SL vs AUS Match Prediction - Who will win today’s 1st ODI match between Sri Lanka and Australia?

After winning both the Tests, Australia will take on Sri Lanka in the first ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 12. It was a comprehensive victory for Australia in the second Test as Sri Lanka struggled with the ball and with the bat. Meanwhile, the hosts have done fairly well in white-ball cricket over the months and they will take heart from having won the ODI series against India at home last year.

On the other hand, Australia are marred by injuries as Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood are out of the Champions Trophy as well. The leadership mantle has fallen on Steve Smith again for this series as was the case during the Tests. It will be interesting to see the Kangaroos' game plan and template they will set for the forthcoming ICC event with the impending ODI series. 

Match Details

R Premadasa Stadium Pitch Report

R Premadasa Stadium has been a deck renowned to favour the spinners and the batters have struggled against the turn and bounce on offer for the finger and wrist spinners. Pacers might get punished if they rely fully on pace, rather relying on line and length which might bail them out from the batter’s wrath. 

Also Read: Sri Lanka vs Australia 2025 News

Head-To-Head Record

SL vs AUS Predicted Playing 11

Sri Lanka:

Kusal Mendis (wk), Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (C), Nuwanidu Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Janith Liyanage, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga

Australia: 

Josh Inglis (wk), Travis Head, Steve Smith (C), Marnus Labuschagne, Cooper Connolly, Sean Abbott, Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson

SL vs AUS Probable Best Performers

Probable Best Batter: Steve Smith

Steve Smith showed his temperament against spin and resistance against the pace attack in the recently concluded Test series. The veteran was the second-highest run-scorer with 272 runs in two games at a mind-boggling average of 136, including two tons in successive games. 

Probable Best Bowler: Mitchell Starc

Starc now has a hang of playing in the subcontinent on a regular basis, thanks to his IPL 2024 outings with Kolkata Knight Riders. In the Test series, he picked six wickets across two games at an average of 14.33.

                    Today's Match Prediction: Team bowling first to win the match

Sri Lanka win the toss and opt to bowl first

Powerplay: 40-50

AUS: 230-250

Sri Lanka win the match

Scenario 2

Australia win the toss and opt to bowl first

Powerplay: 30-40

SL: 220-240

Australia win the match

Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.