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Australia are looking to go 2-0 up against Sri Lanka in their ODI series after bouncing back from a disappointing Test series to win the opener. Join The Roar from 7pm (AEST) for live scores and coverage.
Fresh off their three-Test whitewash of Australia, the expectations were heaped on Sri Lanka for the first ODI. Despite a late flurry of wickets though the green and gold took the match and early series lead.
Mitch Starc claimed a new ODI record when he reached 100 scalps in the 50-over format, leading the Aussie attack as he has been all tour.
Sri Lanka have lost their last four ODIs on the trot and seven of their last eight against Test playing nations.
Although they’ve lost their No. 1 Test ranking, the Australian’s still hold top spot in the shorter format of the game.
As we’ve seen, the Sri Lankans don’t particularly take much notice of the rankings and will be feeding off the huge crowds and success from the Tests.
Unfortunately, there is a threat of some wet conditions in Colombo, with rain forecast to come in and out during the game.
If they do get to play, Dinesh Chandimal has the chance to create history for his nation. If he scores a half century, he will become the first Sri Lankan in ODI history to score six half centuries in a row, and the sixth player overall.
Also in the stats column, Steve Smith is just 43 runs away from reaching 1000 runs as captain and this would make him the fastest Australian skipper to reach the milestone.
In team news, Australia are expected to remain unchanged for the second match, although Sri Lanka will be dealing without Nuwan Pradeep.
He’s been ruled out for the rest of the series with a hamstring injury, leaving an open spot in the squad for Angelo Perera to come in – whether or not he is in the final XI though won’t be known until the toss.
Prediction
Australia looked a little shaky towards the end of the first match despite getting the win, but overall, it was a solid performance and they never let Sri Lanka get away from them.
If they can repeat that then there’s no reason why they can’t go 2-0 up.
The home side have proven they can beat the best throughout the Test series, but they lacked that drive and spark in the shorter format.
However, that could all be blown out of the water if the rain comes. A shortened Duckworth Lewis type match could be on the cards, or even a washout.
Australia to win by 31 runs or 5 wickets
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