Two former champions, who are yet to win a game in this year’s world cup will face-off on 16th October 2023 in the 14th Match of the event. Australia vs Sri Lanka will take place at Lucknow. Following is the preview of Australia vs Sri Lanka in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
Australia vs Sri Lanka today Match Preview
Both the former champions, Australia and Sri Lanka have suffered 2 big defeats in this year’s world cup and have had a disastrous start to their campaign. If they lose this game, they will be surely in hot waters.
Australia lost their opening fixture against India and afterwards South Africa ran over them. Sri Lanka can also relate to this situation as they also suffered a defeat from South Africa, and then from Pakistan.
Tomorrow’s track is likely to support Sri Lanka. The track at Lucknow usually supports spinners. Although in the previous game at Lucknow, South Africa scored 311 against Australia. Yet it is expected that tomorrow we will be seeing a traditional Lucknow pitch.
Australia have the experience of playing here before as they suffered a massive defeat against South Africa here. Meanwhile, Aussies do not have a strong spin attack. Zampa hasn’t got good rhythm and Maxwell (although is affective) but he is not a major turner of the ball.
Sri Lanka have their boxes ticked, but their rhythm will be disturbed as Dasun Shanaka has been ruled out of the world cup and Sri Lanka will now be led by Kusal Mendis. Overall, Sri Lanka will start this game as slightly ahead of Australia in terms of being the favorites.
Australia Expected Playing XI
The Kangaroos do miss Travis Head but he is still not fit and there isn’t any other good option available who can come in for this game. Australia do not need any changes, maybe they can try to bring back Carey for Inglis because Inglis was a bit sloppy as keeper too.
(Probable XI): 1 David Warner, 2 Mitchell Marsh, 3 Steven Smith, 4 Marnus Labuschagne, 5 Josh Inglis/Alex Carey (wk), 6 Glenn Maxwell, 7 Marcus Stoinis, 8 Mitchell Starc, 9 Pat Cummins (C), 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Josh Hazlewood
Sri Lanka Expected Playing XI
Sri Lanka have to make forced changes. They will not have the services of Shanaka for the remainder of the event. Chamika Karunaratne or Lahiru Kumara might play to replace Shanaka. Although they cannot match his batting, but at least they will give good support with the ball, that Sri Lanka desperately needs.
(Probable XI): 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Kusal Perera, 3 Kusal Mendis (C, wk), 4 Sadeera Samarawickrama, 5 Charith Asalanka, 6 Dhananjaya de Silva, 7 Dunith Wellalage, 8 Chamika Karunaratne/Lahiru Kumara, 9 Maheesh Theekshana, 10 Kasun Rajitha, 11 Dilshan Madushanka
Sri Lanka vs Australia Head to Head Record
In World Cup history, Sri Lanka have been able to beat Australia only once. Australia have beaten Sri Lanka 8 times in world cup history. Overall in ODI cricket history, out of 102 games played between the two nations, Australia has won 63. 35 have gone Sri Lanka’s way with 4 games ending without any result.
Players to Watch Out For
Kusal Mendis has been very threatening from the Lankan side. He took charge against Pakistan and scored 122(77). He also smoked 76(42) against South Africa in this world cup. So he will be someone to fear from. It will be interesting to see how captaincy impacts his batting. Other than Mendis, the entire spin attack of Sri Lanka will be threatening.
For the Aussies, there isn’t really anyone specific to watch-out for. Their batters have gotten starts, but have thrown it away. Their bowlers have leaked runs and have been unable to take wickets. Glenn Maxwell and Adam Zampa will have a big role to play in this game. Sri Lanka must be aware of the fact that wounded lion is a dangerous one.
Toss Australia vs Sri Lanka
Australia is likely to win the toss and they will opt to bat first here, because pitch will get rougher and rougher in the second half.
Australia vs Sri Lanka Win Predictor
Sri Lanka will begin this as favorites with 60% chance of winning this game.
