Sri Lanka vs Australia 1st ODI Preview: Can the Hosts Recover or Will Australia Dominate Again?

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The stage is set for an intense battle as Sri Lanka takes on Australia in the first ODI of the two-match series at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 fast approaching, Australia will aim to fine-tune their 50-over squad, while Sri Lanka, having failed to qualify for the event, will be looking to rebuild and restore pride after a humiliating 2-0 Test series defeat.

This short ODI series serves as a critical platform for both teams, albeit for different reasons. Can Sri Lanka prove that they can still challenge the top teams, or will Australia continue their dominance?

A Chance for Redemption or More Australian Domination?

Sri Lanka enters this series with a point to prove, following a brutal Test series loss where they were completely outclassed:

  • 1st Test: Lost by an innings and 242 runs – their worst defeat in history.
  • 2nd Test: Lost by 9 wickets, sealing a humiliating whitewash.

With Champions Trophy hopes already crushed, Sri Lanka is playing for pride, reputation, and the rebuilding of their squad. Meanwhile, Australia, despite missing key players, will be keen to test their bench strength and gain momentum ahead of the ICC event.

SL vs AUS Head-to-Head Record in ODIs

Total MatchesAustralia WinsSri Lanka WinsNo ResultTied
104643640

📌 First ODI Meeting: June 11, 1975
📌 Most Recent ODI Meeting: October 16, 2023

With a clear historical advantage, Australia will be favorites, but Sri Lanka will take inspiration from their recent ODI series win over Australia in 2022 at home.

Australia’s Squad Changes: A Fresh Look Amid Injury Concerns

Australia arrives in Colombo with a somewhat depleted squad, missing Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh due to injuries. Marcus Stoinis has also retired from ODIs, leading to a fresh set of inclusions.

🔹 Key Absentees:

  • Pat Cummins (Injury)
  • Josh Hazlewood (Injury)
  • Mitchell Marsh (Injury)
  • Marcus Stoinis (Retired from ODIs)

🔹 New Faces in the Squad:

  • Sean Abbott – All-rounder with IPL and international experience.
  • Cooper Connolly – Talented young batter who impressed in domestic cricket.
  • Jake Fraser-McGurk – Exciting attacking batsman.
  • Ben Dwarshuis, Spencer Johnson, Tanveer Sangha – A new-look bowling attack, with Sangha adding mystery spin.

Australia has some experience playing in Colombo, with their last visit in 2022 producing mixed results (1 win, 2 losses at this venue).

Sri Lanka’s Approach: Stability Over Experimentation

Unlike Australia, Sri Lanka has stuck with a largely unchanged squad, making just one change from their tour of New Zealand earlier this year.

🔄 Squad Change:

  • ❌ OUT: Chamindu Wickramasinghe
  • ✅ IN: Jeffrey Vandersay (returns after impressing in the Test series).

The hosts will lean on their experienced spin attack, featuring Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Jeffrey Vandersay, alongside captain Charith Asalanka to guide their young core.

📍 Venue & Pitch Report – R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Sri Lanka’s home advantage will be key, as the R Premadasa Stadium is known for its slow, turning tracks that generally favor spinners.

🔹 Early Advantage for Batters: The surface starts well for batting, with good bounce and carry.
🔹 Slows Down Over Time: As the game progresses, the pitch tends to deteriorate, bringing spinners into the contest.
🔹 Chasing Becomes Difficult: The average 2nd innings score is under 240, indicating a significant challenge for teams batting second.

📌 Australia’s Last 5 ODIs at This Venue: 2 wins, 3 losses
📌 Sri Lanka’s Record at Premadasa: A stronghold for their spin attack

📝 Predicted Playing XIs for 1st ODI

🇱🇰 Sri Lanka:

  • Pathum Nissanka
  • Avishka Fernando
  • Kusal Mendis (wk)
  • Kamindu Mendis
  • Charith Asalanka (c)
  • Janith Liyanage
  • Dunith Wellalage
  • Wanindu Hasaranga
  • Jeffrey Vandersay
  • Maheesh Theekshana
  • Asitha Fernando

🇦🇺 Australia:

  • Matt Short
  • Travis Head
  • Steve Smith (c)
  • Josh Inglis (wk)
  • Marnus Labuschagne
  • Glenn Maxwell
  • Cooper Connolly
  • Nathan Ellis
  • Adam Zampa
  • Tanveer Sangha
  • Spencer Johnson

📺 Live Streaming & Broadcast Details

  • TV Broadcast: Sony Sports Network
  • Live Streaming: SonyLIV (app & website), FanCode (app & website)

Key Battles to Watch Out For

  • Glenn Maxwell vs Wanindu Hasaranga – A clash of spin vs power-hitting, as Maxwell will be key to counter Sri Lanka’s spinners.
  • Steve Smith vs Maheesh Theekshana – Smith’s expertise against spin will be tested on the slow Colombo track.
  • Charith Asalanka vs Adam Zampa – Sri Lanka’s captain must lead from the front against Australia’s lead leg-spinner.

Match Prediction: Can Sri Lanka Challenge Australia?

Australia enters the series as favorites, but their squad lacks experience in Sri Lankan conditions compared to the 2022 side. Sri Lanka, despite missing out on the Champions Trophy, will be motivated to prove they belong among the best.

  • If Sri Lanka wins the toss and bats first, they have a real chance of causing an upset.
  • If Australia wins the toss and bats first, their batting depth could take the game away.

Final Thoughts: Redemption for Sri Lanka or More Australian Dominance?

While Sri Lanka will be desperate for a turnaround, the real question is whether they have the firepower to stop Australia’s dominance. With the Champions Trophy around the corner, the Aussies will want to stamp their authority, even with an experimental squad.

Can Sri Lanka stop Australia’s winning momentum, or will the visitors continue their dominance in Colombo? Share your predictions below! 

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