The hosts Australia were given a reality check, and quite a harsh one, by their trans-Tasman rivals, New Zealand, in their Super 12 opener in the T20 World Cup 2022.
The Kiwis thrashed the overwhelming favorites, Australia, by a whopping 89, which saw the latter’s NRR slip to -4.450. Australia will next take on Sri Lanka on Tuesday in Perth. A loss here for Australia would mean that their semi-final qualification will be out of their hand, and their NRR would further take a dip.
Sri Lanka, who topped Group A in the qualifying round with 2 wins out of 3 matches, started their Super 12 with a comprehensive 9-wicket win over Ireland. Australia poses a big challenge to them, but should they somehow defeat the hosts, they will gain immense confidence to put further steps forward.
AUS vs SL pitch report, date, time
Venue: Perth Stadium, Perth
AUS vs SL pitch report
The Perth Stadium or the Optus Stadium saw 15 wickets fell in the England-Afghanistan encounter with 12 of them going to fast bowlers, the surface staying true to its reputation. Perth has short straight boundaries and long square boundaries, and hence the back-of-length deliveries for pacers worked to great effect.
There’s plenty of assistance to pacers in terms of sideways movement and extra bounce. However, if the batters survive the new ball, they can launch a counter-attack at the ball comes on nicely on the bat.
Date and Time: October 25, 4.30 PM IST
Telecast: Star Sports Network
AUS vs SL predicted playing XIs
Despite the loss, Australia is unlikely to change the XI. The argument for bringing in Steve Smith holds, especially if Mitchell Marsh is not bowling because of injury, but it’s unlikely that Australia will sway away from their decision after just one loss.
Australia predicted XI:
Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Tim David, Matthew Wade (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
Sri Lanka would be hoping for opener Pathum Nissanka and seamer Pramod Madushan to get fit, both of whom missed the Ireland game due to injury.
Sri Lanka predicted XI:
Kusal Mendis (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Ashen Bandara/Nissanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando/P Madushan, Lahiru Kumara
AUS vs SL match prediction: Australia to win
Expect Australia to bounce back in Perth, given the pace attack they have and the experience of their own players in these conditions, and the lack of it of the opposition.
Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, knowledge, and instinct of the writer. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.
