SL vs AUS 1st ODI LIVE: The first ODI of the two-match series between Sri Lanka and Australia is being played today at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. The match started at 10:00 am Indian time, and cricket lovers should get ready for a thrilling match. Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and decided to bat first, which also gave the host team a chance to score big. On the other hand, the Australian team will play under the leadership of experienced batsman Smith this time in the absence of their star bowler Pat Cummins.
Telecasting and live streaming information
Live coverage of this interesting match is available on the Sony Sports Network in India. If you would like to watch the live match on the mobile or laptop, then the live streaming of the match is available on the Sony Liv app and website. Apart from that, fans can also catch this match via several digital platforms with live updates and scorecards, along with social media.
Sri Lanka’s strategy and playing XI
Sri Lanka sets store by the home advantage. A decent mix of youth and experience could pose an even greater threat. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando are charged with setting the pace and looking to provide the runs, while Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka will fortify the middle order. Wanindu Hasaranga could chip in with the bat and ball to make a difference. Among seamers, Mahish Theekshana, Asitha Fernando, and Ishan Malinga will give a good fight to the opposing batsmen.
Sri Lanka playing XI:
- Pathum Nissanka
- Avishka Fernando
- Kusal Mendis (Wicketkeeper)
- Kamindu Mendis
- Charith Asalanka (Captain)
- Jenith Liyanage
- Dunith Welles
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Mahish Theekshana
- Ishan Malinga
- Asitha Fernando
Australia’s strategy and playing XI
Australia has come to play aggressively in this match. This we are expecting will also give a new direction under Steve Smith’s captaincy. Opening duties will be taken by Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk, while Marnus Labuschagne, Cooper Connolly, and Alex Carey will play big roles in the middle order. Fast bowling will be iced by Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, and Sean Abbott, while the spin department will be handled by Adam Zampa.
Australia’s playing XI:
- Matthew Short
- Jake Fraser-McGurk
- Steven Smith (captain)
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Cooper Connolly
- Alex Carey (wicketkeeper)
- Aaron Hardy
- Sean Abbott
- Nathan Ellis
- Adam Zampa
- Spencer Johnson
- Match analysis: Who will win?
Sri Lanka will try to gain the home advantage of pressing Australia under spin conditions. In its stand to counter Sri Lanka, Australia, with its fast bowlers in the lead and a strong batting order in the chase. Generally, the Colombo pitch is spin-friendly, thus placing Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana under the heightened expectations of the home side.
Adam Zampa and Nathan Ellis, meanwhile, will be on the lookout for any early breakthroughs for Australia. Otherwise, facing the Sri Lankan spinners, Australia’s batsmen will need to tread carefully since the slower it becomes, the better assistance the bowlers will receive.
What do the statistics say?
Traditionally, Australia has looked favorably on winning types against Sri Lanka. Australia has more wins in all previous ODIs played between the two. Nevertheless, the Sri Lankan team is flourishing in home conditions, which can help it regroup strongly into the match.
Players to watch out for
- Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kusal Mendis
- Australia: Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Adam Zampa
Stay tuned for match updates!
This match should be very interesting, and both teams will give their best to win. Stay here for the live score, ball-by-ball updates, and details about all important stuff!