Sri Lanka vs Australia Cricket World Cup - Steve Smith to make struggling Sri Lanka suffer

Leonard Solms

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Last updated: 13 Jun 2019

Leonard Solms 13 Jun 2019

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Sri Lanka’s bowlers set to buckle

Expired

Steve Smith and David Warner have been crucial for Australia since returning to their side. (Getty Images)

Sri Lanka vs Australia Cricket World Cup Preview, Predictions & Betting Tips

In-form Australia face Sri Lanka at The Oval in Saturday’s Cricket World Cup match as the race for semi-final places heats up. Steve Smith is backed to lead the charge for the near-unblemished Australia team and is tipped to score 50+ runs at 2.10.

Sri Lanka Form & Team News

Sri Lanka have had a stuttering start to the Cricket World Cup with two of their four matches rained off. The Lions lost to New Zealand by 10 wickets with 33.5 overs to spare before beating minnows Afghanistan by 34 runs via the DLS method.

This is the biggest test yet for Chandika Hathurusingha’s men and Sri Lanka’s preparation has been far from ideal. Veteran bowler Lasith Malinga flew home briefly following his mother-in-law’s death and it remains to be seen whether or not he is mentally affected.

A missing or off-key Malinga would leave Sri Lanka more vulnerable to a fierce Australia batting lineup. Sri Lanka’s Cricket World Cup campaign has not started ideally and they are therefore paying big odds of 6.00 to beat the defending champions.

Lasith Malinga temporarily left the Sri Lanka camp after the death of his mother-in-law. (Getty Images)

Australia Form & Team News

Australia claimed a comfortable 41-run win over Pakistan at the County Ground in Taunton in their last match. It was a third win in four Cricket World Cup matches for Justin Langer’s side and their revival is being driven by newly-returned Steve Smith and David Warner.

Warner starred with 107 in the win over Pakistan whilst Smith has been remarkably consistent, scoring four fifties and a century in his last six innings for Australia. There is value in backing Smith to score a 50 in this match at 2.10 given that it has happened more often than not since his return to the team.

Australia are paying 1.17 for the win with bookies having decided the defending champions are huge favourites for this match after a great start to the tournament.

Sri Lanka vs Australia Head to Head

Sri Lanka’s overall ODI series record against Australia stands at three wins apiece with one draw but the Lions have not fared well in recent encounters. Australia have beaten Sri Lanka in their last three competitive ODIs despite playing each one on away soil.

Australia also recently beat Sri Lanka by five wickets in a 2019 Cricket World Cup warm-up match on neutral ground.

Sri Lanka vs Australia Live Stream

Live streaming the Sri Lanka vs Australia Cricket World Cup match on bet365 is a useful way of keeping up with all the action on your iPhone, iPad, Android device or computer. Please see terms and conditions at bet365.

Sri Lanka vs Australia Match Up

Nuwan Pradeep took 4/31 for Sri Lanka against Afghanistan but the Lions are bound to miss Lasith Malinga who bagged 3/39 if he is unable to play or not in top form.

The steady hand of Steve Smith can play a vital role for Justin Langer’s side as he averages an incredible 90.33 in his last eight innings for Australia and Australia XI.

Steve Smith has four fifties and a century in his last six innings for Australia. (Getty Images)

Sri Lanka vs Australia Key Statistics

Australia’s Steve Smith averages 90.33 in his last 8 innings for all teams (all competitions).
Australia’s Steve Smith has scored 50+ runs in 4 of his last 6 innings for Australia (ODIs).
Australia have won their last 4 matches against Sri Lanka (ODIs).

Verdict

Australia are heavily fancied for this match and the ever-reliable Steve Smith should lead by example. I am tipping Smith to score a fifth 50 in seven ODI innings at 2.10.

Best Bet: Steve Smith To Score 50+ Runs @ 2.10 at bet365 - 4 Units

Top Australia Batsman Tip: Steve Smith @ 4.50 at bet365 - 2 Units