The first match of the 2-match ODI series between the touring Australian team and Sri Lanka will be played tomorrow (12th) from 10.00 am in Colombo R. It is scheduled to be held at the Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.
These are the last two ODIs for the Australians before the upcoming Champions Trophy. As such, this will no doubt be considered the Australians' final pre-season training for the Champions Trophy.However, Australia enters this tournament having won both the Test matches against Sri Lanka. Therefore, their hope will be to win the ODI series and enter the champions trophy.
Sri Lanka has won the last 10 one-day international cricket matches played at home. It is special that Sri Lanka has achieved this feat in the last 6 bilateral ODIs.In addition, in the year 2024, Colombo R. The fact that Sri Lanka have won 4 out of the last 6 one-day international cricket matches played at the Premadasa ground is also a remarkable event.
Sri Lanka enters this tournament after suffering a 2-1 defeat in the ODI series against New Zealand.However, Sri Lanka won the final match. Accordingly, Pathum Nissanka and Avishka will start Sri Lanka's innings as usual in today's match. Kusal Mendis will field as the No.3 batsman.However, if one of the three Sri Lankan front-line batsmen builds a big innings, it will undoubtedly lead to a positive result for Sri Lanka in this match. As usual, the midfield responsibility will be given to Kamindu Mendis, skipper Charit Asanka and Janith Liyanage.
It is inevitable that spinner Wanindu Hasaranga will attract more attention among Sri Lankan bowlers. Wanindu's success could be the deciding factor for the success of the Sri Lankan bowlers on the Premadasa pitch.Accordingly, in addition to Wanindu, Mahish Theekshana, Dunit Vellalage, Eshan Malinga and Asita Fernando will act as the bowling queens of the Sri Lankan team in this match.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka's squad for the ODI series against Australia was officially announced yesterday (10th) by the Cricket Institute.It is special that only the all-rounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe, who joined the Sri Lanka ODI squad for the tour of New Zealand that ended there, has been removed from this squad.
Sri Lanka ODI Squad - Charith Asanlaka (captain), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Nuvanindu Fernando, Vanindu Hasaranga, Mahish Thiekshana, Dunit Vellalage, Jeffrey Varanse, Asita Fernando, Lahiru Kumar, Mohd. Shiraz, Ashan Malinga
