SL vs AUS: In the ongoing 5-match ODI series between the two giants of the cricket world, team Australia is all set to level the series against Sri Lanka when they face off each other in the fourth ODI on June 21 at R. Premadasa Stadium.
The series is currently in Sri Lanka’s favor as even after losing the first game, the hosts won the next 2 matches to take a 2-1 lead in the series.
Australia, who started the tour on a high note with a T20 series win, and a win in the first ODI as well, however, lost their momentum in the second and third ODIs and lost the lead.
Sri Lanka put a strong total of 299 on board in the first ODI. But, their batter hard work goes in vain as the star all-rounder of Australia Glenn Maxwell played a smashing knock of 80 off just 51 to beat the hosts to win the series opener.
However, Sri Lanka then bounced back in the second ODI and third ODIS and beat mighty Australia by 26 runs under DLS in the second and by 6 wickets in the third ODI.
After winning the toss in the third ODI Australia opted to bat first and with the help of solid knocks from the skipper Aaron Finch (62) and Travis Head (70) they managed to post 291 for 6 in 50 overs.
For Sri Lanka, Jeffrey Vandersay bagged 3 wickets, while Dushmantha Chameera, Dunith Wellalage, and Dhananjaya de Silva took a wicket each.
In reply, Sri Lankan opener Pathum Nissanka recorded his maiden century and scored 137 runs to help his side take a lead in the series by 2-1.
Now, after the three games of the series, the battle will be more intensive and interesting to see who is going to outlast who. Both the teams are strong on paper and are eager to win the game at any cost.
For Australia, Aaron Finch and Marnus Labuschagne can play a crucial role in building a strong total. While their other batters like Alex Carey, Travis Head, and Glenn Maxwell will need to play a solid cricket in order to set or reach the target to level the series.
The hosts, Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are not a weak team either as we have already seen in the last two games and they will also look to win the game to secure the series.
