![Sri Lanka vs Australia 2nd ODI. [Source - SLC/x.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1739444466917_sl_aus.jpg?type=mq)
Sri Lanka vs Australia 2nd ODI. [Source - SLC/x.com]
Sri Lanka and Australia are going to come up against each other in the second and the final match of the 2-match ODI series on Friday, February 14. The mouthwatering clash will begin from 10.00 AM IST at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka will be coming into this game with immense confidence after winning the first ODI in what was a low-scoring contest on Wednesday, February 12.
Charith Asalanka was the star for the hosts as the Sri Lankan skipper scored a memorable century on what looked like a poor batting day in Colombo. Despite being eight down for 135 on the board, Asalanka mastered one of the better centuries in recent times and took Sri Lanka past 200.
The bowlers didn't disappoint their skipper as Sri Lanka went on to win the game by 49 runs. They will be looking to continue the winning momentum in the second ODI and seal the series with 2-0 scoreline.
Australia
Australia, on the other hand, will be disappointed to lose a game which was clearly in their hands in the major part of the first innings.
The Aussie bowlers had a decent day in the office limiting the hosts to a meagre total. However, it was the batters who had a terrible day in the office as Steve Smith and his men failed to chase the total.
Coming into the second and the final ODI, the visitors will be eyeing to make a comeback and draw the series before flying to Pakistan for the forthcoming Champions Trophy 2025.
SL vs AUS: Head to head in ODIs
| Matches | Sri Lanka Win | Australia Win | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 105 | 65 | 36 | 4 |
How will the R. Premadasa Stadium pitch behave?
The surface at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is expected to host yet another low-scoring game. The batters might get going after a watchful start but the spinners are definitely going to have the upper hand. As we saw in the first ODI as well, team batting first gets the maximum benefit with conditions becoming difficult for the batters as the game goes on. Anything above 230 can be a winning total for the team batting first at this venue ahead of this match.
Players to watch out for in SL vs AUS 2nd ODI
Sri Lanka
Charith Asalanka: The Sri Lankan skipper scored a magnificent century on what looked like a difficult pitch to bat in the first match of the series. In addition, his abilities with the ball makes him a key player for Sri Lanka ahead of this match.
Wanindu Hasaranga: Wanindu Hasaranga is a proven match-winner for Sri Lanka and will remain a key player for the hosts ahead of the second ODI against Australia. His wicket-taking abilities in some conditions are unmatched. In addition, his batting down the order is going to be important in what can be another low-scoring affair in Colombo.
Dunith Wellalage: The young spin all-rounder is making huge strides and will be important for the Lankans in both batting and bowling department in this game. His ODI bowling numbers at the RPS Stadium in Colombo speaks for himself as he has taken 21 wickets in 11 matches at the venue in his short career.
Australia
Steve Smith: Despite an off day with the bat in the first match, the Australian skipper will start the second ODI as a key player to watch out for. The ace batter is coming on the back of a great Test series in Galle and is looking in great touch to bat under the expected conditions in Colombo.
Travis Head: Travis Head is expected to be back to open the innings and can be game deciding for the Aussies in this match. Yes, the South Australian southpaw, being at his explosive best, can get the most out of the new hard ball and turn the game on his head in the powerplay itself.
Adam Zampa: Being the lead spinner of the Australian attack, Adam Zampa will have a key role to play in the 2nd ODI against Sri Lanka. As the conditions are very much suitable for the spin bowlers, the Aussie leg-spinner will be an important factor keeping the series results in mind.
Today’s Match Prediction: SL vs AUS 2nd ODI
Predicted top performers
Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage
Australia: Steve Smith, Travis Head, Adam Zampa
SL vs AUS 2nd ODI: Match Predicted Score
Predicted First Innings Score: 230 runs
Predicted Second Innings Score: 200 runs
Predicted Result: The Team batting first will have a better chance to win this match.
 "Kaushik Kashyap")
