Sri Lanka Vs Austrelia 2nd ODI - Preview,Highlights

Sri Lanka v Australia: 2nd ODI – Match Preview

• 

Sri Lanka v Australia: 2^nd ODI – Match Preview,Highlights

Sri Lanka will take on Australia in the second One Day International (ODI) of the five-match series at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Hambantota in Sri Lanka on Sunday, August 14, 2011.

The visitors had a bad start to the tour, losing both Twenty20 games played under the captaincy of Cameron White. They seemed to be under immense pressure and struggled against the spin bowling of the Lankan Lions.

However, the momentum shifted once both teams played the first ODI of the series at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Australia were dominant throughout the game, as the 50-over and Test captain Michael Clarke made a successful start to his campaign.

Prior to the star of the first ODI, the tourists were expected to struggle in every format of the game, as they did in the Twenty20s.

Sri Lanka started the match as favourites and they were rated even higher after winning the toss on a slow pitch. However, the hosts were unable to make an impression and were restricted to 191 all out in just 41.1 overs.

The Kangaroos were still expected to struggle a bit, but they played professionally, winning the match comfortably by seven wickets and 71 balls remaining in the end.

Although the Aussie pacer Mitchell Johnson made the difference in the match witch a spectacular six-wicket haul, the return of veteran batsmen Ricky Ponting and Clarke was also crucial.

Both players had quit playing Twenty20 cricket, focussing fully on the ODIs and Tests. They scored half-centuries in their respective outings, guiding the team to a comprehensive win.

The Australian middle-order had lesser pressure, as the team was given a blistering start by all-rounder Shane Watson. He along with Brad Haddin has been a terrific opening pair for the team and will look to dominate the Sri Lankan bowling attack in today’s game as well.

There are some utility cricketers in the Australian lower-order, who can bat in any situation. The Hussey brothers David and Michael are followed by all-rounders Johnson and Steve Smith, who can all bat well under pressure situations.

Apart from the batting, the tourists’ have a decent pace attack led by veteran Brett Lee. There are three left-arm bowlers Johnson, Doug Bollinger and Xavier Doherty in the team, which is unusual for a team. However, the formula has worked well for the Aussies until now.

On the other hand, Sri Lanka will still be confident of being dominant in the series after their loss in the first ODI. The team has some quality batsmen in their top-order. Upul Tharanga and skipper Tillakaratne Dilshan gave a strong start to their side in the first game, but the batting collapsed once the openers got out.

However, some quality players like Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara will be eying to lead the comeback of their team in today’s game.

Sri Lanka’s bowling is likely to be strengthened by the return of pacer Lasith Malinga, who missed the Twenty20s and the first ODI following an injury. Apart from him, spinner Suraj Randiv and Ajantha Mendis will also be looking forward to make an impression.

Just one match earlier, the Sri Lankan team appeared to be the favourite, but it is the other way round now. However, both teams have the quality to provide wonderful entertainment to the spectators, playing competitive cricket.

Zimbabve Vs Bangladesh 2nd ODI Match Preview,Highlights

Zimbabwe v Bangladesh: 2nd ODI – Match Preview

•  

Zimbabwe v Bangladesh: 2^nd ODI – Match Preview,Highlights

Zimbabwe will take on Bangladesh in the second One Day International (ODI) of the five-match series at the Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe on Sunday, August 14, 2011.
The hosts had won the first match of the series comfortably by four wickets and 52 balls remaining, giving them a 1-0 lead in the series. Both teams also featured in one Test match prior to the ODIs, which was also won by the home team by a solid margin 130 runs.
Harare does not seem to suit the tourists much, as they have been unable to make an impression at the venue in the series until now. However, the second and third ODI will be played at the same venue, giving Bangladesh a chance to turn the tables around.
The pitch in Harare has been good for the batsmen, but has offered some assistance to the seamers. This has left the Bangladesh batsmen struggling to some extent, as they do not like the seaming ball.
The tourists will be hopeful of a better show in today’s game though, as they will expect the pitch to become a touch slower. There has been plenty of cricket played at the venue and the wicket will get slower and slower with the passage of time.
If there is some assistance for the spinner in the pitch, this will allow the Bangladesh spinners to dominate the game just as they did last year, when they hosted Zimbabwe in an ODI series.

Bangladesh will also be expecting a better show by their batsmen, as that is where the team has been struggling. The team has three left-handed players Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes and Shahriar Nafees at the top of the order. They have the potential of giving a solid start to the team, but have not clicked until now.

Tamim’s innings will be most important for the tourists, as he can change the complexion of the game in quick time. The flamboyant batsman has the ability to hit boundaries and has done well at the international arena against top teams as well.

There are a few experienced players in the Bangladeshi middle-order. The most experienced of them all is Mohammad Ashraful, who has proved to be a tremendous talent at his very best.

However, the veteran has struggled to live up to the expectations in the recent past. Apart from him, the team’s skipper Shakib Al Hasan has been with the team for quite some time and proved to be one of the best all-rounders in limited-over cricket. He struck a solid half-century in the first ODI, but lacked support from the other players.

There was some support for Shakib from wicketkeeper batsman Mushfiqur Rahim, who also contributed a half-century for the team. However, the rest of the batting failed miserably, leaving the tourists in a vulnerable position.

On the other hand, Zimbabwe have got off to a strong start in the series. The team has some solid batsmen like skipper Brendan Taylor, Tatenda Taibu, Hamilton Masakadza and Vusi Sibanda.

The hosts lacked fire power in their bowling, but have found some quality fast bowlers, especially Brian Vitori. The left-arm seamer took a five-wicket haul in his debut game and had excellent support from Chris Mpofu and spinner Ray Price.

With the advantage of home conditions and winning momentum, Zimbabwe will certainly start the game as favourites. However, the Bangladesh team has the potential to bounce back strongly in the series and will be eying a solid show in today’s game.

Tagged in: Bangladesh, Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan, preview, Tamim Iqbal, Mohammad Ashraful, ODI, Test, Zimbabwe, Hamilton Masakadza, Brendan Taylor, Imrul Kayes, vusi sibanda, Harare Sports Club, Shahriar Nafees, Chris Mpofu, Ray Price, Brian Vitori

Test your Cricket knowledge by placing free betting on cricket matches. Get most accurate Cricket betting odds and picks for successful betting.