Australia got out of jail with a super over win over Sri Lanka last time out, but that has sweetened the prospect of the third match.
Australia vs Sri Lanka | 15 February 2022 | Manuka Oval, Canberra | 10:10
To Win Match
Australia | Tie 25/1 | Sri Lanka * betting tba
Sri Lanka played well in patches but didn’t have the killer instinct to finish Australia off, but seem to be improving as a T20 cricket outfit.
Australia
Concussion has ruled Steve Smith out of the series but that may prove a blessing in disguise after his struggles in match two.
Australia made some questionable choices in the latter of the Sydney double-headers but were pulled out of the fire by World Cup hero Josh Hazlewood.
Hazelwood and Adam Zampa are at the heart of what makes the Australia team contenders to defend their T20 crown later this year.
Matthew Wade should be itching to get out in the middle having been shunted around the order to accommodate others only to blitz a vital cameo.
Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka played a blinder in Sydney but needed more support from his teammates.
Sri Lanka could also have done with a tighter performance in the field and without a few of their looser overs.
Maheesh Theekshana has done well without quite reaching the heights of lead spinner Wandindu Hasaranga who is now a fully-fledged star.
Dusmantha Chameera’s pace bowling is an under-rated factor in Sri Lanka’s recent resurgence, and he bowled really well in patches, but needs to be more consistent.
Verdict: Australia
Australia should hold on to clinch the series against a Sri Lankan side who seem unable to keep the pressure on the Aussies for extended periods of time
