SL vs AUS Playing 11, 2nd ODI: Sri Lanka vs Australia Probable Playing XI, Preview, Weather and Pitch Report

SL vs AUS Playing 11, 2nd ODI: The cricketing world is set for another thrilling contest as Sri Lanka (SL) take on Australia (AUS) in the second and final ODI of the series at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on Friday, February 14.

With the home side securing a commanding 49-run victory in the opening game, they will aim to seal the series with a 2-0 whitewash. Sri Lanka’s spin department shone in the first ODI, with Maheesh Theekshana’s four-wicket haul dismantling Australia’s batting order.

Captain Charith Asalanka’s brilliant century also played a crucial role in setting up a challenging target. Meanwhile, the visitors have struggled for consistency in ODIs, losing three back-to-back games, and they will be desperate to bounce back and level the series before heading into the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Match Information

Match: Sri Lanka vs Australia, 2nd ODI
Date: Friday, February 14, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM IST
Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Sri Lanka vs Australia Weather & Pitch Report

Weather Report

The conditions in Colombo are expected to be pleasant for cricket, with temperatures around 30-32°C. A slight breeze will be present, with no significant rain predicted, ensuring an uninterrupted game.

Pitch Report

The R. Premadasa Stadium pitch is known for assisting spinners. Initially, batters may find some assistance with the bounce, but as the game progresses, the track is expected to slow down. Spinners will dominate the middle overs, making it crucial for teams to capitalise in the first innings.

R. Premadasa Stadium – Record of Chasing Team

Total ODIs played: 168
Matches won by batting first: 91
Matches won by chasing teams: 65

Given past records, the toss-winning captain might opt to bat first to exploit favourable spin conditions later in the game.

Sri Lanka vs Australia Preview

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s dominant performance in the first ODI was led by Charith Asalanka’s sensational 127-run knock. With key players like Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga in their ranks, the hosts will rely on their spin attack once again.

Australia

Australia’s batting lineup struggled against Sri Lanka’s spin web in the first ODI, despite notable contributions from Alex Carey (41) and Aaron Hardie (32). With Steve Smith leading the side, the visitors need their middle order to step up to level the series.

Key Players

Charith Asalanka (SL): The in-form skipper is crucial with his batting prowess.
Maheesh Theekshana (SL): A match-winner with his spin bowling.
Alex Carey (AUS): A reliable batter in pressure situations.
Sean Abbott (AUS): A key all-rounder with the ability to change the game.

SL vs AUS Probable Playing 11:

Sri Lanka:

Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando

Australia:

Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steven Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Cooper Connolly, Alex Carey (wk), Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson

Injury Update

Both teams have a fully fit squad available, with no injury concerns ahead of the match.

Sri Lanka vs Australia Full Squads

Australia:

Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cooper Connolly, Steven Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey (wk), Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Mitchell Starc, Ben Dwarshuis

Sri Lanka:

Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay, Lahiru Kumara, Nuwanidu Fernando, Nishan Madushka, Mohamed Shiraz