Sri Lanka vs Australia – 3rd One-Day International Match Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Sri Lanka vs Australia taking place? Sunday, June 19th, 2022 – 10:00 (UK)
Where is Sri Lanka vs Australia taking place? R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
What is the expected weather for Sri Lanka vs Australia? 27-29c with a chance of thundery showers and light winds throughout.
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
Sri Lanka beat Australia by 26 runs (DLS).
THE TEAM NEWS
SRI LANKA
- Sri Lanka surprised many by levelling up this five-match ODI series on Thursday following an excellent bowling performance in particular, which saw them ultimately bowl Australia out for 189
- Dunith Wellage announced himself on the senior international stage in his second ODI appearance, taking two wickets alongside an important score of 20 down the order and he could play a key role once again in this one.
- Leg-spin bowler Jeffrey Vandersay will obviously want to keep his place in the team and should do so provided that Wanindu Hasaranga has not recovered from a groin strain in time to play.
AUSTRALIA
- Chasing a revised total following a rain delay, Australia suffered a disappointing batting collapse in the second ODI, falling from 170-5 to 189 all out as they struggled not only against Sri Lanka’s spin, but also their pace bowlers.
- The numerous injuries which has ravaged the Australian camp perhaps finally caught up with them on Thursday, but when considering their strength-in-depth it still would have been considered a poor result from their perspective.
- Spin-bowler Matthew Kuhnemann made his international debut for the tourists and he’ll be hoping that his two wickets accrued was enough to keep him in the side for this third ODI.
THE PREDICTION
With the series locked at 1-1, Sri Lanka and Australia move to Colombo for match three with things intriguingly poised. The hosts know they have the ability to run through this weakened Australia batting line-up should the pitch prove difficult for batting and with more rain showers expected, it would be no surprise if batters on both sides find things tough. With that in mind, backing a 1st innings score of under 265.5 regardless of which team bats first may prove the shrewd move here.
