Former champions Sri Lanka will look to exploit Australia’s top-order woes when they clash in a Group One Super 12 match of the ICC T20 World Cup in Dubai today.
Sri Lanka, who had won the title in 2014, topped group ‘A’ with three successive wins before outwitting Bangladesh by five wickets in their first Super 12 match.
On the other hand, the Aussies, who are yet to win the T20 World Cup, scampered home in the last over against South Africa after being reduced to 38 for three while chasing a modest 118 in their opening match.
Skipper Aaron Finch made a duck while David Warner was out cheaply once again and Mitchell Marsh also found the going tough.
A good start is half the job done and the two Australian powerhouse will need to strike form quickly when they face the wily Lankan spinners.
Finch will also expect the power-hitting Marsh to find ways to score in these conditions.
However, the presence of quality spinners in the Lankan ranks could prove to be a tricky proposition for the struggling Australian batters.
The availability of Maheesh Theekshana, who missed the win over Bangladesh owing to an injury, could boost the team’s morale as he has the wares to trouble the Aussie batters, who are not so comfortable against slow stuff.
Leg-spinning all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga could be more than a handful for the opposition batting unit and how he goes could well determine how the encounter pans out. (Agencies)
by Daily News Sri Lanka
, Sports, ,