SL vs AUS 2022 | 3rd T20I | Preview, Prediction, Probable XI, CREX XI

With an aim to continue their undefeated run in the ongoing T20I series, mighty Australia will take on Sri Lanka in the 3rd and final T20I of the series on Saturday (June 11) at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. 

Australia has already sealed the three-match series with a win on Wednesday (June 8), which provided the Aaron Finch-led side with an unassailable lead of 2-0. On the other hand, Sri Lanka will look to register a win in the third match to salvage some pride. 

The first match of the series was one-sided as Australia outplayed the hosts in both departments, handing them a ten wickets defeat. In the second match, the Sri Lankan bowlers did show some resistance as they managed to take the game deep, bagging seven wickets. However, it wasn't enough to put brakes on the Australian juggernaut as they chased down the target of 125 runs in 17.5 overs. 

Given Australia's dominance in this format and Sri Lanka's desire to win the final match of the series to avoid a clean sweep, a cracking contest beckons at Pallekele.

Match Details

Match: Sri Lanka vs Australia, 3rd T20I

Venue: Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele, Sri Lanka

Date & Time: June 11 at 7:00 PM IST

Live Streaming: Sony Six and Sony LIV app 

Pitch Report  

The pitch will likely offer enough support to the batters in the initial phase of the match. However, it will become slow as the game progresses. The team winning the toss might look to bat first. 

Pitch Stats

Matches Played: 22

Matches Won Batting First: 12

Matches Won Bowling First: 7

Average 1st Inns scores: 167

Average 2nd Inns scores: 148

Highest total recorded: 263/3 (20 Overs) by AUS vs SL

Lowest total recorded: 88/10 (16 Overs) by NZ vs SL

Highest score chased: 178/2 (18.4 Overs) by PAK vs BAN

Lowest score defended: 125/8 (20 Overs) by SL vs NZ

Head-To-Head 

Australia and Sri Lanka have played a total of 24 T20I matches against each other thus far, where the former holds a considerable advantage over Sri Lanka, with 15 wins. The 'Island nation', on the other hand, has only won nine of the 24 games.

Injury Update/Players' Availability

Australia: Left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc was ruled out of the remaining T20I series due to a finger injury he sustained in the opening match. Jhye Richardson replaced him in the second T20I and lived up to the expectation, picking three wickets in his quota of 4 overs. Australia is expected to keep him in the combination in the final match. 

Sri Lanka: They are expected to play with an unchanged playing XI. 

Squads

Sri Lanka: Danushka Gunathilaka, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa(WK), Dasun Shanaka(C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Ramesh Mendis, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Madushanka, Kasun Rajitha, Lakshan Sandakan, Praveen Jayawickrama, Nuwanidu Fernando, Matheesha Pathirana, Nuwan Thushara

Australia: Aaron Finch(C), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steven Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade(WK), Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, Josh Hazlewood, Sean Abbott, Jhye Richardson, Mitchell Swepson, Josh Inglis

Probable Playing XI

Sri Lanka: Danushka Gunathilaka, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis (WK), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara

Australia: Aaron Finch (C), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steven Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (wk), Ashton Agar, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Josh Hazlewood

CREX XI Suggestion

Wicket-Keeper: Kusal Mendis 

Batters: David Warner, Aaron Finch, Mitchell Marsh, Danushka Gunathilaka

All-Rounders: Glenn Maxwell, Wanindu Hasaranga, Charith Asalanka

Bowlers: Josh Hazelwood, Dushmantha Chameera, Jhye Richardson

Captain: David Warner 

Vice-Captain: Wanindu Hasaranga