Australia might have already won the One Day International series, but they’ll want to finish strongly against Sri Lanka and head into the T20’s with winning form to avenge their defeat in the Test series. Join The Roar for live scores of the fifth and final match from 7pm (AEST).
Australia waltzed home in the last ODI thanks to an Aaron Finch blitzkrieg, taking an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series before the final contest.
Sri Lanka have been limping through the 50-over format after the success of the Tests and will now be without their captain Angelo Mathews for the fifth game, after being ruled out with a calf tear.
Dinesh Chandimal will take over the role of captain for the home side and he’ll be looking to extend his perfect two from two record in the role.
George Bailey has haunted the Asian nation for much of the series, falling short of a hundred in the last game. Similarly, Warner has proven himself as a solid skipper, but has failed with the willow in hand.
The Australian’s can look forward to preparing for the T20’s and then onto South Africa before the Aussie summer.
Despite the series situation, Sri Lanka have only lost one of their last six games at Pallekele.
Prediction
Australia have outplayed and outclassed Sri Lanka at nearly every turn throughout the series after the disappointment of the Tests.
The hosts are without their captain Mathews or the retired veteran in Dilshan. They’ll have a very tough time coming through with a win on this one.
Australia to win by 45 runs or 7 wickets.
Follow all the live scores of the fifth and final ODI on The Roar from 7pm (AEST).
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