The ICC Men’s ODI World Cup 2023 is all set for Match 14 between Australia and Sri Lanka, which will take place on Monday, October 16 at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Australia is led by Pat Cummins, while Sri Lanka is captained by Kusal Mendis.
As of now, 103 ODI matches have been played between Australia and Sri Lanka, in which Australia has won 63 matches while Sri Lanka has won 36 matches. The Australian team is currently ranked fourth, while the Sri Lankan team is ranked seventh in the ICC ODI rankings.
Also Read: ICC ODI World Cup 2023: Australia vs Sri Lanka 3 Key Player Battles to Watch Out in Today Match
Here are top five players to watch out during Australia vs Sri Lanka, 14th Match ICC ODI World Cup 2023:
1) Dunith Wellage
Dunith Wellage had a challenging previous match against Pakistan, where he struggled against Shafique and Rizwan. However, he will look to make amends in the upcoming game. Wellage’s ability to maintain a tight line and pressure the batters by bowling stump-to-stump will be crucial. With the longer boundaries in play, he aims to take wickets in the middle overs and make life difficult for the Australian batters. Playing in his first World Cup match against Australia, he aims to deliver a strong performance with both bat and ball to challenge the opposition.
2) Mitchell Starc
Mitchell Starc had struggled to take early wickets in the initial spell, which affected the team’s ability to control the run rate. However, Starc boasts an impressive record against Sri Lanka in ODIs, with 27 wickets in 14 matches and an economy rate of 4.50 runs per over, including figures of 4 for 27. His role will be to provide early breakthroughs and keep the pressure on the Sri Lankan batters. If Starc can achieve early wickets, Australia will have a strong chance to secure their first victory in the World Cup 2023.
3) Kusal Mendis
Kusal Mendis, delivered a brilliant performance in the previous match against Pakistan in Hyderabad. He displayed excellent form from the start, playing attacking shots and maintaining the momentum for Sri Lanka. As the captain, Sri Lanka relies on him to produce another exceptional innings, challenging the Australian team. He holds a decent record in ODIs against Australia, with 453 runs in 11 matches, including a top score of 87. Batting at number 3, Kusal Mendis aims to exert pressure on the Australian bowling lineup to set or chase down the target.
4) David Warner
David Warner had a challenging outing against South Africa in Lucknow. He was dismissed early while chasing a target of 312 runs. Warner’s role is vital at the top of the order, especially against the Sri Lankan bowling lineup, which has faced recent struggles. Warner boasts an excellent record in ODIs against Sri Lanka, accumulating 779 runs from 22 matches, including three centuries and two half-centuries. It is crucial for Australia that David Warner provides a strong start in the initial 10 overs to make life difficult for the Sri Lankan bowlers.
5) Sadeera Samarawickrama
Sadeera Samarawickrama had a fantastic performance in the previous match against Pakistan, forming a brilliant partnership with Kusal Mendis. He made batting look effortless on a favorable pitch in Hyderabad, impressively handling both pacers and spinners while maintaining momentum for Sri Lanka. He will play a key role in the middle overs by rotating the strike and finding boundaries to exert pressure on the Australian bowling attack. In his first ODI match against Australia, it is essential for him to contribute with runs.