After emerging victorious in their respective opening encounters, Australia and Sri Lanka are ready to clash in Dubai in their Super-12 game of the 2021 T20 World Cup. Both the teams will be looking forward to win this all-important game and boost their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals.
Sri Lanka, in their first game, defeated Bangladesh comfortably whereas Australia registered a dramatic win against South Africa while chasing a modest target. Dasun Shanaka’s Lankan side has played well so far and won all their qualifying fixtures along with their first Super-12 match.
Aaron Finch’s Australian camp, on the other hand, recorded victory in one out of their two warm-up matches before winning the first Super-12 contest through a tricky chase.
Here are the key points of big Super-12 clash on October 28 in the group of death:
Head-to-head
Australia and Sri Lanka have met 16 times in T20I and both the teams are in an even position with 8 wins respectively. When it comes to T20 World Cups, both have clashed thrice in three editions: 2007, 2009, and 2010. Australia have emerged victorious on two occasions 2007 and 2010 while Sri Lanka were on the winning end in the 2009 World Cup.
Toss and the dew factor
The first thing Finch and Shanaka will want to go in their favour will be the toss. Toss will be a key factor in the game as the one who wins toss will look to chase down the target because of the dew. In the recent IPL games and World Cup contests played in Dubai, teams batting second have won more games as compared to those batting first.
Spinners a threat
Sri Lanka may consider themselves in a better position than Australia because of the spin attack they possess. Australian spinners are good but Sri Lankan spinners are more lethal as compared to them. The 2014 T20 champions have Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana in their spin attack, who have bowled well so far in the marquee event.
The Aussies have leg-spinner Adam Zampa and all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who can shift the momentum in their side’s favour. The team whose spinners will bowl well are going to be in the driver’s seat in the game.
Australia’s batting a cause of concern
One thing Australia will be concerned about is their batting. Openers David Warner and Finch haven’t been in good touch with their bat and this may lead the Aussie side in
trouble. Experienced Warner isn’t going through a good patch and the Australian middle order doesn’t seem strong too. A recent example of Australia’s batting woes is their dodgy run-chase against South Africa.
Sri Lanka have the upper hand
In the big game of Super-12, both Australia and Sri Lanka will field best Playing XI. Until now, there have been different match-winners in both camps. Australia, however, a lot to fill. Finch’s men are perhaps missing a touch of class to get past the finish line.
