Big picture: Australia’s World Cup on the line
Sri Lanka had enough to get past Ireland (aided by the latter’s fielding) and were comfortably too strong for Oman. That contest was a nice ego boost for the batting with Kusal Mendis, Pavan Rathnayake and the under-pressure captain Dasun Shanka flaying half-centuries. In their opening game, Kamindu Mendis had produced an eye-catching display. They certainly have the tools to cause Australia’s undermanned attack problems.
These two sides have not played each other in a T20I since the 2022 World Cup when Marcus Stoinis hunted down the target with an 18-ball 59. And while no one is really an unknown in international cricket these days given the franchise game and accessibility of footage, it is worth noting Australia have never faced Matheesha Pathirana, this generation’s slinger, although in all T20s only Marsh from a potential top order has been dismissed by him. Glenn Maxwell has 26 runs off ten balls against him, Tim David 21 off 12.
Form guide
Sri Lanka WWLLL(last five completed matches, most recent first)
Australia LWLLL
In the spotlight: Dunith Wellalage and Tim David
Team news: Will Sri Lanka consider Asalanka? Marsh-watch for Australia
Sri Lanka have a couple of issues to ponder. One is whether they stick with Hemantha or bring in an extra seamer, Pramod Madushan. Another option would be to alter the balance of the side and include Charith Asalanka as a spin-bowling allrounder. Kamil Mishara’s spot could be under pressure after a couple of low scores with Kusal Perera an alternative.
Sri Lanka (possible) 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Kamil Mishara, 3 Kusal Mendis (wk), 4 Pavan Rathnayake, 5 Dasun Shanaka (capt), 6 Kamindu Mendis, 7 Dunith Wellalage, 8 Dushan Hemantha/Charith Asalanka, 9 Dushmantha Chameera, 10 Maheesh Theekshana, 11 Matheesha Pathirana
The word from the Australia camp is that Marsh has improved and could come into contention but he will have to get through training on Sunday. Stoinis has avoided serious injury after the blow to the hand while bowling against Zimbabwe. Steven Smith is now with the squad but has not been officially added, although there is still time before facing Sri Lanka. If Marsh is fit, a big call will need to be made on who misses out given Matt Renshaw has impressed. It could come down to between Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green unless the selectors opt for just three specialist bowlers.
Australia (possible) 1 Mitchell Marsh (capt), 2 Travis Head, 3 Josh Inglis (wk), 4 Tim David, 5 Matt Renshaw, 6 Marcus Stoinis, 7 Glenn Maxwell, 8 Xavier Bartlett, 9 Nathan Ellis, 10 Adam Zampa, 11 Matt Kuhnemann
Pitch and conditions: More for the batters?
It’s hard to read too much into the one game at the venue so far, with Sri Lanka flaying Oman for 225, but the pitch looks good for batting which Australia won’t mind. As a guide, Pallekele has a first-innings run rate of 8.54 in T20Is compared to Premadasa’s 7.68. The forecast is for a dry but overcast evening. Dew could be a factor.
Stats and trivia
Quotes
“There’s some debutants in World Cup cricket but they’ve also played quite a lot now. Looking down our list, honestly, it feels like there’s more than enough talent there to look after the situations in the games that we’re playing.”
Marcus Stoinis on Australia’s inexperienced line-up.
“What we are trying to achieve is reduce the gap between our good days and bad days and be as consistent as we can be irrespective of whether we are playing at sea level in Colombo or in high altitude in Kandy.”
SL fielding coach R Sridhar on the team’s improved fielding.”
Andrew McGlashan is a deputy editor at ESPNcricinfo
