Sri Lanka eye ODI clean sweep over Australia

Charith Asalanka (Sri Lanka Captain)

Steven Smith (Australia Captain)

Sri Lanka will look to complete a 2-0 series sweep when they take on Australia in the second and final One Day International at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo today, commencing at 10.00 a.m. 

The Sri Lankans are upbeat after their great fightback in the first ODI where they came from behind to pull off a 49-run victory two days ago at the same venue.

Even then, Sri Lanka will hope for an improved batting performance in this decider as their top order was in shambles in the first ODI before Player of the Match and Skipper Charith Asalanka rescued them with a magnificent century.

Asalanka produced a stunning performance as he took the side from a disastrous 135 for eight to 214 after electing to bat first and then bowled out their opponents for 165 in 33.5 overs.
Meanwhile, Australia will be hoping for a huge turnaround as they prepare for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy Tournament in Pakistan.      

This will be their last outing before the mega event starts on February 19 and the 50-over World champions are grouped with England, South Africa and Afghanistan.   

Sri Lanka Squad: Charith Asalanka (Captain), 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 Squad: Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Spencer Johnson, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa.  (Agencies)