2nd ODI Predictions: Sri Lanka vs Australia

Published

3 years ago

June 15, 2022

admin

Sri Lanka and Australia will clash in the second of the five-match One Day International cricket (ODI) series on June 16 at the Pallekele Stadium, Kandy.

Aaron Finch will lead the side and they have retained most of the players that featured in the T20I series.

Dasum Shanaka will continue to lead the Lankan side.

Current form

In the first ODI, Sri Lanka had posted a formidable 300 for 7 wickets, batting first.

After a 115 run opening partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis took over with a brilliant 86 not out.

The final impetus was provided by all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga who smashed five fours off the 49th over and hit 37 off 19 balls.

The Pallekele pitch is known to assist spinners and not surprisingly, Ashton Agar impressed with 2 for 49.

Marnus Labuschagne picked out two tail-end wickets and finished with 2 for 19 from his three overs.

In reply, Australia reached the target thanks to useful contributions by Steve Smith (53), Aaron Finch (44) and Marcus Stoinis (44).

However, the decisive innings was played by Glenn Maxwell who smashed 80 off just 51 balls.

Australia reached 282 in 42.3 overs losing 8 eight wickets.

The target was reduced owing to the Duckworth-Lewis method.

Head to Head record

The two sides have played each other 98 times in ODIs.

The men in yellow have 62 victories to their credit.

Sri Lanka has won a mere 32 games.

Four games played between the two sides have yielded no result.

However, Sri Lanka has a formidable home record.

Off the 30 ODIs played in Sri Lanka, the hosts have won 14 games over the Kangaroos, whilst the visitors have won 13.

Three games have ended without a result.

The home soil advantage

Sri Lanka is a tough opponent at home.

They have a great record even against the top teams.

Let’s look at what happened in Sri Lanka’s last two home assignments.

In September last year, they defeated South Africa 2-1 at home.

Next, they hosted Zimbabwe in January this year, where they again won by 2-1.

The Pallekele pitch is slow and dusty and aids spinners. Sri Lanka know how to eke out wins using the home conditions and can never be taken lightly.

Venue and pitch trends

In the last five ODI games played here, the sides batting first have won easily.

If conditions are cloudy, fast bowlers do well and get the ball to move.

The wicket offers lots of assistance to the spinners as the ball grips the surface and turns sharply.

Rain is likely.

We expect the side winning the toss to bowl first on this track.

Key Players

Marcus Stoinis is one of the most under-rated players in the shorter format.

However, he is rated highly by the Australian board.

Even the first ODI showed that as long as Stoinis is around, Australia always have a chance.

Also, he is handy with bat and ball and can be a key impact player for Australia.

Wanindu Hasaranga is one of the world’s top T20 bowlers and can be relied to pick up wickets.

Though his numbers in ODIs aren’t as impressive as T20s, Hasaranga is a fast improving player who has added an extra dimension to his cricket by becoming an explosive finisher.

He was the star performer in the 1st ODI with 4 wickets and a blazing 37 off just 19 balls.

Prediction

Australia has a potent pace attack but that gets totally nullified on Sri Lanka’s slow pitches.

The Aussie spin attack is efficient but not very threatening.

As a result, the Sri Lankan batters will fancy their chances to post a big total.

If Sri Lanka win the toss, they will most likely bowl first an then put the Aussie batters under pressure using their spinners.

In the 1st OI, they went with 3 top line spinners – Theekshana, Hasaranga and Wellalage.

Wellalage is a left arm slow orthodox spinner who can be difficult to get away.

Hasaranga and Theekshana are both wicket-taking bowlers who can hurt Australia.

Admittedly, the Aussies have a powerful batting line-up with the likes of Warner, Maxwell, Stoinis and Smith.

But our prediction is, if Sri Lanka win the toss, they will go on to win the match.

Captains Gear Up for NPL Final Showdown

Published

8 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Maadhav

Captains Share Strategies Ahead of NPL Final

The stage is set for the highly anticipated NPL final between Sudurpaschim Royals and Janakpur Bolts at TU International Cricket Ground. Both captains expressed their excitement and shared their strategies during a pre-match press conference, building anticipation for the thrilling clash in the NPL Final.

