SL vs AUS 2nd ODI: Sri Lanka and Australia face off in the final ODI at R. Premadasa Stadium, with the hosts aiming for a 2-0 sweep. Charith Asalanka’s century powered Sri Lanka to victory in the first match, while Australia’s batting struggled. With key players possibly returning, the visitors will look to bounce back before the Champions Trophy. Can Sri Lanka seal the series, or will Australia respond?
Match Details
- Match: 2nd ODI – Sri Lanka vs Australia
- Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- Date & Time: Friday, 14th February, 10:00 AM IST
- Series: Australia in Sri Lanka, 2-ODI Series, 2025
Head-to-Head Record
| Team | Wins | Losses | Tied | No Result | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | 64 | 36 | 0 | 4 | 64% |
| Sri Lanka | 36 | 64 | 0 | 4 | 36% |
R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo – Pitch Report
The R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is known for its batting-friendly conditions, especially in the early stages of an ODI. The pitch offers good bounce and carry, making stroke play easier, while the shorter boundaries encourage aggressive batting. However, as the game progresses, the surface tends to dry out, assisting spinners in the middle overs. Seamers can extract early movement, particularly under lights, making the first few overs tricky for batters. The average first-innings score here is around 242 runs.
Historically, teams batting first have had an advantage at this venue. Out of 138 ODIs played, teams setting a target have won 81 times, while chasing teams have secured 56 victories. Given the pitch’s tendency to deteriorate and the challenges of batting under lights with potential dew, captains might prefer to bat first upon winning the toss.
ODI Statistics at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- Total Matches Played: 138
- Batting First Wins: 81
- Batting Second Wins: 56
- Tied Matches: 1
- Average First Innings Score: 242
- Highest Team Score: India – 375/5
- Lowest Team Score: Sri Lanka – 50/10
Scoring Pattern at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- Below 200: 22 times
- Between 200 and 249: 55 times
- Between 250 and 299: 39 times
- Above 300: 22 times
Weather Conditions
On February 14, 2025, Colombo is expected to have cloudy skies in the morning, with intervals of sunshine in the afternoon. The temperature will peak at around 31°C (88°F) before cooling down to 23°C (74°F) in the evening. Dew could play a role in the second innings, making it challenging for bowlers to grip the ball. Fortunately, no rain is expected, ensuring an uninterrupted match.
Toss Impact
With a slight edge for teams batting first, captains might opt to set a target to take advantage of the better batting conditions early on while avoiding the pitch deterioration and dew challenges later in the game.
SL vs AUS 2nd ODI Lineups
Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando.
Australia
Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cooper Connolly, Steve Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey, Aaron Hardie, Sean Anthony Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Adam Zampa.
Probable Best Players
Sri Lanka
- Best Batter – Charith Asalanka: The Sri Lankan skipper was the standout performer in the first ODI, scoring a match-winning century. His ability to anchor the innings while accelerating when needed makes him a key figure in the middle order.
- Best Bowler – Maheesh Theekshana: The mystery spinner was highly effective in the previous game, using his variations to trouble Australian batters. His ability to bowl in both powerplay and middle overs makes him a major threat.
Australia
- Best Batter – Steve Smith: The Australian captain is the most experienced batter in the lineup and will be crucial in stabilizing the innings. His technique and adaptability against spin make him the best candidate to lead Australia’s batting effort.
- Best Bowler – Spencer Johnson: The left-arm pacer was impressive in the first game with his pace and accuracy. His ability to generate bounce and movement could trouble Sri Lanka’s top order, making him Australia’s key bowler.
SL vs AUS 2nd ODI Prediction
Scenario 1: Sri Lanka Batting First
- Projected Score: 240-260 runs
- Reasoning: The R. Premadasa Stadium pitch offers assistance to spinners, making stroke play tricky as the game progresses. Sri Lanka’s batting will rely on Charith Asalanka’s form, while Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis need to provide a solid start. The lower middle order, featuring Wanindu Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage, could play a crucial role in accelerating the innings in the final overs.
Scenario 2: Australia Batting First
- Projected Score: 250-270 runs
- Reasoning: The Australian top order, led by Steve Smith and Jake Fraser-McGurk, will look to take advantage of the initial batting-friendly conditions. However, the challenge will come against Sri Lanka’s quality spin attack in the middle overs. Adam Zampa and Spencer Johnson will need to provide late contributions if Australia wants to post a competitive total.
With the pitch favoring spin as the match progresses, the toss-winning captain may opt to bowl first to exploit the conditions later.
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