Australia vs Sri Lanka – 12th ODI Commonwealth Bank series – Match Preview
After a mauling suffered at the hands of the Indians, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 in the last group game of the Commonwealth Bank series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, March 02, 2012 - knowing a win will only permit them to compete in the finals against the host.
It was a turbulent afternoon for the inform Lankan outfit, which seemed destined to qualify for the three-legged final at the half-way point at Hobart after posting a mammoth 320.
However, in a scintillating turn of events, the Men In Blue went on with their business with remarkable proficiency – riding on an aggressive start provided by the openers, their chase was given colossal push by http://www.senore.com/Cricket/V-Kohli-c2737, who ended up on an unbeaten 133, which steered his side to victory inside 40 overs – further allowing them to gain a much valued bonus point.
The defeat has put the Asian http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Lions-c808 in an insecure territory, where they will have to beat the Aussies for the third time during the series as they current fall behind their Asian mates on head to head basis. Apart from the setback of the previous bout, their performances have been praise worthy, where the batting order has chipped in with significant contributions.
The three veteran trios, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/LD-Chandimal-c1831.
However, the skipper was criticized for his decision making abilities in the last match, who admitted that it was hard to stop their opponents. The morale has taken a considerable blow, but it will reach to an all time low if they fail to qualify for the decisive games after holding the top spot in the points table.
Further problems mount when one of the world’s most feared fast bowler goes for over 12 runs per over. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SL-Malinga-c2540 endured a most horrific outing at Hobart ( conceding 96 in 7.4 overs), and will be looking to make amends in a must win game.
On injury front, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MF-Maharoof-c1944 is expected to be out due to a back trouble, putting Jayawardene in a dilemma of whether to include a bowler or an extra batsman.
The hosts can do any team a favour but will be keen on keeping a winning momentum before going on to contest the finals. The major worry remains the injury to skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/MJ-Clarke-c1978, who has been in an out of the side during the tri-series.
The management is unlikely to risk him, which will allow http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SR-Watson-c2558 will continue to lead the side, and get the much needed competitiveness back.
The all-rounder disappointed with the bat on his return but compensated that with taking two wickets with the ball. Also the return of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/RJ-Harris-c2330 has made way for the youngster), who impressed in a Futures League Match for Victoria – claiming a six-wicket haul.
With veteran wicket- keeper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Matthew-Wade-c1933 will be eager to hold ontohis position, despite scoring a solitary half-century in the series so far.
The pitch at the MCG will offer bounce and pace for bowlers but the true nature of the track will assist the batters in playing on the up. Despite rain during the preceding days, the weather is expected to be clear.
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