Sri Lanka and Australia are set to face off in the 2nd ODI at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. After a convincing 49-run victory in the 1st ODI, Sri Lanka will aim to keep the momentum going and extend their series lead. Meanwhile, Australia is eager to bounce back and level the series.
The pitch in Colombo offers good batting conditions early on but slows down later, favoring spinners. This makes the toss and team selection crucial. Players like Charith Asalanka, Maheesh Theekshana, and Alex Carey will be key to their team’s performances.
Will Sri Lanka capitalize on their home advantage, or can Australia stage a comeback? Stay tuned as we break down team performances, key players, pitch analysis, and match predictions for this exciting encounter!
Match Prediction Details
| Match | SL vs AUS, 2nd ODI, |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, February 14, 2025 |
| Time | 10:00 AM (Feb 14) |
| Venue | R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo |
| Pitch | Batting Friendly |
| Weather | Cloudy |
| Expected Score | 260-280 |
| Toss Prediction | Bat First |
| Match Prediction | Team Bat First |
Pitch Report
The pitch at R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is good for batting early on, but it slows down later, helping spinners. Teams batting first have won more matches here. A score above 250 is competitive, while 300+ is a strong total. Chasing can be difficult, and spin bowlers play a big role.
Weather Report
At 10:00 AM on February 14, 2025, in Colombo, the weather is expected to be partly sunny with a temperature around 89°F (32°C). There is a possibility of variable cloudiness throughout the day.
SL vs AUS Head-To-Head In ODI
| Total Matches | 105 |
|---|---|
| Australia Won | 64 |
| Sri Lanka Won | 37 |
| No Result | 4 |
Toss Prediction & Impact on the Match
Toss Winner & Decision:
The team winning the toss is likely to bat first. Historically, teams batting first have a better record at R. Premadasa Stadium, as the pitch tends to slow down in the second innings, making chasing difficult. Spinners come into play later; setting a competitive total is often the best strategy.
Key Players To Watch
These players are in good form and can make a big impact on the match. Keep an eye on them as they could play a crucial role in deciding the outcome:
Sri Lanka’s Possible Key Players for 2nd ODI
Charith Asalanka – He scored an impressive 127 runs in the 1st ODI. With his great form and captaincy, he can once again lead Sri Lanka’s batting.
Maheesh Theekshana – He took 4 wickets for 40 runs using his clever spin bowling. The Colombo pitch, which slows down later, is perfect for his bowling style.
Dunith Wellalage – He played well as an all-rounder, scoring 30 runs and taking 2 wickets. His ability to perform with both bat and ball makes him a match-winner.
Wanindu Hasaranga – He didn’t shine in the 1st ODI, but his skills in spin bowling and batting make him a player to watch on the spin-friendly Colombo pitch.
Australia’s Possible Key Players for 2nd ODI
Alex Carey – He fought hard with 41 runs in the 1st ODI. His role in steadying Australia’s middle order against Sri Lanka’s spinners will be important.
Aaron Hardie – He showed his all-round talent by scoring 32 runs and taking 2 wickets. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball can change the game’s momentum.
Sean Abbott – He was Australia’s best bowler with 3 wickets for 61 runs. His attacking bowling style can trouble Sri Lanka’s top order.
Steven Smith – He didn’t perform well in the 1st ODI, but his experience and skill in playing spin make him a key player to watch in the 2nd ODI.
Dark Horses:
Pathum Nissanka (Sri Lanka) – He started well in the 1st ODI but couldn’t score big. If he plays his attacking shots at the top, he can give Sri Lanka a strong start.
Matthew Short (Australia) – He didn’t do well in the first match, but he is a good all-rounder. He can make a comeback and be a game-changer for Australia.
Team Srilanka’s Performance & XI
Sri Lanka is feeling confident after winning the 1st ODI. Their batting looked good, thanks to Charith Asalanka’s big score. Their bowlers, especially the spinners, used the pitch well to get wickets. Playing at home gives them an extra advantage.
Australia struggled with their batting in the first match, especially against spin. But they have experienced players like Steven Smith and Alex Carey who can do better this time. Their bowlers, like Sean Abbott, did a good job and can be dangerous again.
If Sri Lanka’s spinners perform well, they have a good chance of winning the 2nd ODI. But if Australia’s batsmen play better, they could make a comeback and tie the series. It’s likely to be a close and exciting match.
Expected Playing XI for Srilanka:
- Pathum Nissanka
- Avishka Fernando
- Kusal Mendis (wk)
- Charith Asalanka (c)
- Kamindu Mendis
- Janith Liyanage
- Dunith Wellalage
- Wanindu Hasaranga
- Maheesh Theekshana
- Asitha Fernando
- Eshan Malinga
Team Australia’s Performance & XI
Australia has had a tough time in their last five ODIs, winning only two and losing three. Their most recent series against Pakistan ended in two heavy defeats, losing by 8 wickets and 9 wickets, showing struggles in both batting and bowling.
Before that, they managed a 2-wicket win in the first match against Pakistan but had a mixed run against England. They secured a 49-run DLS win in the final game of that series but suffered a massive 186-run loss in the fourth ODI.
Australia will need to bounce back and find consistency in their performance as they take on Sri Lanka.
Expected Playing XI For Australia:
- Matthew Short
- Jake Fraser-McGurk
- Steven Smith (c)
- Marnus Labuschagne
- Alex Carey (wk)
- Aaron Hardie
- Sean Abbott
- Nathan Ellis
- Adam Zampa
- Spencer Johnson
- Cooper Connolly
SL vs AUS 2nd ODI Match Prediction
Sri Lanka has the edge in the 1st ODI with home conditions and a strong spin the team batting first has an advantage on the slow Colombo pitch, as it becomes difficult to chase later. If Sri Lanka bats first, they are likely to win due to their strong spin attack. If Australia bats first and sets a competitive total, they have a good chance. Overall, the toss will play a key role.
Winner Prediction: Team Bat First (Sri Lanka 60%, Australia 40%.)
Disclaimer: This match prediction is based on an analysis of team performance, pitch conditions, and recent trends. Cricket is unpredictable, and actual results may vary. We do not guarantee accuracy and advise readers to use their judgment before making any decisions.
