T20 World Cup 2022, AUS vs SL: Key face-offs

Australia vs Sri Lanka (Source: Twitter)

The fourth day of the Super 12 of ICC T20 World Cup 2022 will see just one match between Australia and Sri Lanka. After losing the first match against New Zealand, Australia will be eager to win the match and prove their point to the world. 

On the other hand, Sri Lanka have the winning momentum with them. They will like to defeat the defending champions and give new heights to their World Cup run. 

There will be some key face-offs within the match that will go a long way in determining the fate of the match. 

1.David Warner vs Maheesh Theekshana

Warner and Theekshana's face off will be important in the match (Source: Twitter)

David Warner will be one of the most important factors of the Australian batting in the match. Him being a left hander Sri Lanka will be looking to use Maheesh Theekshana against him. Also, the fact that Theekshana is quiet adept in bowling with the new ball surely points to Sri Lanka using him against Warner.

Let us look at their history in T20I cricket. 

Warner vs Theekshana in T20Is

Balance of the face-off

Warner has had the advantage over Theekshana in T20Is. His scoring rate against the bowler is an impressive 136.8 and he has been dismissed just once by the bowler. This face-off will be interesting to watch but, as far as history between the two is considered, Warner might dominate the duel. 

2. Kusal Mendis vs Josh Hazlewood

Kusal Mendis (Source: Twitter)

Kusal Mendis has been in a very good form in this tournament. He has given Sri Lanka two great starts in the last two matches on the back of which they were able to put up formidable batting efforts. 

Australia's one of the most key bowlers will be Josh Hazlewood. He will be surely bowling against Mendis. What could be the result of the duel? A peak into their previous records might give us an idea. 

Kusal Mendis vs Josh Hazlewood in T20Is

Balance of the face-off

Josh Hazlewood has totally dominated the contest against Kusal Mendis. In just 11 deliveries that Hazlewood has dismissed twice till now. He has also not allowed Mendis to score runs of him. So, Kusal Mendis will have to be careful against the Australian pacer. 

3. Glenn Maxwell and Wanindu Hasaranga

Maxwell's face off against Hasaranga will be important (Source: Twitter)

Glenn Maxwell has that capability to be the X-factor of the Australian batting order in any given match. On the other hand, the time Maxwell comes out to bat, Sri Lanka will be operating with Wanindu Hasaranga. 

It will be an interesting contest between the two and surely will go a long way in determining which way the match goes. 

Glenn Maxwell vs Wanindu Hasaranga in T20Is

Balance of the face-off

It has been an intriguing battle between the two. While Maxwell has taken the attack against Hasaranga and has scored at a rate of 164.30, the bowler has dismissed him 4 times in 28 balls.  So, it will be an interesting battle when the two players and will go long way in determining the way the match goes in the end. 

Pathum Nissanka vs Pat Cummins

Pathum Nissanka (Source: Twitter)

Pathum Nissanka will also be key to Sri Lanka's batting effort in the match. Since he will be opening the innings with Kusal Mendis, it is expected that he will have to face Cummins during his stay. 

Pathum Nissanka vs Pat Cummins in T20Is

Balance of the face-off

We can call this contest to be even till now. Neither the batter nor the bowler has been able to dominate the other previously. However, where the balance of this contest shifts today might determine the result of the match. 

Also Read: A fan's take on two of Kohli's best knocks