Sri Lanka vs Australia – 2nd One-Day International Match Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Sri Lanka vs Australia taking place? Thursday, June 16th, 2022 – 09:30 (UK)
Where is Sri Lanka vs Australia taking place? Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy
What is the expected weather for Sri Lanka vs Australia? 24-28c with a chance of thundery showers and light winds
What channel is Sri Lanka vs Australia on? The match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Sri Lanka vs Australia? This match can be streamed live via the Sri Lanka Cricket YouTube channel.
LAST MEETING
Australia beat Sri Lanka by two wickets (DLS).
THE TEAM NEWS
SRI LANKA
- Sri Lanka’s total of 300/7 batting first proved not to be enough against Australia in the first ODI, despite each of their top three batters recording half-centuries, Kusal Mendis top scoring with 86 not out.
- To make matters worse for the hosts, star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga suffered a groin strain and will miss the second ODI, which could lead to an appearance for Bhanuka Rajapaksa.
- Following the performance of the Sri Lankan top order batters, leg-spin bowler Jeffrey Vandersay could be called upon, which would see the home side taking a gamble by selecting one less player capable of a significant score with the bat.
AUSTRALIA
- Australia had Glenn Maxwell to thank for their thrilling win this past Tuesday, his explosive 80 not out from 51 balls including 6 fours and 6 sixes ultimately bludgeoning Australia to victory with two wickets to spare.
- Injuries continue to mount up for the tourists, with big-hitting all-rounder Marcus Stoinis the latest player to join a lengthy list of absentees, with Travis Head called up as his replacement.
- Spin-bowler Matthew Kuhnemann has also been called up, due to Ashton Agar’s troublesome side strain, adding to an injury list which currently includes Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson and Mitchell Marsh.
THE PREDICTION
The strength-in-depth of Australia is being tested to its maximum level across this tour, but so far the Aussies are standing up to the challenge and an excellent run chase in the first ODI was testament to that. Sri Lanka provided an extremely stiff challenge, but it cannot be understated just how much of a blow the loss of Hasaranga is likely to be for them. The mystery spin-bowling all-rounder is their talisman, their ace in the pack and they come into this second ODI a significantly weakened side without him. Back Australia to take advantage of this and further extend their series lead with victory once more in Kandy.
