sri lanka vs australia odi 1st  live score 

 sri lanka live score 11/2   (2.4) overs

As cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the upcoming ODI series between Sri Lanka and Australia, set to commence on February 12, 2025, in Colombo, both teams are gearing up with strategic preparations. This series holds significant importance as it serves as a precursor to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, especially for Australia, while Sri Lanka aims to rebuild and gain momentum.

Australia's Squad Adjustments and Preparations

Australia enters the series with a reshuffled squad due to injuries and strategic decisions. Key players like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitch Marsh are sidelined, and Marcus Stoinis has retired from ODIs. To fill these gaps, selectors have brought in players such as Sean Abbott, Spencer Johnson, Ben Dwarshuis, Tanveer Sangha, Cooper Connolly, and Jake Fraser-McGurk. The captaincy is expected to be taken up by either Steve Smith or Travis Head. This series offers an opportunity for fringe players to showcase their skills ahead of the Champions Trophy. 

Sri Lanka's Strategy and Squad Updates

Sri Lanka, aiming to bounce back from a challenging Test series, has made notable changes to their ODI squad. The team has dropped seam-bowling all-rounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe, indicating a strategic shift. The squad now includes a mix of experienced players and fresh talent, reflecting the team's focus on building a cohesive unit for future competitions. 

Key Players to Watch

Australia: Steve Smith's leadership and batting prowess will be crucial. Emerging players like Jake Fraser-McGurk and Tanveer Sangha will be under the spotlight as they aim to cement their places in the team.

Sri Lanka: Captain Charith Asalanka will lead from the front, with support from players like Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando. The team's performance will heavily rely on their top-order batsmen setting a solid foundation.

Pitch and Conditions

The R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo is known for its dry surface, favoring batsmen initially. As a match progresses, the pitch tends to slow down, bringing spinners into play. Teams winning the toss might prefer to bat first to capitalize on the favorable early conditions. 

Head-to-Head and Predictions

Historically, Australia has dominated the ODI format against Sri Lanka, winning 64 out of 104 encounters. However, playing in subcontinental conditions presents unique challenges for the Australians. Sri Lanka will look to leverage home advantage and the familiarity with local conditions to challenge the visitors. Cricket analysts predict a closely contested series, with both teams having equal opportunities to clinch victory. 

Conclusion

The Sri Lanka vs. Australia ODI series promises to be an exciting contest, with both teams eager to assert their dominance. For Australia, it's a chance to fine-tune their squad ahead of the Champions Trophy, while Sri Lanka will aim to rebuild and gain confidence on home soil. Cricket fans worldwide will be keenly watching to see how the series unfolds.

Sri Lanka's Playing XI:

1. Pathum Nissanka
2. Avishka Fernando
3. Kusal Mendis (wk)
4. Kamindu Mendis
5. Charith Asalanka (c)
6. Janith Liyanage
7. Dunith Wellalage
8. Wanindu Hasaranga
9. Maheesh Theekshana
10. Eshan Malinga
11. Asitha Fernando

Australia's Playing XI:

1. Matt Short
2. Jake Fraser-McGurk
3. Cooper Connolly
4. Steve Smith (c)
5. Marnus Labuschagne
6. Alex Carey (wk)
7. Aaron Hardie
8. Sean Abbott
9. Nathan Ellis
10. Adam Zampa
11. Spencer Johnson

Australia is missing key players such as Travis Head, Josh Inglis, and Glenn Maxwell for this match. Additionally, the renowned fast-bowling trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood is absent. Mitchell Starc has opted out of this series and the upcoming Champions Trophy to prioritize his well-being. 

This series serves as crucial preparation for Australia ahead of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. Sri Lanka, having not qualified for the Champions Trophy after a ninth-place finish at the 2023 World Cup, is looking to rebuild and gain momentum on home soil