Though they did not win the first two T20Is of the five-match series, Sri Lanka did put up a fight. The next two matches, however, turned out to be one-sided affairs, where Australia steamrolled over them without much fuss.
The Sri Lankan batting has been solely reliant on Pathum Nissanka, the leading run-getter in the series. But even his 171 runs have come at a strike rate of just over 110, a far from convincing number in this format. However, there was not much he could have done when the rest of the batting fell apart like a deck of cards.
Charith Asalanka's form remains a worry. Asalanka is the most explosive batter in the side, capable of scoring quick runs as well as playing big innings. Sri Lanka are likely to persist with Danushka Gunathilaka, given his hitting range against pacers.
Among bowlers, Maheesh Theekshana has stepped up in the absence of Wanindu Hasaranga, bowling economically for his five wickets.
Australia, on the other hand, do not have to ponder over their playing XI. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc have been rested, but Kane Richardson and Jhye Richardson ensured their absence was not felt, sharing four wickets in the last game..
Probable XIs
Australia: Ben McDermott, Ashton Agar, Aaron Finch (c), Glenn Maxwell, Josh Inglis, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (wk), Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson, Moises Henriques, Jhye Richardson
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, Dinesh Chandimal (wk), Dasun Shanaka (c), Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Jeffrey Vandersay, Maheesh Theekshana, Nuwan Thushara.
Fantasy Tips
- Place your bet on Australia to make it 5-0.
- Nissanka and Asalanka are must-haves for your side.
- Make Stoinis captain and Jhye Richardson vice-captain.
Fantasy XI:
Pathum Nissanka, Charith Asalanka, Ashton Agar, Charith Asalanka, Marcus Stoinis (c), Matthew Wade, Maheesh Theekshana, Jhye Richardson (vc), Dushmantha Chameera, Aaron Finch, Dasun Shanaka