Australia tour of Sri Lanka: First T20I- Sri Lanka vs Australia- Preview, Playing XI, Pitch Report and Updates

Sri Lanka and Australia will lock horns in the first T20I of the three-match series on June 7 at the RPS Stadium in Colombo. Both teams are looking to start their preparations for the 20-20 World Cup later this year. The last series between the two teams was a lopsided one as the Aussies won the five-match T20I series by 4-1 in February this year. However, the Kangaroos were hosting the series back then. However, this time around, they are in the Lions' backyard.

Team Updates

Sri Lanka

The team was clean swept in a three-match T20I series on the tour of India after the Australia tour. Since then, they haven't played any white-ball game in the last few months. The selectors have given maiden call-ups to Nuwanindu Fernando and Matheesha Pathirana. Fans might remember the latter for his debut for Chennai in the Indian T20 League 2022. On the other hand, Fernando performed for the Sri Lanka Development XI tour of England. Also, not to forget, that all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is coming off a great season with the ball in the 15th season of the Indian T20 League.

Probable Playing XI

Danushka Gunathilaka, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Kusal Mendis (wk), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dasun Shanaka (c), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Ramesh Mendis, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana

Australia

The 20-20 World Cup holders have lost only one game in the last five, that too against the Sri Lankans. This happened in the last game of the previous series where the Dasun Shanaka-led side beat them by six wickets. On the other hand, the Aaron Finch-led side beat Pakistan with their second-string squad. Talking about this series, the team is only missing Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa. Apart from them, they have a full-strength squad. Skipper Aaron Finch has announced that Josh Inglis is experiencing stiffness which is why Steven Smith will get a chance to play.

Probable Playing XI

Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steven Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (wk), Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, Josh Hazlewood

Pitch Report

The Colombo is experiencing persistent rains in the last few games. It is quite possible that the pitch might be slow, and the ball might stop. Especially when the spinners are bowling. Teams would like to bat first after winning the toss.

Match Details

Date- 7th June 2022

Time- 7 p.m. (IST)

Venue- R. Premdasa Stadium Colombo

Broadcast- Sony Six and Sony Liv