0:
Match Details
Date: October 28, 2021
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Dubai International Stadium, Dubai
Preview
The Group of Death in T20 World Cup i.e. Group 1 of Super 12 is certainly poised very evenly with all sides in contention of going ahead. This is why Match 22 between Australia and Sri Lanka becomes the one to watch out for with both teams coming on the back of impressive wins in previous matches. A victory in this contest would put them in the driving seat to go ahead while a defeat might put them in danger of elimination.
With so much at stake and so many exciting T20 players on display, we are in for an action-packed game of cricket in Dubai on Thursday.
Head-to-head:
Pitch Report
The wicket in Dubai has proven to be slightly tricky as batters need to settle themselves in before letting loose. For evening games, dew plays a crucial role in second innings which is why teams need a total of more than 160 runs to give their bowlers any chance to defend. Although toss will be key, the side batting first can still have a chance but only if they utilize powerplay overs to their full potential.
Team Analysis
Australia:
The Kangaroos have a star-studded side at their disposal with some big names. They kicked off their Super 12 campaign with a thrilling win over South Africa and will be hoping to make it 2 in 2. They have a solid bowling unit with in-form players like Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa. Although their batting is a slight cause of concerns with their top three not looking too comfortable in the middle, this might just be the game where they wreak havoc and show their class.
Sri Lanka:
Dasun Shanaka's side are currently in a 4-game unbeaten streak in the mega event so far but this would be their first big test in UAE. Although they secured a sensational win over Bangladesh courtesy heroics of Charith Asalanka and Bhanuka Rajapaksa, one cannot ignore the fact that rest of the batting line-up absolutely misfired. Even the bowlers did not have a great outing in the previous match which might put some doubts in Sri Lankan camp ahead of the big game against Australia.
Squads
Australia: Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins (vc), Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Kusal Janith Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya De Silva, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Chamika Karunaratne, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Binura Fernando
Match Prediction
Conclusion
Although Sri Lanka are the in-form team right now, it will be Australia who will start as favourites going into this match. Aaron Finch's side have more experienced players in their side who might come up with match-winning contributions in unpredictable Dubai conditions. But despite it, Sri Lanka can cause an upset if they can come up with an all-round display on Thursday.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the author's personal point of view. They neither reflect the opinion of SportsTiger nor advise anyone to make any prediction based on this. SportsTiger does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.