SL vs AUS 2nd ODI Playing 11 Prediction, Fantasy Tips, Pitch Report, Live Streaming

Australia will face Sri Lanka in the 2nd ODI on February 14 [Source: @TheOfficialSLC/X.com]

Sri Lanka will be hosting the visitors, Australia, for the 2nd ODI at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. After defeating them in the first ODI, the Lankans will be ready to give the Aussies another challenge. The match is scheduled for February 14 and fans can catch the live action from 10 AM IST.

SL vs AUS 2nd ODI Team Previews And Comparison

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka will look to carry their momentum into the second ODI against Australia after a stunning comeback win in the series opener. Skipper Charith Asalanka, who anchored the first match with a brilliant century, will once again be crucial in stabilizing the batting order. 

The spin duo of Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage, who tormented Australia with six wickets between them, will be key on the slow Colombo track. Asitha Fernando’s fiery start with the new ball adds another dimension to Sri Lanka’s attack. With Wanindu Hasaranga’s all-round abilities, the hosts will aim to tighten their grip on the series and secure another victory.

Australia

Australia will aim to bounce back in the second ODI after a disappointing collapse in the series opener. Skipper Steve Smith will be eager to lead from the front and deliver a solid knock after falling cheaply in the first game. Alex Carey, who top-scored with 41, will once again play a key role in stabilizing the middle order. All-rounder Sean Abbott showed resilience with both bat and ball, and his contributions will be crucial in turning things around. 

The pace attack, led by Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, and Spencer Johnson, impressed with early breakthroughs, but they will need better support from the spinners. With Marnus Labuschagne expected to anchor the innings, Australia will look to level the series with a stronger batting display.

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SL vs AUS 2nd ODI Match Details And Live Streaming

SL vs AUS 2nd ODI Pitch Report: How Will Surface At R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo Behave?

The R. Premadasa Stadium is known for favouring spinners, with a pitch that offers sharp turns and variable bounce, especially as the game progresses. In the early overs, batters find the consistent bounce and fewer cracks more manageable, but as the match unfolds, the surface deteriorates, developing visible cracks and unpredictable bounce that make scoring challenging. 

Spinners thrive in these conditions as the ball grips and turns sharply. With the last match being a low-scoring affair and teams batting first enjoying a better winning chance, the toss will play a crucial role and both captains are likely to opt for batting first.

SL vs AUS 2nd ODI Playing XI Prediction

Sri Lanka's Probable XI:  Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando. 

Australia's Probable XI: Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cooper Connolly, Steve Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Sean Anthony Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa.

SL vs AUS 2nd ODI Fantasy Tips And Key Players

• The R. Premadasa Stadium saw a slow track in the previous match with bowlers ruling in both innings. Hence, a bowler and all-rounder-heavy fantasy squad might be key to racking up better fantasy points.
• Risky Pick: Though Jake Fraser-McGurk has bought his name as an explosive opener, his recent form is of concern as except for a remarkable show of 95 in his BBL 14 campaign, he hasn't proven much with the bat in his last 10 innings. In BBL too he had an average of 18.80 and hence, he might be a risky pick for fantasy teams for the 2nd ODI.
• Safe Pick: Charith Asalanka was the hero of the 1st ODI sweeping Australia off of their feet. Smashing a ton and also picking a wicket in the match, he was a game-changer for his team. With him in ravishing recent form, the skipper can be a safe bet for fantasy teams.
• Australia's Wildcard: Cooper Connolly did well in BBL 14 and the 21-year-old can fire in both the departments. Though the 1st ODI was only the third match of his career, it is safe to say that he might come out as a table-turner with the ball as well as the bat in the upcoming match.
• Sri Lanka's Expected Key Players: Charith Asalanka, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, Kamindu Mendis
• Australia's Expected Key Players: Cooper Connolly, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie

SL vs AUS 2nd ODI Winner Prediction

Sri Lanka turned the tide from Australia in their favour in the first ODI with a gritty bowling attack and Asalanka's resilient ton. Though Australia looks strong on paper, given the home advantage and form on the recent win, Sri Lanka will be favourites to win the 2nd ODI against Australia.

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