Highlights:
- Australia and Sri Lanka stand even with 8-8 T20I head-to-head record.
- Both teams will try to extend their winning streaks after winning their previous matches.
- Sri Lanka is currently at a second position, a spot ahead of Australia in the points table.
On Thursday, Aaron Finch’s Australia will face Sri Lanka in Match No. 22 of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (October 28). The Dasun Shanaka-led side won despite being on the back foot in the last encounter against Bangladesh, and the team management would like the Lankans to put up a similar effort. Australia, on the other hand, won by a decisive 5-wicket margin against South Africa in the mega event.
Australia has a decent record against Sri Lanka, with players like David Warner and Glenn Maxwell having a specific liking for the Sri Lankan attack. David Warner, who has been under pressure for some time, is running low on runs, and the swashbuckling left-hander will be anxious to hit a huge knock against the Lankans.
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When quizzed about his form on the eve of the match, Warner was cited by Cricket.com.au as saying, “From my perspective, I actually think people talking about my form is quite funny. I laugh at the matter because at the end of the day I’ve played hardly any cricket and then in the IPL I had two games and then they basically wanted to give all the other youngsters a crack.”
Warner is one of the top spinners in the Australian team, and he and Steve Smith will be expected to take on the Sri Lankan spinners. Mitchell Starc’s condition is a matter of concern for team management, with allegations that he staggered after the training session.
Charith Asalanka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa shown steely nerves against Bangladesh in the previous encounter to pull off a spectacular chase for the Lankans. The Australians’ ability to deal with Sri Lankan spinners will determine the outcome of the match. Wanindu Hasaranga was wicketless against Bangladesh in the last match, and he will be one of the bowlers to observe against Australia.
AUS Vs SL Head To Head:
In T20Is, the head-to-head record can’t be differentiated much between Australia and Sri Lanka. Both teams have won eight T20Is against each other in 16 matches. When it comes to World Cup matches, Australia leads the series by 2-1.
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Top Picks for AUS vs SL Match 18 ICC World Cup 2021:
Wicketkeeper: Matthew Wade
Batsmen: Steven Smith, Charith Asalanka
All-rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Wanindu Hasaranga
Bowlers: Josh Hazlewood, Lahiru Kumara
Match Prediction:
Australia, despite their recent bad performance in T20 internationals, but it has a team full of experienced players who should help them win. Therefore, Australia has a high chance of winning the match against Sri Lanka.