Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey
AUS vs SL 1st T20I Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report. AUS vs SL 1st T20 Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report
The Australian Men’s team home season kicks off in late October. Earlier than usual, with a format (T20) never previously kicking off an international season, the traditionalists, like myself, will need some adjusting after decades of Test matches kicking off the season.
However, Australia’s indifferent T20 form over the past few years is motivation enough to start the summer off with a win. With the World T20 just a year away – that too on home soil – Australia need continuity, form and confidence if they are to lift the trophy that eludes them.
But, it won’t be straight forward against Sri Lanka. Just a few weeks ago, the Sri Lankans achieved a superb 3-0 win away against top-ranked Pakistan. More encouraging was the fact that a number of their main players were missing, highlighting the talent that the Sri Lankans have in their ranks.
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Key to an Australia win
ODI (World Cup) and Test (Ashes) cricket has put T20 easily third in priority for Australia in 2019. Two series of huge importance so soon after each other made rest an important requirement. But, the Aussies are back in action, and now it is time they properly decode the T20 format.
David Warner and Aaron Finch can provide the fireworks. The likes of Steve Smith can keep things ticking over. And, if Glenn Maxwell can repeat what he did in India earlier this year, Australia will be mighty tough to beat.
Also, there is little doubt that the Sri Lankans will come out hard. The confident batting was a key feature of their series win in Pakistan, so the Australians need to be looking to stifle them early with powerplay wickets. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins will be key, but the support efforts from the remainder of the attack will be vital in the middle and death overs.
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Key to a Sri Lanka win
Sri Lanka have the wood over Australia in T20Is in Australia. In fact, they have won five of their six matches down under, dating back to 2010/11. Now, with the Sri Lankans playing with great confidence, they have every reason to believe they can build on their form.
The batsmen need to cash in on what is expected to be a true Adelaide Oval surface. Dinushka Gunathilaka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa were superb in Pakistan, and the impact they have at the top of the order can set the tone for the Sri Lankans. With some hard-hitters in their middle order, a fast start can be very difficult for Australia to come back from.
Also, Sri Lanka’s bowling was a key feature of their series win in Pakistan. Isuru Udana and Nuwan Pradeep combined for 12 wickets in two matches, ripping through Pakistan at all stages of the innings. With Lasith Malinga back, Sri Lanka’s seamers will be out to set a platform for their spinners to build further pressure on Australia, who are looking to find form right away.
Possible Playing 11
Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins are in the Australia squad. It would make little sense to leave them out. So, it remains to be seen if Ashton Agar plays, or whether Australia turn to Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell for spin. Also, AJ Tye has been ruled out with an elbow injury.
Australia: 1. Aaron Finch (c), 2. David Warner, 3. Steve Smith, 4. Ben McDermott/Ashton Turner, 5. Glenn Maxwell, 6. Alex Carey (wk), 7. Pat Cummins, 8. Mitchell Starc, 9. Kane Richardson, 10. Adam Zampa, 11. Billy Stanlake
Sri Lanka’s team is tough to predict. Their experienced players are back in the squad after opting out of Pakistan. However, with the lesser-experienced players performing so well in Pakistan, it remains to be seen how they fit in.
Sri Lanka: 1. Danushka Gunathilaka, 2. Kusal Mendis/Oshada Fernando, 3. Bhanuka Rajapaksa, 4. Kusal Perera (wk), 5. Niroshan Dickwella, 6. Shehan Jayasuriya, 7. Dasun Shanaka, 8. Wanindu Hasaranga, 9. Isuru Udana, 10. Lasith Malinga (c), 11. Nuwan Pradeep
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Pitch and Conditions
A cloudy, mild day is forecast for Adelaide. A top of 20 degrees and minimal rain is on the menu, along with a true batting pitch as is often the case.
Stats and Facts
- Sri Lanka have won five of six T20Is vs Australia in Australia.
- This will be Steve Smith and David Warner’s first international on home soil since Cape Town.
- Steve Smith last played a T20I in 2016.
- Sri Lanka have won their past four T20Is, after losing 10 of their previous 11 matches.
- Australia have won 60% of their T20Is since the beginning of 2018.
Dream11 Prediction
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Option 1:
Option 2:
Match Prediction
A very difficult result to predict! Sri Lanka are playing with confidence and have a great record in Australia. Australia will be looking to make a mark straight away.
With the mindset and focus of Australia, they could get home in a close one. Should be an interesting match.
Thanks for reading!
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