Australia, after significant defeats against South Africa and India, are preparing to face Sri Lanka at the same venue, the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on 16th October at 2 pm in the 14th game of the ICC ODI World Cup. Sri Lanka has also faced two losses in their initial matches.
In their previous match against South Africa, Australia faced a significant loss by 134 runs, marking their largest defeat in World Cup history. South Africa, batting first, scored 311 runs with a century by Quinton de Kock. Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Starc took two wickets each. Australia’s chase proved challenging, as they struggled at 70 for 6. Marnus Labuschagne’s efforts (46) weren’t enough, and Australia was bowled out for 177.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka couldn’t defend a substantial total of 344 runs against Pakistan. Sri Lankan batsmen Kusal Mendis and Samarawickrama scored centuries, propelling their team past 300. However, Pakistan’s Abdullah Shafique and Mohammed Rizwan also scored centuries, leading to a 6-wicket victory for Pakistan. Sri Lanka had previously lost to South Africa by 102 runs.
The two teams had clashed earlier in June in Colombo, with Australia emerging victorious by 4 wickets. In the final match of the five-match ODI series, Sri Lanka set a target of 161 runs for Australia, with Hazelwood and Cummins taking 2 wickets each. Alex Carey’s unbeaten 45 steered Australia to victory, although Sri Lanka won the series 3-2.
THE VENUE FOR AUSTRALIA – SRI LANKA MATCH
Pitch conditions at Ekana Cricket Stadium may vary but generally, Indian pitches are known for being batting-friendly, with potential assistance for spinners as matches progress.
Average 1st Innings Score: 228
Average 2nd Innings Score: 208
TEAM PREVIEW
AUSTRALIA
For the first time since 1992, Australia finds themselves with two losses at the start of the World Cup, causing concern for their plans. Their batting has been subpar, failing to surpass the 200-run mark in both games. David Warner and Mitchell Marsh will open the innings, despite their struggles against Sri Lanka. Steve Smith also faces similar challenges in performance against Sri Lanka, averaging 38.
Marnus Labuschagne is currently Australia’s leading batsman, showcasing promising form with an average of 55 in the last 10 games. However, the middle order’s performance has been disappointing, scoring only 36 runs and losing 6 wickets in two games. Glenn Maxwell, though yet to find his rhythm, stands out with an average of over 40 in more than 5 games against Sri Lanka.
Australia’s bowling unit, under Cummins’ captaincy, is yet to shine. Despite Josh Hazelwood being the leading wicket-taker, Mitchell Starc is the bowler to watch, boasting 27 wickets against Sri Lanka in 14 games at an average of 18.88. Leg-spinner Adam Zampa, though with only 1 wicket in the first two games, historically performs better against Sri Lanka with 10 wickets in 5 games.
EXPECTED PLAYING XI OF AUSTRALIA v SRI LANKA
David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins ©, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka struggled to defend 344 runs in their previous game, emphasizing the need for their bowling unit to improve. While the batters have performed well, especially Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera, who have been in outstanding form, the absence of Dasun Shanaka poses a challenge.
Sri Lanka’s batting attack relies heavily on Mendis and Perera, with Mendis averaging above 60 in the last 10 games and being the player of the series against Australia in June. Sadeera Samarawickrama, who scored a century against Pakistan, will partner with Mendis in the middle. However, apart from these key players, Sri Lanka’s batting attack appears weak, and their bowling unit has struggled, conceding 773 runs and taking 9 wickets in two games. Dilshan Madhushanka leads the wicket tally for Sri Lanka with 4 wickets, while key bowlers Maheesha Pathirana and Dunith Welalage have conceded significant runs in these two matches.
EXPECTED XI OF SRI LANKA v AUSTRALIA
Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk), Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Chamika Karunaratne, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka
PREDICTION OF THE MATCH
Though Sri Lanka have 3 wins in the last 5 games against Australia, the Kangaroos have a better record in the World Cup. They have 8 wins and 2 losses so far.
Match Prediction: Australia To Beat Sri Lanka.