Sri Lanka Takes on Australia in First ODI at Colombo
Colombo, February 12, 2025 – Cricket fans in Sri Lanka are eagerly awaiting the first One Day International (ODI) between Sri Lanka and Australia, set to take place today at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. The match is scheduled to begin at 9:30 AM local time, with both teams looking to make an early impact in the series.
The ODI series was initially planned as a single match but was expanded to two games after discussions between Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and Cricket Australia. The revised schedule now includes two ODIs following the conclusion of the two-match Test series in Galle, which saw Australia secure a 2-0 victory. The second ODI is set for February 14 at the same venue. This extension has given both teams a greater opportunity to prepare for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.
Australia Faces Squad Challenges
Australia enters the series with a reshuffled squad due to injuries to key players such as Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitch Marsh. These injuries have forced selectors to make crucial adjustments, bringing in several emerging players to prove their mettle at the international level. Additionally, Marcus Stoinis announced his retirement from ODIs ahead of the series, leaving another gap in the squad that needed to be filled.
In response, selectors have called up players including Sean Abbott, Spencer Johnson, Ben Dwarshuis, Tanveer Sangha, Cooper Connolly, and Jake Fraser-McGurk. Many of these players have shown exceptional promise in domestic and franchise cricket, and this series presents a chance for them to gain experience on an international stage. The team will be led by either Steve Smith or Travis Head, as Australia looks to maintain their dominant form despite the absences of key players.
Sri Lanka Aims for Redemption
For Sri Lanka, the ODI series presents an opportunity to bounce back from the Test defeats and build momentum ahead of future international fixtures. The home team will be eager to perform in front of their passionate supporters, and the conditions in Colombo may work to their advantage. With experienced players leading the charge, Sri Lanka hopes to exploit Australia's squad changes and turn the series in their favor.
Sri Lanka’s batting lineup will need to step up after struggling in the Test series. The middle order, which has been a point of concern in recent matches, will be looking for stability and resilience against a competitive Australian bowling attack. The Sri Lankan bowling unit, led by their experienced pacers and spinners, will also need to find ways to break through Australia’s lineup and prevent big scores.
Key Players to Watch
Sri Lanka
Kusal Mendis: An experienced batsman who has proven his ability to perform under pressure, Mendis will be key in anchoring Sri Lanka’s innings.
Wanindu Hasaranga: A dangerous all-rounder, Hasaranga's spin bowling and aggressive batting could be pivotal in turning the match in Sri Lanka’s favor.
Dushmantha Chameera: A fast bowler with raw pace, Chameera will be crucial in Sri Lanka’s bid to challenge the Australian top order.
Australia
Steve Smith: A veteran in international cricket, Smith’s leadership and batting skills will be central to Australia’s strategy.
Jake Fraser-McGurk: A young and dynamic batsman, Fraser-McGurk has the potential to make a significant impact in the absence of key players.
Tanveer Sangha: A promising leg-spinner, Sangha will be tested in Sri Lanka’s spin-friendly conditions.
Match Tickets and Fan Excitement
Tickets for the ODI series are available for purchase online via the official Sri Lanka Cricket website, as well as at designated counters in Colombo, including Vidya Mawatha and the R. Premadasa Stadium on match days. Fans are expected to turn up in large numbers, creating a lively atmosphere that will add to the excitement of the contest.
This series is more than just an opportunity for both teams to secure victories—it serves as an important preparatory phase ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. Both teams will be looking to assess their strengths and weaknesses, refine their squad combinations, and gain valuable match experience before heading into the global tournament.
As the teams take the field today, the stakes are high, and cricket fans around the world eagerly await a thrilling encounter between these two competitive sides. Stay tuned for live updates and match analysis as Sri Lanka and Australia battle it out for supremacy in Colombo.
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