Sri Lanka face Australia in the first of the three-match T20 International series on Tuesday, June 7 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo from 7:00 PM IST (Indian Standard Time).
The reigning T20 World Cup champions have named a full-strength squad for the three-match T20I series with the only absence of Pat Cummins (rested) and Adam Zampa (paternity leave).
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka have recalled wicket-keeper batsman Bhanuka Rajapaksa to the side after being dropped earlier due to fitness issues. The southpaw scored 209 runs in nine matches at a strike rate of 160 in his maiden IPL campaign for Punjab this year.
With the T20 World Cup scheduled later this year, both sides will look to fine-tune their preparations and zero down on their playing combination ahead of the marquee event.
Sri Lanka vs Australia 1st T20I odds
Bet365 odds: Sri Lanka: 2.75, Australia: 1.44
4RaBet odds: Sri Lanka: 2.76, Australia: 1.45
10CRIC odds: Sri Lanka: 2.65, Australia: 1.43
Betway odds: Sri Lanka: 2.62, Australia: 1.40
1xBet odds: Sri Lanka: 2.76, Australia: 1.45
Note: Odds are subject to change. Please visit betting sites to check and confirm the latest odds.
Sri Lanka vs Australia head-to-head in T20Is
Australia and Sri Lanka have featured in 22 T20I matches so far with Australia winning 13 while Sri Lanka winning nine.
The two sides played a bilateral series in Australia earlier this year where the Aussies won the T20I series 4-1.
Sri Lanka vs Australia 1st T20I probable playing XI
Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Danushka Gunathilaka, Kusal Mendis (wicket-keeper), Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Chamika Karunaratne, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera, Matheesha Pathirana, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana
Australia: Aaron Finch (captain), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (wicket-keeper), Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, Josh Hazlewood
Sri Lanka vs Australia 1st T20I top picks
Sri Lanka: Wanindu Hasaranga will be the player to watch out for in this fixture. The leg-spinner is coming off a good IPL campaign, ending the tournament as the second-highest wicket-taker with 26 scalps. The 24-year-old will look to replicate his form in the national colours.
Australia: David Warner will be a top pick for this fixture. The southpaw has amassed 512 runs across 13 innings against the Islanders in T20Is at an average of 56 and a strike rate close of almost 140. The Aussies will hope for a fiery start from Warner at the top of the order.
Sri Lanka vs Australia 1st T20I prediction
As far as the head-to-head record between the two sides is concerned, Australia are firm favourites to win the match.
However, Sri Lanka have a good spin bowling attack comprising Hasaranga and Theekshana who can trouble the Aussie batters on a wicket that is likely to assist spinners.
Sri Lanka vs Australia 1st T20I playing conditions and weather report
Maximum Temperature: 29°C
Precipitation: 70%
Humidity: 81%
Wind: 19 km/h