The T20 series between Australia and Sri Lanka heads to Manuka Oval in Canberra for the third game. The Aussies currently lead the series 2-0, can the tourists fight back?
Check out our preview and betting tips for the clash below and remember to head to our Cricket Tips page for continued coverage throughout the series and the Aussies upcoming tour of Asia.
Australia vs Sri Lanka 3rd T20 Betting Tips
Manuka Oval, Tuesday 15th February, 7.10pm (AEDT)
Australia
Predicted XI: Aaron Finch, Ben McDermott, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Moises Henriques, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, Pat Cummins, Kane Richardson, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
The Aussies tried their very hardest to give the game away on Sunday night but ultiamtely stumbled over the line. After posting a good total of 164 led by 48 from Josh Inglis, poor fielding from the Aussies allowed their opponents all the way back into the game, with Sri Lanka eventually sending the game into a super over.
Josh Hazlewood was the saviour fot eh Aussies, keeping SL to just five runs in their super over, which allowed his batsmen to cruise home for a comfortable win. Steve Smith had a concussion scare late in the game when he dived to save a ball from going over the fence, expect him to be rested for this clash as a precaution and either Henriques or Head to come into the line-up.
Sri Lanka
Predicted XI: Predicted XI: Pathum Nissanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dasun Shanaka, Dinesh Chandimal, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekhana, Nuwan Thushara
The Sri Lankans were a lot more competitve in the 2nd game, particularly with the bat as opener Pathum Nissanka put the team on his shoulders with a brilliant 73 off 53 balls. Captain Dasun Shanaka chipped in for 34 off 19 balls late in the innings to help force the game into a super over.
The Sri Lankans will still be without Binura Fernando after the paceman tested positive for COVID following the first game. I don't expect them to make any drastic changes to the team that was so close to a historic win on Sunday night.
Match Prediction
Australia once again start as unbackable $1.18 favourites here. I did mention in my last article that I think Sri Lanka have the chance to take at least one game in this series, but I think they may have let their best chance slip on Sunday night. Australia will want to wrap up this series win on Tuesday night before potentially experimenting with a few things in games four and five.
I think the Aussies win on Tuesday night, which means we'll have to find some value elsewhere. For Australia, I like the odds for paceman Josh Hazlewood to take 2+ wickets. Hazlewood has been the standout bowler for Australia through two games, claiming a ridiculous seven wickets so far plus another one in the super over on Sunday night.
Hazlewood 2+ Wickets
$1.87
The Sri Lankan top order hasn't exactly stood up to the test from the Australian paceman through two games so far. In game one they fell to 2/21 before once again falling to 3/25 in game two. It gives the middle order a chance to perform and so far, Dinesh Chandimal has looked ominous without really breaking through. The wicketkeeper has scored 25 and 19 in the two games and is great value to surpass 20 on Tuesday night.
