World Cup 2023, AUS vs SL | Five Player Battles To Watch Out For

Sri Lanka will be without their regular skipper Dasun Shanaka (Twitter)

The BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow is all set to witness a high-intensity clash between Australia and Sri Lanka in the Match 14 of World Cup 2023 on Monday, October 16.

AUS vs SL: Five player battles to watch out for

With Australia reeling after consecutive losses and searching for their maiden win in this tournament, and Sri Lanka, equally eager to bounce back from their recent defeat to Pakistan, the atmosphere is expected to be electric.

Amidst the broader contest, several individual battles are likely to emerge that could significantly shape the course of the match. Here's a look into the intriguing player battles for AUS vs SL clash.

Pathum Nissanka vs Josh Hazlewood

Pathum Nissanka (Twitter)

Young Sri Lankan opener, Pathum Nissanka, has had a mixed bag against Australia's spearhead pacer, Josh Hazlewood. In their past encounters, Nissanka has managed 38 runs off 48 balls at a strike rate of 79.2, and Hazlewood has claimed his wicket once, resulting in an average of 38.0. Hazlewood's ability to extract bounce and seam movement will challenge Nissanka, making their opening duel a key aspect of the match.

Steve Smith vs Dunith Wellalage

Steve Smith (Twitter)

Australia's batting maestro, Steve Smith, has faced the young spinner Dunith Wellalage for a brief period, scoring 12 runs from 9 balls at a strike rate of 133.3. Wellalage has managed to outfox Smith once, holding an average of 12.0 against him. This battle between Smith's technical brilliance and Wellalage's spin might prove vital in the middle overs.

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Kusal Mendis vs Mitchell Starc

Kusal Mendis (Twitter)

Kusal Mendis's contest against the fiery left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc promises some thrilling moments. Mendis has scored 28 runs from 47 deliveries off Starc, maintaining a strike rate of 59.6 and an average of 28.0, having been dismissed once. Starc, known for his toe-crushing yorkers and swing, will be keen on rattling Mendis early on.

Glenn Maxwell vs Maheesh Theekshana

Glenn Maxwell (Twitter)

The explosive all-rounder Glenn Maxwell will be up against the off-spin of Maheesh Theekshana. In their brief encounters, Maxwell has shown aggression, amassing 21 runs from just 12 balls at a blistering strike rate of 175.0. Theekshana, with his variations, will look to rein in Maxwell's ferocious hitting, whereas the Australian’s liking for finger spinners is well known which makes this a gripping contest.

Dhananjaya de Silva vs Adam Zampa

Adam Zampa (Twitter)

The stylish Sri Lankan batsman, Dhananjaya de Silva, has shown some restraint against Australia's leg-spinner Adam Zampa. In their matchups, de Silva has accumulated 20 runs off 33 balls at a strike-rate of 60.6 and an average of 20.0. Zampa's leg-spin and googlies will challenge de Silva's ability to manoeuvre the ball, potentially influencing the middle-phase of Sri Lanka's innings.

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