Australia vs Sri Lanka, 1st T20I, Adelaide: Preview, predictions, likely XIs

Sri Lanka had travelled to Pakistan with what they called a third-string side. They ended up thrashing the hosts – ranked No. 1 in T20Is – 3-0 in the series. Less than a month later, they now touring Australia for a 3-match T20I series.

Australia, on the other hand, have not played a T20I since their India tour, in February. Since then they had whitewashed Pakistan 5-0 in the UAE, reached the semi-final of the World Cup, and retained The Ashes in England – but none of that was in 20-over cricket. Of course, their cricketers have featured in the format in franchise cricket, including the IPL and the Vitality Blast, but not together.

Steven Smith and David Warner’s return should bolster the national side. Ashton Turner, who had obliterated India in an ODI of Delhi when Australia chased down 359 with 13 balls to spare, will come back too. Adam Zampa, who had not found the English pitches suitable to his taste, will be urging to have a go, as will Mitchell Starc after warming the benches for most of the Ashes.

Sri Lanka have never lost a T20I series against Australia in Australia, and they will be in no mood to relent. The victory in Pakistan would have provided much-needed boost. Lasith Malinga will spearhead the bowling himself with support from the in-form Nuwan Pradeep, the probing Lakshan Sandakan, and a cohort of all-rounders.

Sri Lanka also have one of the most potent batting line-ups in this formats. All eyes will be on the two youngsters, Oshada Fernando and Bhanuka Rajapaksa, especially the latter.

Head to head

Sri Lanka hold an 8-5 lead. On Australian soil that goes up to 5-1 (the series results read 1-0, 2-0, 2-1 in Sri Lanka’s favour), though Australia had won the most recent one. However, that had come in a dead rubber match.

Key players

David Warner (Australia): Warner had won the Orange Cap in the IPL, and came a stone’s throw within becoming the leading run-scorer in the World Cup. After a less-than-ordinary Ashes, will be raring to have a go in front of the home crowd.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa (Sri Lanka): Rajapaksa had impressed all and sundry with his 48-ball 77 in the second T20I at Lahore. As clean a strokeplayer as any in international cricket, young Rajapaksa will now be tested on the harder pitches of Australia.

Likely XIs

Australia: Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Steven Smith, Ashton Turner,
Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey (wk), Ben McDermott, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Andrew Tye, Adam Zampa.

Sri Lanka: Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Oshada Fernando, Niroshan Dickwella (wk), Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Lakshan Sandakan, Kasun Rajitha, Lasith Malinga (c), Nuwan Pradeep.

Prediction

Sri Lanka to go 1-0 up.