Sri Lanka vs Australia The 1st ODI between Sri Lanka and Australia is set to take place on Wednesday, February 12, at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. This match marks the beginning of a two-match ODI series, following Australia’s dominant victory in the recent Test series where they achieved a clean sweep over Sri Lanka.

The ODI match will begin at 10:00 AM local time, with the toss scheduled for 9:30 AM. Given the ongoing renovations at the stadium, the game will be played as a day match without the use of floodlights.

Australia, the reigning 50-over World Cup champions, are gearing up for the upcoming Champions Trophy, which will commence on February 19 in Pakistan and Dubai. However, Sri Lanka, having failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy after a disappointing 9th-place finish at the 2023 World Cup, will be eager to bounce back and show their strength in this limited-overs format.

Sri Lanka’s Challenge

Sri Lanka’s recent struggles have been evident in their performance, including their inability to qualify for Sri Lanka vs Australia the 2023 Champions Trophy. The team failed to show consistent performances in the World Cup, ending in a disappointing 9th place. Despite this, they have several key players who can make an impact, such as their experienced captain and dynamic all-rounders. This series provides Sri Lanka with an opportunity to reset, build confidence, and create new strategies ahead of the future international competitions.

Australia’s Dominance

Australia comes into this series with an impressive track record, fresh off their 5-0 clean sweep over Sri Lanka in the Test series. As the 50-over World Cup champions, Australia has a squad full of talent, including explosive batters and world-class bowlers. With the Champions Trophy just around the corner, the Australians will look to fine-tune their squad and gather valuable experience in these conditions, even as they prepare for their matches against top teams like England, South Africa, and Afghanistan.

Sri Lanka vs Australia The Venue – R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

The R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is a venue known for its traditionally spin-friendly conditions, which could be an advantage for Sri Lanka’s spinners, who are accustomed to these surfaces. The stadium is a landmark for ODI cricket in Sri Lanka and has seen some memorable encounters over the years. Sri Lanka vs Australia However, with renovations underway ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, this match will be played as a day game, making it one of the few day-only ODIs in modern cricket.

Key Players to Watch Out For

• Sri Lanka:
  • Dasun Shanaka: The captain and all-rounder is crucial to Sri Lanka’s fortunes. His ability to perform with both bat and ball will be key to any potential success.
  • Wanindu Hasaranga: One of the best spin bowlers in world cricket, Hasaranga could be a match-winner with his clever variations and accuracy.
  • Kusal Mendis: A key top-order batsman, Mendis’ form will be critical for Sri Lanka’s chase if Australia posts a big total.
• Australia:
  • David Warner: Australia’s opener is always a big threat at the top of the order, known for his aggressive and explosive batting.
  • Marnus Labuschagne: A solid middle-order batsman, Labuschagne brings stability and technique to the Australian lineup.
  • Pat Cummins: Australia’s star fast bowler will be crucial in breaking partnerships and keeping the run rate in check, especially in the early overs.

The Big Picture:

With the 2023 World Cup fresh in everyone’s memory, Sri Lanka will be looking to find their rhythm again. Their ODI fortunes have been less than ideal, but the team has young talent and a few seasoned stars that can turn the tide in their favor. Australia, with their strong squad, will aim to build confidence ahead of the Champions Trophy and solidify their standing as the dominant force in the limited-overs format.

Match Details

• Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2025
• Venue: R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
• Time: 10:00 AM Local Time (Toss at 9:30 AM)
• TV Broadcast: Sony Sports Network
• Live Streaming: SonyLiv