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Sri Lanka and Australia are set to face off in the first ODI at R. Premadasa Stadium, marking the beginning of a two-match series. While the hosts will be aiming for a strong comeback, Australia will use the series as crucial preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. Notably, Sri Lanka failed to qualify for the marquee ICC event, making this series a chance for them to prove their mettle against a top-ranked side.
Australia’s Test dominance and leadership continuity
The two sides recently clashed in a two-match Test series, where Australia secured a dominant 2-0 whitewash. The visitors will now look to carry that momentum into the ODIs under the leadership of Steve Smith, who continues as captain in the absence of Pat Cummins.
Cummins had opted out of the Test series due to the birth of his second child and has now been ruled out of both the ODI leg and the Champions Trophy 2025. With Smith at the helm, Australia will aim to extend their winning run and fine-tune their squad ahead of the global tournament.
Sri Lanka hopes for a turnaround under Charith Asalanka
On the other hand, Sri Lanka will be eager to bounce back after their Test series setback. With Charith Asalanka leading the side, the Islanders will look to make a strong statement in front of their home crowd. Despite missing out on Champions Trophy qualification, Sri Lanka will be keen to challenge the Aussies and gain momentum in white-ball cricket.
SL vs AUS: Head-to-Head Record in ODIs
Matches played: 103 | Sri Lanka won: 35 | Australia won: 64| No result: 4
ODI Stats and Records at R.Premadasa Stadium
- Total matches: 167
- Matches won batting first: 90
- Matches won bowling first: 65
- Average 1st Inns scores: 231
- Average 2nd Inns scores: 190
- Highest total recorded: 375/5 (50 Ov) by India vs Sri Lanka
- Lowest total recorded: 50/10 (15.2 Ov) by Sri Lanka vs India
- Highest score chased: 292/4 (48.3 Ov) by Sri Lanka vs Australia
- Lowest score defended: 170/10 (49.2 Ov) by West Indies Women vs Sri Lanka Women
Also READ: Sri Lanka Cricket announces squad for Australia ODIs, drops all-rounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe
R. Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report
The surface at R. Premadasa Stadium generally benefits batters in the early stages before gradually assisting spinners as the match unfolds. The venue often delivers a fair contest between bat and ball. Given the challenges of chasing here, the captain winning the toss is likely to opt for batting first.
SL vs AUS: Probable Playing XI
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, Asitha Fernando/Lahiru Kumara.
Australia: Matthew Short, Travis Head, Steve Smith (c), Josh Inglis (wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Cooper Connolly, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Tanveer Sangha, Spencer Johnson/Mitchell Starc.
