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THE FACTS
When is Sri Lanka vs Australia taking place? Friday, June 24th, 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? 28-30c 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 on ICC.tv
LAST MEETING
Sri Lanka beat Australia by 4 runs.
THE TEAM NEWS
SRI LANKA
- Sri Lanka made history on Tuesday by taking an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series after winning a thrilling match by four runs, sealing a first bilateral series win against Australia in 30 years.
- The plethora of spin options utilised by the hosts was key in their defence of 258 with leg-spinners Jeffrey Vandersay and Wanindu Hasaranga working together, not to mention the skill of all-rounder Dhananjaya de Silva who took the crucial wicket of David Warner on 99.
- Should conditions remain similar to what we saw in the fourth ODI, then Sri Lanka could retain the same side although Hasaranga may find himself rested having just come back from injury, especially with the series now won.
AUSTRALIA
- Australia’s middle order collapse ultimately left them with too much to do in their run chase and despite the late hitting of Pat Cummins and Matt Kuhnemann, it was ultimately in vain as the latter failed to find the boundary needed from the final ball of their innings to force a tie or victory.
- Clearly the absence of Steve Smith, the latest injury casualty within the tourists’ camp was a huge blow as such a run chase would have likely suited his skills well and Smith isn’t expected to play in this final ODI either with an eye on the upcoming Test series.
- Josh Hazlewood has played in all four ODIs so far and the fast bowler could be afforded a rest for this final match, whilst leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson may remain overlooked for a third match running.
THE PREDICTION
With the series won, Sri Lanka can approach this final match with an air of freedom about them when considering that it is effectively a dead rubber contest. Australia though, will have been hurt by losing such a tight contest on Tuesday and with three consecutive defeats to their name, must want to finish this series on a positive note heading into the upcoming Test matches. It’s hard to see Sri Lanka replicating the high levels of cricket they have shown across the past week or so with nothing at stake and Australia with a point to prove, should restore some pride with a win in this final ODI.