Australia continue their T20 World Cup campaign on Friday morning with a blockbuster clash against Sri Lanka from 1.00am. Either the Aussies or Sri Lanka can join England at the top of Group 1 with a 2-0 record, so there is a lot on the line here.
As always, Mr.Cricket has you covered with a full preview and betting tips for the clash below and remember to check out our Cricket Tips page for regular updates throughout the T20 World Cup and the Australian summer of cricket!
Australia vs Sri Lanka Betting Tips
Dubai International Stadium, Friday 29th October, 1.00am (AEDT)
Australia
Aaron Finch (C), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins (VC), Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa
Australia crawled over the line in their Game 1 win over South Africa. Bowling first, they put in an oustanding performance with the ball to hold the Spring Bok to just 118 runs off their 20 overs. In reply, Australia lost a steady flow of wickets throughout their innings that hindered them from really attacking the small total. In the end, they won the game with just two balls to spare, having lost five wickets in the chase.
As is was in the warn up game, Steve Smith played the steady hand in the middle order after the openers failed to get going. Smith is capable at going at a run a ball while practically taking no risks, so once again I love the value for him to top score for the Aussies.
The form of the openers has been the main concern for Australia at the moment. Could we see a change? The most likely change looks like sending Marcus Stoinis to the top of the order to replace David Warner, then slotting Ashton Agar in at No.7 to give them another spinning option.
Smith Top AUS Runscorer
$4.50
Sri Lanka
Dasun Shanaka (captain), Kusal Janith Perera, Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya De Silva, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Avishka Fernando, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Chamika Karunaratne, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Lahiru Kumara, Maheesh Theekshana, Akila Dananjaya, Binura Fernando
Sri Lanka went undefeated in the qualifiers with wins over Namibia, Ireland and the Netherlands to breeze through to the main tournament. They are 1-0 in the group stage as well, after capturing a solid win over Bangladesh in their opening game.
Bowling first, the Sri Lankans might have been a little disappointed with their effort as they allowed Bangladesh 171 off their 20 overs. The Sri Lankans made light work of the run chase though, winning with seven balls to spare as Charith Asalanka belted 80 off just 49 balls.
There's no doubt that Sri Lanka's damaging top four is their strength, with Kusal Perera, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka and Avishka Fernando all capable of taking the game away from an opponent in quick fashion. Perera has been the quietest of the pack throughout qualifying and their first group stage game. I like the value for him to find some form against the Aussies here.
Perera Top SL Runscorer
$4.33
Match Prediction
I had some real reservations about the Aussies before their opening game against South Africa, particularly in their top order. Those reservations are still clear and present. Unless the selectors have the guts to drop David Warner, I can see them getting off to a slow start with the bat once again.
on the contrary, the Aussies bowling attack is capable of picking up the slack. Josh Hazlewood might be the best bowler in the world at the moment, regardless of format. Because of that fierce bowling attack, the Aussies start as massive $1.35 favourites. A same game multi with the Aussies to win and Smith to score 10+ runs is my play here.
Australia H2H + Smith 10 Runs
$1.88
