Australia vs Sri Lanka preview

Posted on | April 16, 2007 | No Comments

Australia will aim to keep their unbeaten streak intact when they play Sri Lanka at the National cricket stadium in Guyana.

Australia are already assured of a spot in the semifinals. They however have two tough games in hand- one against Sri Lanka and the other against  New Zealand. Defeat in these two games would not leave them in the best frame of mind for the semifinals and Ricky Ponting will want to avoid it at all costs. The Aussies haven’t really been tested in this World Cup, but the Lankans will provide formidable opposition. The Grenadan pitch isn’t the easiest to play, but the Aussie batsmen should be upto the task. Hayden and Gilchrist have been in great form. Michael Hussey showed signs of the player who ruled 2006 in the Ireland game, and Sri Lanka will have to be wary of him too.

Sri Lanka have played well in this tournament too. Barring the loss to South Africa, they have managed to beat all the other teams and have effectively confirmed their spot in the last four. They came close to beating South Africa, but couldn’t despite Lasith Malinga’s heroics. They also have a game against Ireland in hand. They have played one game at St.George, and won that game, beating the Kiwis convincingly. The slower bowlers will have a big role to play- and Muttiah Muralitharan, probably the biggest of them all. Australia haven’t played at St.George yet, and that is one thing in favour of Tom Moody’s side.

Tough game to predict. The last two games have been low scoring, and the team batting first has found the going very tough in the first 10 overs. If the team batting first can survive that, they might be able to win. Team batting second starts favourite- though. Hussey to star. Dilshan, Muralitharan and Jayawardene to play key roles.

Related posts:

1. World Cup 2011: Sri Lanka vs Australia – betting preview
2. Australia vs Sri Lanka preview
3. South Africa vs Sri Lanka preview
4. New Zealand vs Sri Lanka preview
5. Sri Lanka vs Ireland preview

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