- Tue, March 15, 2022
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Sri Lanka vs Australia: A Crucial Face-Off Ahead of the Champions Trophy
Cricket fans are in for a treat as Sri Lanka and Australia lock horns in the first of a two-match One-Day International (ODI) series at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday, February 12, 2025. The series serves as a key preparatory stage for Australia as they fine-tune their squad ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be hosted in Pakistan later this month.
Australia’s Final Preparations Before the Champions Trophy
Australia, fresh off their 2-0 Test series victory against Sri Lanka, enters this ODI series with some major squad changes. The team will be without regular skipper Pat Cummins, who has been ruled out due to injury, along with Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh. Adding to the squad shuffle, Marcus Stoinis announced his retirement from ODIs, leaving a significant void in the Australian lineup. In Cummins’ absence, Steve Smith will captain the side, having already led the team in the Test series.
With several key players missing, the Aussies will rely on a mix of experienced names and emerging stars to deliver a winning performance. Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, and Marnus Labuschagne will be crucial in stabilizing the batting lineup, while Mitchell Starc, Nathan Ellis, and Tanveer Sangha lead the bowling attack. This series is an opportunity for the team to test its bench strength before heading into the Champions Trophy.
Sri Lanka’s Redemption After Missing Out on Champions Trophy Qualification
While Australia gears up for the ICC tournament, Sri Lanka is playing for pride. Having failed to qualify for the eight-team Champions Trophy after finishing ninth in the 2023 World Cup, the Lankan side will be eager to prove their mettle. Charith Asalanka, leading the team in this series, will look to inspire his side to a strong performance in front of home supporters.
Sri Lanka’s squad boasts a solid mix of experience and young talent. Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, and Kusal Mendis will play vital roles in the batting unit, while Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, and Jeffrey Vandersay will be key on the spin-friendly Colombo pitch. With the home advantage, Sri Lanka will be looking to upset a restructured Australian side and start the series on a winning note.
Where and When to Watch Sri Lanka vs Australia 1st ODI
Match Details:
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM IST (Toss at 9:30 AM IST)
Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Live Streaming and TV Broadcast:
India: Cricket enthusiasts in India can watch the match live on the Sony Sports Network, with live streaming available on the SonyLIV app and website. FanCode will also provide streaming services for Indian viewers.
Sri Lanka: Fans can catch the action on Siyatha TV and TEN Cricket (available on Dialog & PEO TV).
Pakistan: Tapmad Sports will stream the match live in Pakistan, starting at 9:30 AM local time.
Australia: The match will be broadcast live on 7 Cricket, starting at 3:30 PM local time.
UK: TNT Sports will telecast the match live for fans in the United Kingdom, with coverage beginning at 4:30 AM local time.
MENA & Southeast Asia: Cricbuzz will provide live streaming coverage at 8:30 AM local time.
Africa: SuperSport will broadcast the match live across Africa from 6:30 AM local time.
Caribbean: Cricket fans in the Caribbean can watch the match on Rush, with coverage starting at 11:30 PM local time on February 11.
Squads for Sri Lanka vs Australia ODI Series
Sri Lanka:
Charith Asalanka (c), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis, Kamindu Mendis, Janith Liyanage, Nishan Madushka, Nuwanidu Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Dunith Wellalage, Jeffrey Vandersay, Asitha Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Mohamed Shiraz, Eshan Malinga.
Australia:
Alex Carey (wk), Jake Fraser-McGurk, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Matthew Short, Sean Abbott, Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Tanveer Sangha, Mitchell Starc.
With the Champions Trophy just around the corner, this series is of utmost importance to Australia as they refine their strategies and test new combinations. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will see this as an opportunity to assert their dominance on home soil and make a statement against one of the world’s strongest teams.
As both teams prepare for a thrilling encounter, cricket fans can expect an exciting and competitive series between the formidable Australians and the spirited Sri Lankan side. Stay tuned for live action, analysis, and updates as the battle unfolds in Colombo!
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