SL vs AUS 1st ODI Playing 11 Prediction, Fantasy Tips, Pitch Report, Live Streaming

Sri Lanka to face Australia in 1st ODI [Source: @ICC, @CricketAus/X.com]

For the first ODI of the two-game series, Sri Lanka will face Australia on February 12. The matchup will be held at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo from 10.00 AM IST.

SL vs AUS 1st ODI: Team preview and comparison

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, currently on a 10-match winning streak, has dominated bilateral series at home, winning six consecutive encounters. Despite Australia’s recent success in the Tests, the Sri Lankan side poses a significant threat in their backyard. 

Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, and Charith Asalanka form a formidable top order, with Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana spearheading a lethal spin attack.

Australia

Coming off a dominant Test series win, Australia will be brimming with confidence. They triumphed in the second Test by 9 wickets, with Steve Smith and Alex Carey scoring centuries. The first Test was even more emphatic, as they secured victory by an innings and 242 runs. 

However, Australia faces challenges in their ODI lineup. With Pat Cummins and Josh Hazelwood out, Mitchell Starc will lead the bowling attack, supported by Nathan Ellis and Sean Abbott. Batting depth will rely on Steven Smith, Travis Head, and Josh Inglis.

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SL vs AUS 1st ODI: Match details and live streaming

SL vs AUS 1st ODI Pitch report: How will R. Premadasa Stadium pitch behave?

The R. Premadasa Stadium pitch generally favours spinners. It has been a fortress for spinners, with the pitch offering sharp turns and variable bounce in the latter stages of the game. Batting in the early stages tends to be easier, with relatively predictable bounce and fewer cracks. 

As the game progresses, the pitch begins to deteriorate. Visible cracks and variable bounce make shot-making difficult, favouring spinners. The average first-inning score is 231 and teams batting first have had more success.

SL vs AUS 1st ODI: Playing XI Prediction

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Chamidu Wickramasinghe, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando 

Australia: Matt Short, Travis Head, Steve Smith (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Cooper Connolly, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Tanveer Sangha, Spencer Johnson

SL vs AUS 1st ODI: Fantasy Tips and Key Players

• The pitch at R. Premadasa Stadium will assist spinners. Hence, picking quality spinners in fantasy teams is a wise choice. 
• Risky pick: Charith Asalanka, the skipper, is an amazing all-rounder of the white-ball format. His form, however, has been inconsistent. He slammed 111 runs off 3 innings in ILT20 2025. However, in the ODI series against New Zealand held in January, the captain scored only 4 runs in 3 innings, including 2 ducks.
• Safe Pick: Travis Head’s dominance in white-ball format is undeniable. In the last ODI series played against England in September 2024, he slammed 248 runs in 4 innings, including a blazing 154* of 129 balls. He is likely to fire in the powerplay, offering Australia a good platform.
• Besides, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc and Wanindu Hasaranga are good choices for the fantasy team.
• Sri Lanka's expected key players: Kusal Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Pathum Nissanka.
• Australia expected key players: Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Travis Head

SL vs AUS 1st ODI: Winner Prediction

While Sri Lanka has been dominant in the white-ball format at home, Australia has the winning momentum and a balanced squad to challenge them. Overall, Australia are likely to win this game.

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