The final T20 international between Australia and Sri Lanka takes place in Adelaide on Wednesday. Sri Lanka have already secured the series courtesy of that amazing win in Geelong on Sunday and they will be looking for a series whitewash here. Australia won’t want to lose all three matches so although this is a dead rubber in name they have something to play for.
Australia
The pattern of the series has been the same in both matches so far for Australia. They have got off to good starts with the bat on both occasions but not been able to maximise their scoring potential at the end of the innings and then when they have bowled they haven’t been able to restrict Sri Lanka in the death overs.
If they are to end the series with a consolation win then they are going to have to find a way to bat well for the entire 20 overs and Aaron Finch is going to have to use his bowlers much better than he has done. Really no side should be losing from the position Australia were in at Geelong so that might take some recovering from.
Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankans will be absolutely buzzing with their win in Geelong. They have been rewarded for perseverance and hanging in there without panicking both with the ball and with the bat. It does help that they have Lasith Malinga to come back in the death overs and restrict any opponent but all the Sri Lankans have generally bowled well.
For me the best thing about this series has been the attacking style of the Sri Lankans with the bat. You have to acknowledge they have ridden their luck at times with the bat but when they have had to score they have done and to do that in conditions which aren’t necessarily ones which suit them bodes well. Sri Lanka have now won their last four T20 matches.
Team News
Adam Zampa looks set to come back into the side after surprisingly missing out in Geelong. Given that he’s been expensive so far Pat Cummins might sit this one out after Jhye Richardson impressed in the last game.
Sri Lanka will be forced into one change as Niroshan Dickwella has been given a two match ban for dissent after his dismissal in Geelong. Lakshan Sandakan could come back in for him.
Betting
I’m tempted to back Sri Lanka to complete a clean sweep but the absence of Dickwella is just about enough to put me off. I don’t like betting on the match outcome here anyway because the ground is so tough to defend so I’ll head for the side markets for a bet here.
I think there will be plenty of boundaries in this match. Sri Lanka have thrown their bat at everything in the series so far and that isn’t likely to change here while Australia can release the shackles and give it some pasty with the bat too.
We know the short boundaries square of the wicket here are always accessible and the straight boundaries aren’t what they used to be either. With two Adelaide Strikers batsmen likely to be playing for the home side and looking to impress I expect more than 35.5 boundaries.
Tips
WON – Back Over 35.5 boundaries for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with William Hill
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