Australia v Sri Lanka ODI Game 12 Betting Preview
Australia v Sri Lanka: ODI Game 12, Friday 2/3 – 2.20pm (Local Time) at MCG, Melbourne
Many people expected this match to be a dead rubber with the form India has displayed over the summer. However someone forgot to hand the script to Virat Kohli.
Kohli’s blistering 133*off 86 balls has catapulted India back into finals contention and put all the pressure back on the Sri Lankans to win this contest.
It’s still possible that Sri Lanka could qualify for the finals based on a superior net run rate but they will no doubt be looking for a victory to take into the finals.
Australia has already qualified and will use the match against the Sri Lankans to work out their strongest XI going forward.
KEY PLAYERS:
Australia will be hoping David Warner has hit form at the right time going into the finals.
He is coming off a Man of the Match performance against India where he made 68 off 66 balls at the top of the innings.
With Shane Watson back in the side there is now some stiff competition for positions in the Australian batting line-up.
Warner will want to cement his spot in the side with a big innings against the Sri Lankans.
Sri Lanka’s strength this summer has been the form of their opening batsmen.
The man to watch will be Tillakaratne Dilshan after his impressive 160* off 165 balls in the loss to India.
On most occasions an innings like that would be enough to get your side across the line.
He will be hoping to repeat that performance at the MCG and cement a finals spot for Sri Lanka.
PITCH AND CONDITIONS:
The forecast for Melbourne today is partly cloudy with a top of 22 degrees. There has been rain about the past few days but it should be a fine day at the MCG.
The MCG usually produces a wicket that is good for batting but also something in it for the bowlers if they bowl a good line and length.
TEAMS:
Australia may decide to rest skipper Michael Clarke for this match having already qualified for the finals. Shane Watson will captain the side once again if Clarke sits out this contest.
James Pattinson returns to the side after suffering a foot injury. He is coming off a performance of 6/37 in a Futures League match for Victoria.
Here is how the Australians are likely to line-up:
- David Warner
- Shane Watson
- Peter Forrest
- Michael Hussey
- David Hussey
- Matthew Wade
- Daniel Christian
- Brett Lee
- James Pattinson
- Clint McKay
- Xavier Doherty
Sri Lanka will make one forced change to their side for this match. Farveez Maharoof has a back complaint with Sachithra Senanayake likely to come into the side.
Here is how the Sri Lankans are likely to line-up:
- Mahela Jayawardene
- Tillakaratne Dilshan
- Kumar Sangakkara
- Dinesh Chandimal
- Lahiru Thirimanne
- Angelo Mathews
- Thisara Perera
- Sachithra Senanayake
- Nuwan Kulasekara
- Lasith Malinga
- Rangana Herath
WHO WINS?
This shapes up as another difficult match to predict and the outcome could be decided by the mindset of the Australians.
The fact they have already qualified for the finals could play its part, while Sri Lanka will be desperate for the win to deny India a finals berth.
As mentioned earlier there is plenty of competition in the Australian line-up and that as a driving force will get the Aussies across the line in this contest.
BEST HEAD-TO-HEAD BET:
Australia to win ($1.62)
MOST SIXES:
Australia ($1.65)
AUSTRALIA HIGH BAT:
David Warner ($4.50)
SRI LANKA HIGH BAT:
Tillakaratne Dilshan ($4.50)
AUSTRALIA MOST WICKETS:
Clint McKay ($4.50)
SRI LANKA MOST WICKETS:
Angelo Mathews ($6.00)
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