SL vs AUS Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today’s 1st ODI Match Between Sri Lanka And Australia?

Sri Lanka to face Australia in two-game ODI series [Source: @OfficialSLC/X.com]

Sri Lanka is set to face Australia in an intense two-match ODI series starting Wednesday, February 12, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The first ODI will begin from 10.00 AM IST.

Sri Lanka

Fresh off a successful home campaign against New Zealand, India, and West Indies, Sri Lanka are determined to end their recent slump after a defeat in a 2-game home Test series against Australia. 

Moreover, with no Champions Trophy berth to aim for, Sri Lanka's singular focus will be a clean 2-0 series win. Their record at home has been phenomenal lately. However, beating Australia is a different challenge which will likely test the Lankan’s character.

Australia

However, for Australia, the stakes are higher. Situated precariously close to the Champions Trophy, this series will be the test of adaptability, particularly in the absence of key players like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh. 

 They have added a few new players to their side, including Cooper Connolly, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Spencer Johnson. The visitors expect fresh energy and a winning combination from them. 

Besides, Sri Lanka is going to challenge the Australian batsmen with a strong spin bowling attack led by Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana.

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SL vs AUS: Head to head in ODIs

How will the R. Premadasa pitch behave?

The R. Premadasa Stadium pitch is expected to offer a bowling-friendly surface, where spinners are likely to dominate proceedings. Historically, batters have found it challenging to score big at this venue, as evidenced by last year’s ODI series against India. Teams batting first will aim to surpass the modest 231-run average. However, anything above 250 is likely to be a winning total on this spin-friendly track. 

Players to watch out for in SL vs AUS 1st ODI

Sri Lanka

Wanindu Hasaranga: A proven match-winner at home, Hasaranga's spin web has frequently troubled batters on spin-friendly tracks. With 95 wickets and 970 runs in 61 ODIs, he adds depth to both the bowling and batting departments for Sri Lanka. 

Charith Asalanka: Despite a poor series against New Zealand, where he managed only 4 runs in three ODIs, Asalanka remains a key player. As Sri Lanka's skipper, his ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives him the potential to turn the game around.

Kusal Mendis: Mendis thrives at R. Premadasa Stadium, boasting a stellar record of 901 runs in 21 ODIs at an average of 50.05, including nine half-centuries. 

Australia

Steve Smith: The skipper is coming off a stellar Test series against Sri Lanka, scoring 272 runs in two innings, including two centuries. In ODIs, he has 5662 runs to his name with a 43.55 average. 

Adam Zampa: Australia's go-to spinner in ODIs, Adam Zampa's ability to pick wickets in crucial moments makes him a key asset. He has scalped 180 wickets in 106 ODIs, with best figures of 5/35. 

Travis Head: The explosive opener is Australia’s go-to man for scoring quick runs. He has 2645 runs in 69 ODIs with a 43.36 average. He thrives in sub-continent conditions and could likely be a match-winner for Australia.

Today’s Match Prediction: SL vs AUS 1st ODI

Predicted top performers

Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendia, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage

Australia: Steve Smith, Travis Head, Mitchell Starc

SL vs AUS 1st ODI: Match Predicted Score

Predicted First Innings Score: 230-240 runs

Predicted Second Innings Score: 200-210 runs

Predicted Result: Team batting first will likely have an edge in this match.

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