Australia and Sri Lanka, both winless in the ICC ODI Cricket World Cup 2023, will clash in Lucknow on Monday, October 16, at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. Both teams will be desperate to open their accounts in the points table. Let us now look at AUS vs SL preview, probable playing Xi, pitch report and the favourites to win the match.
AUS vs SL Match Preview
Australia was defeated by India on a spin-friendly surface in Chennai, while Sri Lanka lost to South Africa and Pakistan in high-scoring matches. The Aussies batting line-up was completely under the pump against the host nations.
David Warner and Smith showed some grit and determination, even though they couldn’t convert their forties into big ones. Rest batters completely relinquished against the Indian batting line-up and the team couldn’t even cross the 200-run mark. On the bowling front, Hazlewood and Starc looked in complete rhythm but the form of Zampa and Cummins is a major concern for the Baggy Green.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka has been dealt a major blow as their Captain Dasun Shanaka has been ruled out of the tournament citing injury, Kusal Mendis is likely to be appointed as stand-in-captain for the remainder of the tournament.
Their batting has been quite decent and the team has crossed 300 both times quite easily. Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama have been among the runs with a healthy strike rate. Mendis in particular has taken the world by storm, having scored 198 runs in two matches striking 166.
The Sri Lankan bowlers have not been able to live up to the expectations of the fans, conceding 428 runs against South Africa and allowing Pakistan to chase down 345 with 10 balls to spare.
AUS vs SL Pitch Report
The relaid pitch at Ekana Cricket Stadium offers more assistance to bowlers, as seen in the recent match between South Africa and Australia. Despite South Africa scoring the highest team total at this ground, the Proteas bowlers were able to dismiss the Australian batting line-up cheaply. Therefore, captains would be wise to bat first and score a big total on the board.
AUS vs SL Probable Playing XI
Australia Playing XI: Mitchell Marsh, David Warner, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis/ Alex Carey , Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins(c), Adam Zampa.
Sri Lanka Playing XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera and Kusal Mendis(C), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka, Kasun Rajitha, Matheesha Pathirana.
AUS vs SL Head to Head Record (ODI World Cups)
- Matches Played: 11 matches
- Australia Won : 08 wins
- Sri Lanka Won : 02 wins
- No Results : 01
AUS vs SL Top Fantasy Picks
| Australia | Sri Lanka |
|---|---|
| David Warner | Kusal Mendis |
| Mitch Marsh | Sadeera Samarawickrama |
| Glenn Maxwell | Charith Asalanka |
| Steve Smith | Dunith Wellalage |
| Mitchell Starc | Dilshan Madhushanka |
AUS vs SL Match Prediction
Australia and Sri Lanka lost both the matches played in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 and they have their issues and concerns in the team. At this point of the tournament Australia has a well balanced squad than Sri Lanka and are the favourites to win the match. Our final prediction is Australia to win the match and register their first win of the tournament.
- Australia’s Chance Of Winning: 70%
- Sri Lanka’s Chance Of Winning: 30%
