Preview

Australia have wrapped up the series within three games and now have two dead rubbers ahead of them. The Australia Vs Sri Lanka game at Melbourne could see a lot of rotations as both sides are likely to try new players as they prepare for the World Cup in Australia this year. Australia began their experimentation in the previous Australia Vs Sri Lanka game as they used Aaron Finch at number three as he looked to get out of his form slump.

Sri Lanka has been a little sloppy, and that has affected them. They also have a few players on the bench who could get a go in the upcoming games.

See Also: India Vs West Indies, 2nd T20 Match Prediction – Cricket Winner

Match Details

Match: Australia Vs Sri Lanka

Date: 18^th February 2022

Time: 1:40 PM IST

Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground

Weather Report

The weather for the Australia Vs Sri Lanka game is going to be cool and cloudy. There is a small chance of rain during the Australia Vs Sri Lanka game.

Pitch Report

The Big Bash League saw lots of runs made at Melbourne. The pitch is hard and firm with good bounce on offer. There is some turn as well but batting should still seem easy.

Australia Vs Sri Lanka, Predicted Playing XI

Australia Playing XI

Australia (possible): 1 Ashton Agar, 2 Ben McDermott, 3 Aaron Finch (capt), 4 Josh Inglis, 5 Glenn Maxwell, 6 Marcus Stoinis, 7 Matthew Wade (wk), 8 Daniel Sams, 9 Jhye Richardson, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Kane Richardson

Sri Lanka Playing XI

Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Danushka Gunathilaka, 2 Pathum Nissanka, 3 Charith Asalanka, 4 Kusal Mendis, 5 Dinesh Chandimal (wk), 6 Dasun Shanaka (capt), 7 Chamika Karunaratne, 8 Jeffrey Vandersay, 9 Dushmantha Chameera, 10 Maheesh Theekshana, 11 Shiran Fernando

Team News

Australia are resting Hazlewood, Starc and Cummins. Aaron Finch has also spoken about batting at five, and changes to the batting order could be seen.

Sri Lanka will continue to be without Wanindu Hasaranga as he tested positive for Covid-19.

Key Players

Kusal Mendis

Kusal Mendis made a comeback after contracting covid and looked rusty in his return. He doesn’t have a great T20 record but is a wonderful talent, and it is only a matter of time before he lives up to his potential. In case he fails again though, Mendis may be in trouble with regards to his place in the side.

Aaron Finch

Aaron Finch has been in a form slump for a while and has decided to step down the batting order in a bid to recover his form. In the previous game he spent some time in the middle, making 35, but was not very fluent. The time spent though could have helped as he looks to score some big runs this game.

Australia Vs Sri Lanka Match Tips

Australia will be trying new players, but the form of Sri Lanka still keeps them at a disadvantage.

Match Prediction: Australia will win the match.