Sri Lanka vs Australia, 1st T20I Match Prediction

Preview

Sri Lanka vs Australia: Australia rarely go into a bilateral limited-overs series with their full squad, but with the side well settled, the need to disturb the balance may have prompted them to stick with an experienced squad. Although they have been good in T20s off late, Australia will have concerns regarding Finch’s and Smith’s form, as they make their first tour to Sri Lanka in six years.

For Sri Lanka, there are some newcomers in the line-up and some of them are rather exciting. The Sri Lankan team played Australia earlier this year, and lost the series despite giving a decent fight. With bowers gaining more experience though, and the likes of Hasranga playing on spinning tracks, Sri Lanka may have something to look forward to.

Match Details

Match: Sri Lanka vs Australia

Date: 7th June 2022

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Venue: Colombo Stadium

Weather Report

Rain is in the forecast during the Sri Lanka vs Australia game, and cloud cover will feature, leading to the possibility of a truncated game.

Pitch Report

Due to the rain, there is likely to be extra moisture on the surface leading to some early swing and ball movement throughout the innings. The outfield is also going to be slow and batting first will be a better option.

Sri Lanka vs Australia Predicted Playing XI

Sri Lanka Playing XI

Danushka Gunathilaka, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (capt), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Matheesha Pathirana, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana

Australia Playing XI

Aaron Finch (capt), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steven Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (wk), Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, Josh Hazlewood

Team News

Australia are nearly full strength with only Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa missing out.

Key Players

Matheesha Pathirana

Matheesha Pathirana impressed in the IPL with his Yorkers and slingy action. He was tough to get away and was termed a good death bowler by MS Dhoni. With an action similar to Lasith Malinga, he will be a tough bowler to play for the first time and given that it is his debut he will likely be a key factor in the game.

Steve Smith

With the emergence of Tim David, Steve Smith’s role as a floater may be under threat. Given Marsh’s form at three and the presence of Stoinis and Matthew Wade, his spot is the most likely to be under the scanner. With less runs in the last few games as well, Smith will be under the pump and will be hoping to fight back with some runs to show that he belongs in the side.

Sri Lanka vs Australia Match Tips

Although Sri Lanka are playing at home and have some exciting players, Australia continue to come in with an advantage. They have a stable side, quality bowlers and are likely to come into this game with the upper-hand.

Match Prediction: Australia will win the match.