ODI World Cup 2023, Match 14: Australia vs Sri Lanka Match Preview

In the 14th match of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, Australia are gearing up to face Sri Lanka at Lucknow's Ekana Cricket Stadium on Monday, October 16. Australia, five-time champions, have struggled to find their form in the tournament and are yet to secure a victory. Similarly, Sri Lanka have also faced a winless streak in this prestigious competition.

Both teams are seeking their first win in the 2023 ODI World Cup after suffering defeats in their first two matches. Sri Lanka managed to score over 300 runs in both games but struggled with their bowling, conceding 428 against South Africa and 345 against Pakistan. On the other hand, Australia have yet to reach the 200-run mark, being bowled out for 199 and 177 in their two previous matches.

In Australia's recent match, Alex Carey and Cameron Green were omitted from the lineup for non-injury reasons. Consequently, all 14 Australian players are now eligible for selection, while Travis Head, though currently in Adelaide, is expected to join the squad at a later stage in the tournament.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, lost their captain, Dasun Shanaka, to a thigh injury incurred during their previous game against Pakistan. The ICC has sanctioned the addition of replacement player Chamika Karunaratne, making it probable for him to feature in the upcoming match against Australia on Monday.

AUS vs SL Pitch and Conditions

Australia gained extensive experience with the conditions at Ekana Stadium, with 90 overs of play during their match against South Africa. The pitch initially seemed slightly sluggish, offering spin as the game advanced. Additionally, as the evening approached and moisture levels increased, the fast bowlers found more assistance from the ball.

During their ODI World Cup 2023 match at Ekana Cricket Stadium, the pitch proved favourable for batting, enabling South Africa to amass a score surpassing 300 runs. Typically, at this ground, with its expansive boundaries, the average first innings score is around 250.

AUS vs SL, Probable Playing XIs for ODI World Cup 2023, Match 14

Australia

In the ODI World Cup 2023, Australia's batting woes have primarily initiated at the top of the order, where experienced campaigners David Warner and Steve Smith have struggled to produce significant runs. On the bowling front, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood have succeeded in claiming crucial wickets in the prestigious competition. However, their consistency has fallen short of creating a substantial and decisive influence on the team's performance.

Australia made alterations to their playing XI for the game against South Africa by replacing wicketkeeper Alex Carey with Josh Inglis and introducing all-rounder Marcus Stoinis in place of Cameron Green. This decision implies that both players will probably have the opportunity to showcase their abilities in at least one more match and validate the surprising change.

Predicted XI: David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis (WK), Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood

Sri Lanka

In light of the announcement that their regular captain Dasun Shanaka will be unavailable for the remainder of the tournament, Kusal Mendis will assume the role of captain, having previously served as vice-captain. This transition is not expected to lead to a significant restructuring of the team's lineup. They have opted for all-rounder Chamika Karunaratne as a direct replacement, maintaining the team's composition. Unfortunately, fast bowler Matheesha Pathirana could be sidelined due to a shoulder injury.

Nevertheless, even if he had not been injured, there was a possibility that Pathirana might have been excluded from the playing XI, considering his less-than-impressive figures of 1-95 and 1-90 in the initial two matches. Sri Lanka has a viable pace alternative to fill his spot, the fiery Lahiru Kumara. The top order of the Sri Lankan team has been in good form, with all of the top five batters, except Kusal Perera, having already notched up half-centuries in the first two matches.

Predicted XI: Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kusal Mendis (C, WK), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka, Dhananjaya de Silva, Chamika Karunaratne, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Lahiru Kumara, Dilshan Madushanka

AUS vs SL Head-to-Head in ODIs

AUS vs SL Broadcast Details:

Also Check: ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 Points Table