02:00 PM UTC: Sri Lanka vs Australia, Group 1, Super 12s, ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
Australia and Sri Lanka will meet for their second matches of the Super 12s stage. Both teams come in with a win with Australia defeating South Africa in a close affair while Sri Lankan batting coming on top versus Bangladesh.
Two struggling top-orders and strong middle orders
David Warner and Aaron Finch have faced massive struggles recently for the Australians, both unable to go big and go hard in the beginning. The case is similar for Lankan Kusal Perera who has fallen way too early in this World Cup since the First Round and he will face a bowling of high caliber. Both teams need to work on the top-order woes or the clock will tick soon.
The middle-orders have been superb for both teams. Steven Smith, Matthew Wade, and Marcus Stoinis rescued the innings through some smart batting against South Africa. Meanwhile, Asalanka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa will be sky-high in confidence after thumping the Bangladeshi bowlers. However, they will be up against a better bowling and fielding side here in Australia.
Australia’s bowling can scythe through Sri Lanka
Josh Hazelwood produced a dangerous spell versus South Africa in the last game and he can be menacing in the start. The bowler kept it in a tight channel and Sri Lankan batters should be careful against him. Meanwhile, Adam Zampa and Pat Cummins also bowled superbly against a quality South African batting. Sri Lankan batting is yet to face such high-octane bowling in the tournament. Don’t forget the yorkers of Mitchell Starc!
Sri Lanka’s bowling flailed in the last game although seamer Lahiru Kumara did a wonderful job nonetheless. Wanindu Hasarange will play a crucial role in stemming the run flow and also taking wickets while Dushmantha Chameera will need to bounce back after a rough game.