Australia and Sri Lanka being their three-match T20-I series on Sunday at the Adelaide Oval. While this is Australia’s first white-ball assignment since the ICC World Cup 2019, Sri Lanka comes into this contest on the back of a historic series win over Pakistan. A couple of familiar faces return to both sides in Lasith Malinga and David Warner. Nevertheless, the home side is considered as the overwhelming favourites with a star-studded squad in their midst. The last time these two sides played one another in a T20-I series in Australia, Sri Lanka came out victorious and will be looking to inflict another upset over the likes of Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc on Sunday
Match Details
Australia vs Sri Lanka, 1st T20
Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
October 27th, 2019
9:00 AM IST
Pitch Report
The pitch should be a good one to bat on with some help on offer for both the pacers and spinners. While 170 will be competitive on this surface, teams will prefer to chase here with batting getting easier under the lights.
Weather Report
The weather is all clear for this game which should make for an interesting game of cricket. There isn’t any chance of rain with temperatures hovering around 20 degrees Celsius.
Injuries: No injuries are reported
Predicted XI
Australia:
Australia does have some injury woes heading into this game. While Aaron Finch and Ashton Turner are fit enough to play the game, the same isn’t case with Andrew Tye. Tye is ruled out of the series which paves the way for Kane Richardson to take up the third pacers’ slot. David Warner and Steve Smith occupy spots in the top order with Glenn Maxwell playing as the floater. Alex Carey is one to watch out for at his home ground against the spin threat of Sri Lanka
David Warner, Aaron Finch, Steven Smith, Alex Carey, Glenn Maxwell, Ashton Turner, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa and Mitchell Starc
Sri Lanka:
Sri Lanka is spoilt for choice in the batting unit. With the likes of Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Danushka Gunathilaka making full use of their opportunities in Pakistan, the Sri Lankan management has to make a few tough calls. Nevertheless, Kusal Perera should open the batting alongside Gunathilaka with Mendis following them. Avishka Fernando should get the nod over Rajapaksa while Dasun Shanaka’s presence as a seam-bowling allrounder adds much-needed balance. Lasith Malinga is key to their fortunes while Nuwan Pradeep and Wanidu Hasaranga are also ones to watch out for.
Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis, Avishka Fernando, Danushka Gunathilaka, Shehan Jayasuriya, Dasun Shanaka, Wanidu Hasaranga, Isuru Udana, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Pradeep and Lakshan Sandakan
Top Picks:
David Warner had a brilliant IPL season with 692 runs to his name. Although his Test form has deserted him, he is still one of the best players in the shortest format. Along with him, the likes of Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Starc also find a place in the fantasy side. Alex Carey’s record at the Adelaide Oval is solid which is why he is picked alongside Sri Lankan opener, Kusal Perera. Danushka Gunathilaka’s form makes him a worth-while option while the duo of Jayasuriya and Hasaranga can also earn some fantasy points with bat and ball. Lasith Malinga is arguably the greatest T20 bowler in history. Although he has lost a few yards, he is still capable of picking key wickets with his subtle variations.
Captaincy Picks:
1. David Warner
2. Mitchell Starc
3. Kusal Perera
Fantasy Team & Point Projections
Shehan Jayasuriya, Points: 28-30, Grade: B
Kusal Perera, Points: 68-70, Grade: A
David Warner, Points: 80-82, Grade: A
Alex Carey, Points: 55-57, Grade: A
Danushka Gunathilaka, Points: 25-27, Grade: B
Steve Smith, Points: 45-47, Grade: A
Wanidu Hasaranga, Points: 39-41, Grade: B
Mitchell Starc, Points: 80-82, Grade: A
Adam Zampa, Points: 48-50, Grade: A
Lasith Malinga, Points: 30-32, Grade: B
Glenn Maxwell, Points: 40-42, Grade: A
Disclaimer: The views expressed here are that of the author and not an actual reflection of the number of points that the player will earn.