Sudurpaschim Royals captain Dipendra Singh Airee stressed the importance of maintaining consistency and playing with determination. He assured fans the team was fully prepared to deliver their best performance. Airee highlighted teamwork as the key to their successful journey to the final.

Janakpur Bolts captain Aasif Sheikh reflected on their previous losses to Sudurpaschim but emphasized a strong mental approach for the final. Sheikh urged his players to focus on executing their skills under pressure and remain confident despite the challenges. He also acknowledged the significance of fan support, calling on supporters to cheer positively for both teams.

Both captains praised the contributions of Nepali players in their squads, emphasizing their pivotal role in the tournament’s success. They also encouraged a spirit of sportsmanship and appreciation for the growing standards of Nepali cricket.

The final promises an exhilarating contest as two formidable teams compete for the championship title. Fans can expect a captivating battle between Sudurpaschim’s consistency and Janakpur’s determination. The match is scheduled to start at 12:15 PM, with cricket enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the outcome.

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Janakpur Bolts Secure Spot in NPL Final to Face Sudurpaschim Royals

Published

1 day ago

December 20, 2024

Maadhav

Janakpur Bolts in the NPL final! Janakpur Bolts defeated Karnali Yaks by two wickets in the Nepal Premier League (NPL) Qualifier 2 to secure their spot in the final. Chasing a modest target of 119 runs, Janakpur overcame early setbacks and achieved victory in 19 overs, finishing with eight wickets down.

New Zealand batter Jimmy Neesham played a pivotal role, scoring a rapid 45 runs off just 17 balls. His innings included two fours and five sixes before being dismissed by Bipin Sharma. Contributions from Mayan Yadav (14 runs) and Sher Malla (16 runs not out) also proved crucial in the lower order.

Earlier, Karnali Yaks struggled to post a competitive total, managing only 118 runs for the loss of nine wickets in 20 overs. Gulshan Jha top-scored for Karnali with 25 runs off 20 balls, while Dev Khanal added 24. Janakpur’s bowlers, including Lalit Rajbanshi, Jimmy Neesham, and Muhammad Mohsin, each picked up two wickets to restrict the opposition.

Janakpur’s journey to the final wasn’t without challenges. They suffered a defeat against Sudurpaschim Royals in Qualifier 1, forcing them into this must-win game. Despite an unsteady start, with key players like Aasif Sheikh and Lahiru Milantha departing early, the team showed resilience under pressure.

The final, set for Saturday, will feature Janakpur Bolts facing Sudurpaschim Royals in what promises to be an intense battle. Both teams, having proven their mettle throughout the season, are eager to clinch the prestigious NPL title.

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Virat Kohli to Move to London with Family, Coach Confirms

Published

2 days ago

December 19, 2024

Jelan

Virat Kohli’s childhood coach, Rajkumar Sharma, has confirmed that Kohli, wife Anushka Sharma, and their children, Vamika and Akaay, plan to relocate to London. Sharma revealed that the cricketer envisions settling in the UK post-retirement. Virat Kohli frequently visits London, where their son Akaay was born earlier this year on February 15.

The couple owns property in London, where they are expected to reside after the move. “Yes, Virat plans to move to London with his family soon. However, he is currently focused on cricket and spending time with his family,” Sharma stated.

Kohli has balanced cricket commitments and family time this year. After the birth of his son, he returned to India following the T20 World Cup in June and played series against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Currently participating in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, his next major assignment is the Champions Trophy, followed by IPL 2025.

Despite a dip in form during recent matches against Australia, Sharma expressed confidence in Kohli’s ability to deliver. “Virat scored a brilliant century in Perth and will bounce back in the Boxing Day and Sydney Tests,” Sharma said.

Regarding Kohli’s career longevity, Sharma dismissed retirement rumors. “Virat is fit and will continue playing for at least five more years. He will likely participate in the 2027 World Cup in South Africa,” he added. Sharma emphasized Kohli’s passion for cricket and his ability to perform under pressure.

As Kohli continues to shine on the field, his potential relocation marks a new chapter for the cricket icon and his family.