Match Details:
- Match: Sri Lanka vs Australia, 2nd ODI
- Date: February 14, 2025
- Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- Time: 10:00 AM Local Time | 3:30 AM GMT
Team Overviews
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka will be determined to secure a series victory against Australia for the second consecutive time in ODIs, having last achieved this feat in 1992. The team will rely on its strong spin attack and experienced middle order to dominate the Aussies. With the Champions Trophy out of reach, they will be eager to make a statement in this bilateral series.
Strengths:
- Strong spin attack suited for home conditions
- Experienced middle order with Kusal Mendis and Sadeera Samarawickrama
- Recent success in home ODIs
Concerns:
- Inconsistent top order
- Lack of experienced finishers in the lower middle order
Australia
Coming off a disappointing loss in the first ODI while chasing a modest total, Australia will be looking for a strong comeback. With several key players missing, the series presents a golden opportunity for younger players to make an impression before the Champions Trophy.
Strengths:
- Explosive batting lineup led by Travis Head (if fit)
- All-rounders like Marcus Stoinis who can contribute in multiple departments
- Aggressive approach in the field
Concerns:
- Inexperienced bowling attack
- Vulnerability against spin bowling in subcontinent conditions
Head-to-Head in ODIs
- Total Matches: 104
- Sri Lanka Wins: 37
- Australia Wins: 67
- No Result/Tie: 0
At R. Premadasa Stadium:
- Matches Played: 11
- Sri Lanka Wins: 7
- Australia Wins: 4
Probable Playing XI
Sri Lanka (Probable XI)
- Pathum Nissanka
- Avishka Fernando
- Kusal Mendis (wk)
- Charith Asalanka (c)
- Kamindu Mendis
- Janith Liyanage
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Dunith Wellalage
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Lahiru Kumara
- Asitha Fernando
Australia (Probable XI)
- Travis Head
- Josh Inglis (wk)
- Steve Smith (c)
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Glenn Maxwell
- Matt Short
- Aaron Hardie
- Sean Abbott
- Mitchell Starc
- Adam Zampa
- Nathan Ellis
Pitch Report
The R. Premadasa Stadium pitch is known for favoring spinners, particularly in the middle and later stages of the game. Pacers might find some movement with the new ball, but as the match progresses, spin is expected to play a crucial role. A score of around 260-280 would be a competitive total on this surface.
- Batting first advantage: Moderate
- Spinners’ role: High
- Pacers’ effectiveness: Early swing but limited impact later
Probable Scenarios
-
If Sri Lanka bats first:
- A score of 260-280 would be competitive.
- The spinners will look to strangle Australia in the middle overs.
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If Australia bats first:
- A score of 270+ could give them a fighting chance.
- They will need to counter the Sri Lankan spinners effectively.
-
Key Battle: Sri Lanka’s spinners vs Australia’s middle order (Maxwell, Labuschagne, Stoinis).
Key Players to Watch
Sri Lanka
- Kusal Mendis – Sri Lanka’s top scorer in ODIs over the past year.
- Dunith Wellalage – A rising all-rounder who thrives at this venue.
- Maheesh Theekshana – Sri Lanka’s main wicket-taker in home conditions.
Australia
- Travis Head – A match-winner capable of turning the game around.
- Steve Smith – Needs to anchor the innings against spin.
- Adam Zampa – Can be Australia’s trump card on a turning track.
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Live Streaming
India:
- TV Channel: Sony Pictures Network (Specific channel to be announced)
- Live Streaming: SonyLIV app and website
Pakistan:
- TV Channel: Asports
- Live Streaming: Tamasha App, Tapmad
Match Prediction
Given Sri Lanka’s home advantage, spin-friendly conditions, and Australia’s struggles against quality spinners, Sri Lanka holds a slight edge in this contest. However, if Travis Head fires and Australia’s bowlers contain Sri Lanka’s middle order, the Aussies can bounce back strongly.
Prediction: Sri Lanka to win in a close contest.