Australia got off to a winning start in the T20 international series against Sri Lanka, prevailing by 27 runs in a low scoring encounter. With the second match taking place just two days later, I’m expecting similar XI’s and a similar result in this one at the SCG. Better conditions are forecast tonight after the interruptions on Friday, promising quality entertainment.

 

Draftstars has put up a $10,000 contest, with top prize $970. There is also a mini and a single entry tournament.

 

 

Expected Australia Xl: Finch, McDermott, Inglis, Maxwell, Smith, Stoinis, Wade, Cummins, Starc, Zampa, Hazlewood

Expected Sri Lanka Xl: Nissanka, Gunathilika, Fernando, Asalanka, Chandimal, Hasaranga, Shanaka, Karunaratne, Chameera, B Fernando, Theekshana

 

There may have been some doubts at the halfway mark on Friday night after Australia posted just 9-149, but a top-class bowling attack quickly put them to bed. The inexperience of Sri Lanka’s batting line up showed, with batsmen struggling with shot selection and strike rotation.

 

To be fair to them, Australia’s front line four of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Adam Zampa are certainly a force. Sri Lanka have cause for optimism from their bowling innings though, as Wanindu Hasaranga made fools of top Aussie hitters and the pace attack held its own.

 

The Australian batting group could not establish any momentum on Friday night and the bulk of the work was done by Ben McDermott, who translated his BBL form into an international half century.

 

Love It- Marcus Stoinis ($13,500)

Before Game 1 I was unsure who would take on the fifth bowler role out of Stoinis and Glenn Maxwell but it was the former who did so to good effect, putting in an economical spell. Stoinis also had a good night with the stick, bashing a quick 30 in the middle order. With his role as a true all-rounded reinstated, its hard to go past the big Stoin at this price.

 

Love It- Josh Inglis ($12,500)

A role-based selection here. Inglis is the second cheapest Australian batter and is guaranteed an opportunity coming in at first drop, which bodes well for his fantasy scoring chances. The West Australian also looked comfortable at the crease in Game 1, making 23 before throwing his wicket away.

 

Don’t Love It- Glenn Maxwell ($20,200)

Maxy continues to tease in the world of fantasy. Now that I have written this article he may well make 100 and take three wickets tonight, but the fact that he did not bowl on Friday make it impossible for me to justify picking him at $20k.

 

Don’t Love It- Charith Asalanka ($15,600)

Asalanka did not get going on Friday night, making 16 (19) and I refuse to pay up for a Sri Lankan batsman considering my predicted narrative of the series. When it comes to picking players from the visiting side I will mostly be hunting for value, so Asalanka is not for me.

 

Who Knows- Aaron Finch ($15,500)

The seasoned veteran is undoubtedly skilled, but his recent form has me doubting whether we should expect much tonight. Finch was average in the BBL, producing some scores of note towards the end of the tournament. However, he looked in all-sorts last start.

 

Suggested Draftstars Line-up 

 
Always remember to gamble responsibly. When the fun stops, stop. If gambling is having a negative impact on your life, seek support at Gambling Help Online.  18+ only.