The second T20I of the five-match series between Australia and Sri Lanka will be played on 13 February at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Australia have taken a 1-0 lead by beating Sri Lanka by 20 runs by the DLS method in the series opener at the same venue less than 48 hours ago.
In that match, after Dasun Shanaka opted to bowl first, Sri Lanka restricted Australia to 37/1 in the Powerplay. Ben McDermott and debutant Josh Inglis then added 50 for the second wicket to take Australia to 80/1 in 10.2 overs, but Sri Lanka staged a disciplined bowling performance from there on as Australia only managed to post 149/9.
Sri Lanka were on the back foot early, losing two wickets inside four overs. Pathum Nissanka tried to rebuild the innings, but received little support. Dinesh Chandimal struck an unbeaten 16-ball 25 from No. 7, but it came all too late. Sri Lanka eventually closed on 122/8. Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa bowled eight overs between them to take 7-30.
Barring Nissanka and Chandimal, no Sri Lanka batter crossed 20 in the first T20I. They must stage an improved batting show to level things up. A lot will depend on their Nos. 3 and 4, Avishka Fernando and Charith Asalanka. Their bowlers, particularly Binura Fernando, Chamika Karunaratne, and Wanindu Hasaranga, bowled well, and will look to keep up the good work.
Australia, on the other hand, were not at their best while batting last time. None of Aaron Finch, Glenn Maxwell, and Steven Smith made it to double digits. Yet, they are unlikely to make changes from their winning combination. Sri Lanka, too, are expected to field the same lineup, with Kusal Mendis still in isolation after testing positive for Covid-19.
Sri Lanka have lost their last five T20Is in Australia, and will again go as a comparatively weaker side on paper ahead of the contest. However, if their batters step up, they may end the unwanted streak.
Likely XIs
Australia: Aaron Finch (c), Matthew Wade (wk), Ben McDermott, Josh Inglis, Steven Smith, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood
Sri Lanka: Dasun Shanaka (c), Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Charith Asalanka, Avishka Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana, Binura Fernando
Fantasy Tips
- Include as many all-rounders as possible. Make Maxwell captain. He fell cheaply last time, but is unlikely to fail again.
- Hasaranga is the most-popular vice-captain choice, if not the captain.
- Bank on Binura, Hazlewood, Zampa, and Karunaratne for wickets.
Fantasy XI
Glenn Maxwell (c), Marcus Stoinis, Wanindu Hasaranga (vc), Chamika Karunaratne, Ben McDermott, Josh Inglis, Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.