Australia vs Sri Lanka prediction, odds & betting tips 16/10/2024
Australia is set to rekindle its World Cup campaign against Sri Lanka, but the Australian team finds itself in a rather unfamiliar and uncomfortable position. For the first time in history, they enter this match without a victory in four consecutive World Cup games, a startling departure from their typically formidable form.
On the flip side, Sri Lanka appears to be on a promising trajectory, with Kusal Mendis leading the charge by amassing an impressive 198 runs in two World Cup games, boasting a strike rate of 166.38. Additionally, recent history favors Sri Lanka, as they have secured three wins in their last five One Day Internationals (ODIs) against Australia.
While predictions in cricket are never set in stone, given the current circumstances, our forecast suggests that Australia will rebound and clinch victory over Sri Lanka in this crucial encounter.
Tournament: ICC Cricket World Cup 2024
Date and Time: 16 January 2024, 14.00 IST
Format: oneday
Venue: Ekana Sports City, Lucknow, Lucknow, India
Toss Prediction: To Bowl
Australia vs Sri Lanka Betting Tips
- Kusal Mendis Player of the Match, BET HERE !
Australia vs Sri Lanka Odds
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Australia vs Sri Lanka match prediction & analysis
After enduring resounding defeats against both South Africa and India, Australia is bracing itself for a crucial showdown against Sri Lanka at the same venue. The 14th match of the ICC ODI World Cup is scheduled to grace the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on the 16th of January, commencing at 2 pm. Interestingly, the plight of Sri Lanka mirrors Australia’s, with both teams suffering losses in their initial two matches.
Australia’s encounter with South Africa proved to be a humbling experience, as they faced a formidable defeat by a margin of 134 runs – the most significant loss Australia has ever endured in a World Cup fixture. South Africa, batting first, posted a formidable total of 311 runs, powered by a century from Quinton de Kock. Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Starc managed to capture two wickets apiece. Australia’s response was nothing short of disastrous, crumbling to a mere 177 runs. Marnus Labuschagne’s valiant effort with a score of 46 was in vain as Australia was eventually bowled out.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka found themselves unable to defend a substantial total of 344 runs against Pakistan. Batting first, Sri Lanka witnessed Kusal Mendis and Samarawickrama scoring centuries, propelling their team past the 300-run mark. However, Pakistan’s Abdullah Shafique and Mohammed Rizwan delivered centuries in return, orchestrating a remarkable victory for Pakistan by six wickets. Sri Lanka had previously suffered a 102-run defeat against South Africa in their opening match.
These two teams locked horns back in January in Colombo, where Australia emerged victorious by a slender margin of four wickets. In the final match of the five-match ODI series, Sri Lanka set a target of 161 runs for Australia after Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins claimed two wickets each. Alex Carey played a pivotal role, notching an unbeaten 45 to steer Australia to victory after they had been reduced to a precarious position of 50 for the loss of four wickets. Despite this victory, Sri Lanka claimed the series 3-2.
In the realm of ODI World Cups, Australia boasts a commendable record against Sri Lanka, with eight wins in eleven encounters. This history adds an intriguing dimension to their upcoming clash.
Teams preview
Australia Preview
For the first time since 1992, Australia has stumbled out of the gate in the World Cup, losing their initial two matches and casting a shadow of uncertainty over their tournament aspirations. The primary area of concern has been their batting, which has faltered so significantly in both encounters that they have yet to surpass the 200-run milestone.
The opening duo of David Warner and Mitchell Marsh, despite their formidable reputations, has historically struggled against Sri Lanka. Warner, with an average just above 35, and Marsh, who has managed a meager 64 runs in four matches against Sri Lanka, will be eager to shed their past struggles.
Similarly, Steve Smith carries an average of 38 against Sri Lanka but has demonstrated consistency in his performances, amassing four half-centuries in ten innings against them.
Marnus Labuschagne emerges as Australia’s leading run-scorer in the current campaign, having scored 46 runs in the last match. While his average against Sri Lanka stands at a modest 23, his recent form, with an average of 55 in the last ten games, makes him a standout contender to watch.
A lingering issue for Australia has been the underwhelming performance of their middle order. In the first two games, the middle-order collective has contributed a mere 36 runs while losing six wickets. Despite Glenn Maxwell’s struggles thus far, he remains the sole batter with an average exceeding 40 in more than five encounters against Sri Lanka.
Turning our attention to the bowling unit, led by Captain Pat Cummins, it has yet to find its rhythm. Although Josh Hazlewood has been the standout wicket-taker for Australia, the spotlight falls on Mitchell Starc, who possesses an impressive record of 27 wickets in 14 games against Sri Lanka, at an average of 18.88.
