Australia have taken a 2-0 lead in the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka. The hosts have been a step behind in all departments and will look to advance in the multi-format series in Australia.
File photo of Australia playing against Sri Lanka. (courtesy: Reuters)
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- The Australian batting department has outperformed Sri Lanka in the last two matches
- Aaron Finch, David Warner and Matthew Wade are in good form
- Sri Lanka were barred on 40 per cent match fee in the second T20I
Sri Lankan players Kasun Rajitha and Mathisha Pathirana have been ruled out of the third and final T20I against Australia, adding to the misery of the hosts losing the series. The fast bowler duo has missed out on a match in the series at the moment, having suffered a hip injury and a problem in the right elbow respectively.
Sri Lanka Cricket announced the development via Twitter, adding Asitha Fernando and Pramod Madhushan respectively.
Replacement
Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Committee made the following replacements in the T20I squad in place of the two injured players.
1. Asitha Fernando replaces Kasun Rajitha
2. Pramod Madushan succeeds Mathisha Pathirana #SLVAUS— Sri Lanka Cricket (@OfficialSLC) 11 June 2022
The team led by Dasun Shanaka has been beaten by World Champions Australia, who have been better in all departments. While Sri Lanka lost the first T20I due to the brilliance of Josh Hazlewood, Matthew Wade’s flexible innings knocked them down in the second T20I. With an unassailable lead in the series, Australia will look to maintain the momentum in the 5-match ODI Super League fixture.
The ODI series is very important for both the countries which will decide their qualification for the World Cup to be held in India in 2023.
Sri Lanka will have to come back against a strong Australian team, who are doing no wrong in their pick of the likes at the moment. The third and final T20I is scheduled to be played on June 11 at 7 PM IST in Kandy.