Australia, fresh off a dominant 2-0 Test series victory, is set to take on Sri Lanka in the upcoming ODI series at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. This match on 12th February 2025 will serve as the final opportunity for both teams to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
While Australia will be looking to continue their dominant form, Sri Lanka is on a 10-match winning streak and has been highly successful in their bilateral series at home. This series could potentially spoil the visitors’ preparations before they head to the Champions Trophy.
Recent Performance
- Sri Lanka: W, L, L, W, W
- Australia: L, L, W, W, L
Team Previews
Sri Lanka Preview
Sri Lanka will field the same eleven that took on New Zealand, with a solid top order consisting of Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando. Nissanka has been in excellent form in Sri Lanka, amassing 766 runs in his last 17 ODIs, including a massive 210-run knock. Kusal Mendis, who has scored consistently well in 2024, will anchor the middle order at No. 3, with Kamindu Mendis and captain Charith Asalanka also playing vital roles.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack is led by the ever-dangerous Wanindu Hasaranga, who has 56 wickets in 24 ODIs since 2023. Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, and Asitha Fernando will provide support, ensuring Sri Lanka’s bowling remains potent.
Key Players:
- Kusal Mendis
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Pathum Nissanka
Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI:
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Asitha Fernando, Eshan Malinga, Maheesh Theekshana.
Australia Preview
Australia will be using this series to prepare for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, and with several key players missing, they will rely on their remaining stars. The openers Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk have struggled recently, but Travis Head, who has been in stellar form, could make a return to the XI. Head, who has 248 runs in his last four ODIs at an average of 82, is Australia’s top batter of late.
Steven Smith remains Australia’s top run-scorer and will bat at No. 3, while Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, and Marnus Labuschagne provide depth in the middle order. However, Glenn Maxwell‘s form remains a concern, and Australia will need him to step up ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Australia’s bowling attack will be led by Mitchell Starc, with Nathan Ellis and Sean Abbott supporting. With Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Adam Zampa unavailable, the pace unit will need to deliver.
Key Players:
- Travis Head
- Steven Smith
- Mitchell Starc
Australia Predicted Playing XI:
Travis Head, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
The weather at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on match day is expected to be cloudy, with temperatures ranging between 23-32°C and winds blowing from the southeast. While the pitch offers a good balance between bat and ball, bowlers can expect to get some assistance early on. As the game progresses, the pitch tends to favor batsmen, especially in the latter stages of the innings.
- Batting Conditions: Decent bounce with a slight advantage for the bowlers early on.
- Pace Bowling: Some initial help for fast bowlers, but the pitch becomes more batter-friendly as the match wears on.
- Spin Bowling: Expected to play a bigger role later in the game, providing opportunities for spinners like Hasaranga and Zampa (if included in the playing XI).
Toss Prediction: The team winning the toss should bat first, as the conditions tend to favor the team defending a target. Historically, teams defending at R.Premadasa Stadium have had a strong record.
Winning Prediction
While Australia enters this series with confidence after their 2-0 Test win, they will be missing key players like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Adam Zampa. However, Travis Head and Alex Carey‘s good form give Australia a slight advantage in the batting department.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka’s home advantage and current form make them formidable opponents. Their bowling attack, led by Wanindu Hasaranga, will be crucial in constraining Australia’s batting line-up. With a 10-match winning streak at home, Sri Lanka is tough to beat on their own turf.
Overall, the match promises to be tightly contested, but with Travis Head and Mitchell Starc in form, Australia might just edge out Sri Lanka in a close encounter.
Prediction: Australia to win.