On the batting side, it could be argued that the juxtapositions continue. While on paper Australia has strength at the top of the order, through the middle overs runs have been hard to come by. For Sri Lanka, the opposite has been the trend. Limping through Powerplays, the likes of Avishka Fernando and Wanindu Hasaranga have often stood tallest through the middle.
Sri Lanka, entering the Super 12 stage through the tournament’s First Round, have passed every single test thus far on their winding campaign. Negotiating the challenges of Namibia, Ireland and the Netherlands, Dasun Shanaka’s men also brushed aside Bangladesh, who entered from the other four-team group.
Australia, while the favoured side on paper, are somewhat less proven. With a number of players returning to the squad for the T20 World Cup, a first-up victory against South Africa was far from convincing, chasing a target of 119 with just two balls to spare.
Since that series, Australia have not celebrated the same success. Winning just five of their 16 T20Is in 2021, hard truths have been realised for Justin Langer’s men. Struggling in New Zealand, the West Indies and Bangladesh, mostly without the core of the best possible team, the team’s balance and tactics have been questioned from all directions. For Langer and others selecting the side, piecing together a team capable of a performance greater than the sum of its parts is paramount.
On the other side, Sri Lanka have silenced questions surrounding their line-up, finding a winning formula through the First Round. Problems at the top of the order through a lack of runs from Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka have been somewhat remedied, by the likes of Charith Asalanka, Avishka Fernando and Bhanuka Rajapaksa. For Sri Lanka’s bowling, exposing Australia’s middle order through early inroads is crucial, though will be encouraged by the work of those entrusted with the new ball. Chamika Karunaratne in particular has found swing in the Emirati air, with bowling speeds up across the group.
Both teams will target this encounter as almost a must-win if they have aspirations of moving into the final four.
Fixture Details
- Match: Australia v Sri Lanka
- Time: 19:30 SL time 28 October 2021
- Venue: Dubai
The teams
Australia’s team is likely to be unchanged from the win over South Africa, though questions remain in regards to the batting order needing to improve from the first match. Marcus Stoinis looks entrusted with the death-over role, with Matthew Wade’s floating in the order.
Possible Australia XI: David Warner, Aaron Finch, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.
Sri Lanka may have found their preferred side by virtue of First Round action, with most facets covered thanks largely to clever all-round talent. Having both made only one score of note each in the First Round, Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka’s performances could be under the microscope. Expect Maheesh Theekshana to return to the XI after overcoming a side injury.
Possible Sri Lanka XI: Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Avishka Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana
Watch ICC Preview: https://www.t20worldcup.com/video/2311966