Top 5 players to watch out for in SL vs AUS T20Is
Australia will be touring the Sri Lanka for a full tour for the first time since the year 2016 as they are set to play two Tests, five ODIs, and three T20Is for over a month. The series kicks off with the T20 internationals beginning from June 07 to June 11. The first two matches will be hosted by R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and the third and final one by Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele. The series presents a great opportunity for players to gear up for the T20 World Cup later on in the year which will be staged in Australia.
Let’s look at the top 5 players to watch out for in Sri Lanka vs Australia 3 T20Is:
Mitchell Marsh
Mitchell Marsh has been in scintillating form in the T20 format over the last year or so. He has made the no. three spot of his own both for the national side and in the T20 leagues. The Player of the Match in the T20 World Cup 2021 final, Marsh has amassed 627 runs in 20 innings at an average of 36.88 with six fifties since 2021 for Australia.
Wanindu Hasaranga
Sri Lanka legspinner Wanindu Hasaranga has been in some form in this format both internationally and in the leagues. He took the most wickets in the T20 World Cup 2021 (16) and ended the IPL 2022 as the second-highest wicket-taker with 26 scalps. The leg-break bowler will be a crucial part of the Lankan team in another spin-friendly condition.
Pathum Nissanka
Pathum Nissanka has been the highest run-scorer for his side since 2021 which was also his debut year. He has amassed 562 runs in 19 innings at an average of 29.57 with five half-centuries and the highest score of 75. He also scored three fifties in the last T20 World Cup as he ended the tournament with the second-most runs for the Lankan Lions.
Charith Asalanka
Charith Asalanka has scored 418 runs in 17 innings at an average of 27.86 with three fifties after making his debut last year against India. The left-handed batter was the highest run-getter for his side in the showpiece event last year as he smashed 231 runs in six innings at a solid average of 46.20 and the highest score of 80*.
Josh Hazlewood
Josh Hazlewood has been one of the bowlers whose T20 form has been great in the last year or two. Fresh after picking up 20 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 18.85 and a economy rate of 8.10 for his side Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2022 IPL, Hazlewood will be raring to go again in the format which he has been enjoying bowling in off late.
