Sri Lanka got a thumping in their opening T20 of the series and have little to no time to turn things around.
Sri Lanka got a thumping in their opening match of the series and have little to no time to turn things around. Australia have a shot at closing out the series with a victory just 24 hours after the series opener.
Sri Lanka vs Australia | 8 June 2022 | Premadasa Stadium, Colombo | 15:30
To Win Match
Sri Lanka 51/20 | Tie 25/1 | Australia 1/3
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka let themselves down with a poor effort with the bat first up and will want to take a huge step forward in that area of the game.
The massive concern will be that they slipped from 100 for 1 to 128 all out which proved to be a collapse too severe to recover from.
Their top order will now feel even more pressure to perform and should look to make the most of a good start if they can get one.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers simply didn’t have enough on the board to work with in the opener, and it made it easy on the visitors.
Australia
Josh Hazlewood ripped through Sri Lanka doing most of the damage that saw Australia take a 1-0 series lead and he might just be the best fast bowler in the format right now.
David Warner looked in good touch once again and ensured Australia’s infamous middle-order nerves were not brought into play in the opening T20I.
Australia were ruthless in the series opener showing why they are world champions in the format and will be expected to dominate yet again with the first two matches being played back to back.
Mitchell Starc is always a good punt for the first wicket in a match given his nack for snapping up scalps in the early going.
Verdict: Australia 1/3
They have all the momentum and Australia will be tough to beat, especially with Sri Lankan confidence so low following that opening defeat.
