is up for it as his starts are crucial for them to get a good score.
Lahiru Kumara
Kumara was involved in an ugly incident against Bangladesh, when he argued with Liton Das. He copped a fine, but will be fired up yet again for tonight’s encounter. Kumara has the pace to challenge Australia, but he will need to keep his cool against a fiery side.
Australia Vs Sri Lanka, Pitch Report
Dubai has seen teams chase lower scores comfortable. Sides batting first are finding it tough to asses what is a good score. Batting first is also a little tough, which could mean batting second is the way to go. Dew isn’t as big a factor in Dubai as it is in the other stadiums.
