Sri Lanka vs Australia, SL vs AUS, Today Match Prediction 21 June 2022

sl vs aus Match Prediction & Analysis

The Sri Lankan team has turned the series on its head. After a poor start in the ODI series that saw them lose the first game following the T20 series loss, the side has bounced back with consecutive wins to put the Australians on the mat. The hosts who were criticized for their poor batting would be aiming for an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.  

The Australians have enjoyed a good record in this format of the game against Sri Lanka in the past and they would look to continue with the same here. The Sri Lankan team has momentum on its side with two wins and they would like to ride this. As the series heads into its most crucial game, we expect a good contest, and the challenge would be on the Australians to level it 2-2.  

TEAMS PREVIEW

Sri Lanka Preview

Dasun Shanaka’s side has made a strong comeback and the skipper would be happy with the performance of his side. Their batting appeared to be clinical in the last game as they chased down a big total with relative ease. The pressure is now on the Australians and the Lankan skipper would like to exploit this to his advantage. A win here would help them defeat the Australians first time in an ODI series since 2010-11.  

Pathum Nissanka has been in good form and scored a brilliant hundred in the last game. He would look to offer a good start with Niroshan Dickwella in this game. Kusal Mendis has shown his experience he adds strength to the middle order with Dhananjaya de Silva and Charith Asalanka. In Shanaka and Shanaka and Chamika Karunaratne, they have good finishers and runs would be expected from them.  

Dushmantha Chameera and Maheesh Theekshana did well in the last game and the side would like to see a good show from them here with the new ball. Jeffrey Vandersay was the pick of the bowlers in the last game and he along with Dunith Wellalag must keep the scoring rate under check in the middle overs. Chamika Karunaratne, Shanaka, and Dhananjaya de Silva add to the side’s bowling depth.  

Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI:

Dasun Shanaka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Chamika Karunaratne, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage

Sri Lanka Actual Playing XI:

Niroshan Dickwella, Maheesh Theekshana, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Wanidu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamika Karunaratne, Dunith Wellalage

Australia Preview

Aaron Finch would be unhappy with the performance of his bowlers in the last game. On a tough batting surface, his bowlers failed to defend a score of 291 and for the first time on this tour, the visitors are under pressure. Finch would like his side to fight hard in this game and level the series 2-2. He would expect to see a strong performance from his bowlers in this game.  

David Warner and Finch have had a good run on this tour, and they have to set up a strong platform for the side. In the middle order Mitchell Marsh, Marnus Labuschagne, and Alex Carey will have to take on the Sri Lankan spinners on a turning surface. Glenn Maxwell and Travis Head have looked brilliant in the series so far and they will aim to do the big-hitting down the order.  

Josh Hazlewood and Jhye Richardson bowled well in the last game, and they will have a key role to play here with the new ball. The side would have to play Mitchell Swepson on this wicket and he along with Maxwell and Matthew Kuhnemann must take advantage of the conditions. Labuschagne will need to fill in the role of a support bowler in this game. 

Australia Predicted Playing XI:

Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Alex Carey (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Swepson, Jhye Richardson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Josh Hazlewood

Australia Actual Playing XI:

Aaron Finch, Marnus Labuschagne, Pat Cummins, Matthew Kuhnemann, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, David Warner, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, Josh Hazlewood

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

We are likely to see slightly overcast skies over Colombo on June 21. The wicket here is flat but it has been slow where the ball hasn’t come onto the bat nicely.  Spinners are enjoying this surface as it makes the ball stop on the batsmen. Any score above 280 runs can be defended here with good bowling.

Venue Details

R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo is a large ground, the outfield is quick, and this has allowed the batsmen to score runs. The wicket is known for being dual paced where the odd delivery can surprise the batsmen. Spinners have enjoyed assistance from the surface, but fast bowlers have to rely on their skills and variations.

Toss: To Bat

The wicket was tougher to bat on than the final score in the last game suggested. The wicket slowed down in the second innings, and we are expected to see a similar surface in this game. The side that wins the toss here shall have very little hesitation in opting to bat first.