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

Sri Lanka will face Australia in the 3rd fixture of the five-match ODI series at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on June 19 (Sunday). 

In the 2nd ODI, Sri Lanka had an average start with under 43 runs in 10 overs and the loss of both their openers. However, the 61-run stand between Kusal Mendis (36) and Dhananjaya de Silva (34) was crucial for the team to make a fighting comeback. 

Then, Dasun Shanaka (34) and Dunith Wellalage (20) contributed to propelling the home team to 220. Pat Cummins was the pick of the bowler with four wickets. 

Aaron Finch was dismissed early, but David Warner (37) and Steve Smith (28) played well to keep ticking the scoreboard at a fine rate. However, their dismissals gradually opened the floodgates. 

The dismissal of Glenn Maxwell (30) was the final nail in the coffin, as Australia lost by 26 runs in a chase of 216 in 43 overs (overs reduced due to rain). Chamika Karunaratne was the best performing bowler for the home team with figures of 3/47 in seven overs. 

For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga is doubtful for this game due to the groin injury, and Jeffrey Vandersay is expected to retain his place. No other changes are expected in their XI due to fine performance from almost all their players.

Australia are expected to include Cameron Green in place of Travis Head, which will give them an extra pace bowling option as well. Matthew Kuhnemann bowled well to take two wickets, and will feature in this match. The series is tied 1-1, and it is expected to be a close encounter between both the teams. 

Match Details:

Match: Sri Lanka vs Australia, 3rd ODI

Venue: R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo 

Date & Time: June 19 at 2:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Sony Six and Sony LIV

Pitch Report: 

The average first innings score in the last three ODIs at Colombo is 263, which clearly depicts the strong support to the batters. The spinners are likely to be the lethal weapon for both the teams to take wickets. The last three matches have been won by the teams batting first and is expected to be the same in this fixture as well. 

Head-To-Head:

Matches Played- 99 

Sri Lanka – 33  

Australia – 62 

NR – 4

Squads: 

Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendis (wk), Dasun Shanaka (c), Danushka Gunathilaka, Pathum Nissanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Chamika Karunaratne, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dinesh Chandimal, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Niroshan Dickwella, Lahiru Madushanka, Ramesh Mendis, Asitha Fernando, Praveen Jayawickrama, Pramod Madushan, Nuwan Thushara

Australia: Aaron Finch (c), Alex Carey (wk), David Warner, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Josh Hazlewood, Jhye Richardson, Josh Inglis, Cameron Green

Probable Playing XI:

Sri Lanka: Danushka Gunathilaka, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Dasun Shanaka (c), Chamika Karunaratne, Jeffrey Vandersay, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage

Australia: David Warner, Aaron Finch (c), Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head/Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Kuhnemann, Josh Hazlewood

CREX XI Suggestion:

Wicket-Keeper: Kusal Mendis

Batters: Steve Smith, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne

All-Rounders: Dunith Wellalage, Glenn Maxwell, Dhananjaya de Silva

Bowlers: Pat Cummins, Matthew Kuhnemann, Maheesh Theekshana, Chamika Karunaratne

Captain: Glenn Maxwell

Vice-Captain: Kusal Mendis