Furthermore, leg-spinner Adam Zampa, despite a slow start in the initial two games, boasts more favorable statistics against Sri Lanka, with ten wickets in five games. His spin prowess January provide the much-needed assistance that Australia has lacked thus far in the tournament.
Key Players to watch: Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Pat Cummins
Anticipated Australia Playing XI:
- David Warner
- Mitchell Marsh
- Steven Smith
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Josh Inglis (wk)
- Glenn Maxwell
- Marcus Stoinis
- Pat Cummins (c)
- Mitchell Starc
- Adam Zampa
- Josh Hazlewood
This lineup carries the hopes of Australia as they strive to reverse their fortunes and secure a much-needed victory against Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Preview
Sri Lanka’s recent performances have highlighted a stark contrast between their batting prowess and their bowling vulnerabilities. Despite consistently scoring 300-plus runs, their inability to defend a total of 344 in the second game underscores the pressing need for an improved bowling effort.
In the batting department, Pathum Nissanka, who registered a half-century in the first game, is expected to partner with Kusal Perera at the top of the order. However, there might be contemplation regarding Dimuth Karunaratne’s inclusion, given Perera’s inability to provide the expected start.
All eyes will be on Kusal Mendis, who is currently in sublime form. Perera, who has notched a century and a half-century in the last two games, boasts an impressive tally of 198 runs at a strike rate of 166. Mendis, on the other hand, has been exceptional, averaging above 60 in his last ten outings and earning the title of Player of the Series against Australia in January. His performance will undoubtedly be a pivotal factor to watch out for.
Sadeera Samarawickrama, who displayed his century-scoring abilities against Pakistan, will join forces with Mendis in the middle order. However, beyond these two batsmen, the Sri Lankan batting lineup appears relatively fragile.
Conversely, the bowling unit has struggled to make an impact, securing just nine wickets while conceding a staggering 773 runs in two games. Dilshan Madhushanka emerges as Sri Lanka’s leading wicket-taker, having claimed four scalps. Key bowlers such as Maheesha Pathirana and Dunith Welalage, however, have been less effective, conceding 185 and 147 runs respectively in the two encounters.
Key Players to watch: Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Dilshan Madhushanka
Anticipated Sri Lanka Playing XI:
- Pathum Nissanka
- Kusal Perera
- Kusal Mendis
- Sadeera Samarawickrama (wk)
- Charith Asalanka
- Dhananjaya de Silva
- Dasun Shanaka (c)
- Dunith Wellalage
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Matheesha Pathirana
- Dilshan Madushanka
Sri Lanka will look to rectify their bowling woes and bolster their chances of success in their upcoming match against Australia.
Pitch and weather conditions
Weather Conditions:
The weather forecast promises sunny skies with temperatures ranging from 22 to 33 degrees Celsius. A gentle westward breeze at 10-11 km/h adds to the pleasant conditions. As for the pitch at Ekana Cricket Stadium, it is expected to align with the typical characteristics of Indian pitches, offering a friendly batting surface and the potential for spinners to come into play as the match progresses.
Venue Details:
The fourteenth ODI of the ICC ODI World Cup 2024 is slated to take place at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on the 16th of January, commencing at 2 pm. This stadium boasts a substantial capacity, accommodating up to 50,000 spectators. In its history, it has hosted 1 Test, 10 ODIs, and 9 T20Is. Notably, South Africa set the record for the highest total on this ground, posting 311 runs against Australia in the previous game.
Toss: Opting to Bowl
Historically, in the context of 10 ODIs played at this venue, the results have favored teams chasing the target. Batting second has proven victorious on seven occasions. The average first innings score stands at 228. Consequently, the team winning the toss is likely to opt to bowl first. It’s worth noting that in the ten matches of this World Cup, teams defending their targets have emerged victorious eight times.
Australia vs Sri Lanka winning prediction
In this pivotal clash, both teams find themselves in search of their first victory after experiencing two consecutive losses. The statistics paint a contrasting picture when it comes to run-scoring abilities. Australia has struggled, failing to breach the 200-run mark, while Sri Lanka has displayed commendable consistency, posting 300-plus runs in both their previous games. Therefore, the outcome is likely to hinge on bowling performance.
Australia’s bowling arsenal holds an impressive track record against Sri Lanka. Bowlers like Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Adam Zampa have maintained an average of less than 20 when facing Sri Lanka. Despite Sri Lanka’s recent success with three wins in their last five encounters against Australia, the Kangaroos boast a superior record in the World Cup, with eight wins and only two losses to their name.
Given the historical context and the strength of their bowling unit, our prediction leans in favor of Australia emerging victorious against Sri Lanka in this crucial contest.
