The current SL vs AUS 2022 ODI series has seen Sri Lanka win two of the first three matches. With two matches remaining, Sri Lanka are now in a strong position to win the series, as the momentum is now in their favor. Sri Lanka will win their first home ODI series against Australia in 30 years if they win the fourth or fifth match. Sri Lanka last won a bilateral One-Day International series against Australia at home in 1992.  The fourth match preview between Sri Lanka and Australia is discussed in this article.

Sri Lanka vs Australia Fourth ODI: Match Preview

Sri Lanka’s recent international form hasn’t been impressive and the team is in a rebuilding process. A few seriously talented cricketers have come up over the last couple of years. The Lankan Cricket Board is trying to formulate a strong limited-overs side by allowing their talented players more chances on the international stage. The patience that the Lankan Cricket Board has kept on their young players has finally paid off, as witnessed in the current Australia series.

The Australian team, on the other hand, was expecting to face a less challenging match against the Lankan side in the limited-overs format. However, the hosts have come up with a proper strategy and more intent in the ODI format. They overcame the Australian side in the second and third matches to take a 2-1 lead in the series. The fourth ODI will be held at R Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on Tuesday (June 21) at 3 p.m.

Read: Shoriful included in Bangladesh squad for 2nd Test against West Indies. 

Head-to-Head ODI record at the Premadasa Stadium

   Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/

Sri Lanka

The Lankan side has taken their home ground advantage by introducing some effective spinners into the ODI series contest. In addition, pacers Dushmantha Chameera and Chamika Karunaratne have managed to put pressure on the Aussie batting line-up. The bowling department has done their job pretty well.

In the third match, openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis were brilliant. Their partnership set the platform for the Lankan side to clinch the match. Nissanka’s maiden ODI hundred is an innings to remember. He, along with Kusal, will once again be important players for the hosts in the fourth match of the SL vs AUS 2022 series.

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Probable Playing XI

Top-Order: Niroshan Dickwella (wicket-keeper), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis;

Middle-Order: Dhananjaya de Silva, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (captain), Chamika Karunaratne, Dunith Wellalage;

Lower-Order: Jeffrey Vandersay, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana.

Australia

The Australian campaign should feel that they have to perform as a team in order to clinch the ODI series against Sri Lanka. They couldn’t chase down a low total in the second match, bowled out for only 189 with 12.5 overs to spare. The visitors made a strong batting display in the third match, but the bowling unit couldn’t defend the 291-run total. All the departments should have to put up a fighting spirit if Australia want to level the series against Sri Lanka.

Probable Playing XI

Top-Order: David Warner, Aaron Finch (captain), Mitchell Marsh;

Middle-Order: Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey (wicket-keeper), Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Swepson;

Lower-Order: Jhye Richardson, Matt Kuhnemann, Josh Hazlewood.

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Bottom Line

It's difficult to predict who will win the fourth ODI of the SL vs AUS 2022 series since the Australians have a reputation for coming back strong from nowhere. The visiting team can level the series with an aggressive performance on Tuesday. On the other hand, this will be a fantastic opportunity for Sri Lanka to win a bilateral ODI series against Australia in their own backyard for the first time since 1992. If they don't win, they will have a chance to win the series in the fifth match.