We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report for Sri Lanka vs Australia Match
Four out of the last five games at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo have been won by the teams chasing. Interestingly, 14 out of 19 wickets have fallen to the spinners in the last two matches at the venue.
Weather Report for the Match
Thunderstorms are forecast for this game. A heavy downpour could result in the reduction of overs.
Probable Playing XIs for Sri Lanka vs Australia Match
Probable XI for Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa (wk), Danushka Gunathilaka, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Ramesh Mendis, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana
Playing XI for Australia: David Warner, Aaron Finch (c), Steven Smith, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Mathew Wade (wk), Ashton Agar, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson
Also Read:
How to pick captain for your fantasy cricket team
Power Players for Sri Lanka vs Australia Match
Sri Lanka will know the importance of dismissing David Warner early. He has scores of 65, 57*, 60*, and 100* against them in his last four innings.
After finishing the recently concluded Indian T20 League with 26 wickets, Wanindu Hasaranga would be keen on riding his momentum. He also took 5 wickets in 2 games when Sri Lanka toured Australia earlier in the year.
Given his all-round ability, Glenn Maxwell will remain a hot pick in fantasy leagues. On his last tour to Sri Lanka, he slammed 145* and 66 against the hosts. He could even operate with the new ball in the powerplay and generate bonus points with his agile fielding.
Smart Picks for Sri Lanka vs Australia Match
Mitchell Starc might have gone wicketless in his last two outings against Sri Lanka. That said, his ability to strike with the new and old ball makes him an asset in fantasy leagues.
Pathum Nissanka might not go all guns blazing in the powerplay. However, with clinical stroke play, he managed to add 184 runs in 5 matches against Australia earlier in the year.
Under the guidance of MS Dhoni, Maheesh Theekshana impressed one and all in the Indian T20 League. Not too long ago, he even walked away with a three-wicket haul against Australia.
Sri Lanka will pin hopes on Dushmantha Chameera for early breakthroughs. He also picked 7 wickets in five matches when the two teams met Down Under.
All eyes will be on the ever-improving Bhanuka Rajapaksa. His clean hitting for Punjab might even see him getting promoted up the order for Sri Lanka. He could even don the gloves in this series.
Josh Hazlewood has grown into a fine T20 bowler over the past few years. He finished as the highest wicket-taker (8) in the T20I series against Sri Lanka.
Form Concerns
Australia would want Aaron Finch and Steven Smith to come out of their lean patch in this series. While Finch could manage only 78 runs in his last five innings against Sri Lanka, Smith has only 23 runs to his credit in two outings.
Sri Lanka vs Australia Match Preview
Out of 22 T20I games between the two teams, Australia have won 12 and Sri Lanka 9. Australia also beat Sri Lanka 3-1 at home when they met earlier in the year. Although Sri Lanka will be playing in their own backyard, they will have to play as a cohesive unit to overcome the challenge of the reigning World T20 champions.
Time: 7 June, 7.00 PM IST