Related Articles
The opening clash of the Australia Tour of Sri Lanka 2025 produced a thrilling contest, keeping fans engaged throughout. Sri Lanka, despite a horrendous start, pulled off a stunning 49-run victory thanks to Charith Asalanka’s exceptional century and their world-class spin attack.
Australia, on the other hand, will be disappointed with their performance, especially after their dominant 2-0 Test series win. They will be eager to bounce back and gain some momentum ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy.
With both teams hungry for success, another intense battle is expected at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
MATCH DETAILS
| Match | Sri Lanka vs Australia |
|---|---|
| Tournament | Australia Tour of Sri Lanka 2025 |
| Date | February 2025 |
| Venue | R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| Time | 2:30 PM IST |
| Live Streaming | TBA |
TEAMS PREVIEW
SRI LANKA PREVIEW
Despite losing early wickets, Sri Lanka found a hero in Charith Asalanka, whose 127 off 126 balls played a crucial role in getting them to 214 all out. It was a remarkable turnaround considering they were struggling at 55/5.
However, they cannot afford to rely on Asalanka alone. Players like Kamindu Mendis and Pathum Nissanka need to contribute more with the bat. Kusal Mendis, who made a quickfire 19 off 17, will also be expected to anchor the innings if required.
The Sri Lankan spinners were once again at their best, with Maheesh Theekshana leading the charge with 4/40. Dunith Wellalage and Asitha Fernando provided excellent support, restricting the Aussies to 165 all out.
With home conditions favoring spin, Sri Lanka will once again look to dominate the game with their slow bowlers and secure a series win.
Sri Lanka Predicted Playing XI
- Pathum Nissanka
- Avishka Fernando
- Kusal Mendis (wk)
- Kamindu Mendis
- Charith Asalanka (c)
- Janith Liyanage
- Dunith Wellalage
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Eshan Malinga
- Asitha Fernando
AUSTRALIA PREVIEW
Australia suffered a shock defeat in the first ODI despite being in a strong position early on. Their inexperienced bowling unit did well to bowl Sri Lanka out for 214, but the batting lineup failed to chase down what seemed like a manageable target.
The experienced Alex Carey (41 off 38) and Aaron Hardie (32 off 37) were the only batters to show some resistance, but the top order collapsed under the pressure of Sri Lanka’s spinners. Players like Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne need to step up and handle the spin threat better.
On the bowling front, Sean Abbott (3/61) and Spencer Johnson (2/44) kept things tight, while Aaron Hardie impressed with 2/13 in six overs.
Despite the absence of key fast bowlers, Australia still has enough talent to bounce back. If they can find a way to counter Sri Lanka’s spin attack, they stand a good chance of leveling the series.
Australia Predicted Playing XI
- Matthew Short
- Jake Fraser-McGurk
- Cooper Connolly
- Steven Smith (c)
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Aaron Hardie
- Sean Abbott
- Nathan Ellis
- Adam Zampa
- Spencer Johnson
PITCH REPORT & WEATHER CONDITIONS
The R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, is known for assisting spin bowlers. The ball grips and turns, making it tough for batters to score freely, especially in the middle overs.
- Par Score: 250-280
- Pacers will rely on variations
- Spinners will get grip and turn
- Batting gets tougher as the game progresses
Weather Report
- Temperature: 26°C – 32°C
- Humidity: High
- Rain: No significant chances
- Cloud Cover: Mild cloudiness expected
Toss Prediction:
The team winning the toss is likely to bat first, as chasing under lights has proven to be difficult on slow surfaces.
FANTASY TEAM XI
| Position | Player | Team |
|---|---|---|
| WK | Alex Carey | Australia |
| BAT | Charith Asalanka (C) | Sri Lanka |
| BAT | Steven Smith | Australia |
| BAT | Jake Fraser-McGurk | Australia |
| BAT | Kusal Mendis | Sri Lanka |
| ALL | Aaron Hardie | Australia |
| ALL | Wanindu Hasaranga (VC) | Sri Lanka |
| ALL | Dunith Wellalage | Sri Lanka |
| BOWL | Maheesh Theekshana | Sri Lanka |
| BOWL | Spencer Johnson | Australia |
| BOWL | Sean Abbott | Australia |
MATCH PREDICTION
Australia will be desperate for a win, but Sri Lanka has the perfect conditions and a superior spin attack on their side.
With Sri Lanka’s confidence high, their spinners in top form, and home conditions favoring them, they are likely to clinch another victory.
Prediction: SRI LANKA TO WIN
CricketPandith Match Prediction Package
Per Match Charges: 1000 Rs/Match
Monthly Package: 5000 Rs/Month (Unlimited Match)
All International/League Match Prediction Available
Download Our Cricket Pandith Android App
