Australia vs Sri Lanka Prediction: More woe for wounded Aussies

Australia endured a disastrous build-up to the T20 World Cup, and while they opened their campaign with a 67-run win over Ireland, they suffered arguably the greatest shock in their white-ball history when losing to Zimbabwe by 27 runs on Friday.

They almost certainly need to win their remaining Group B fixtures to have any chance of qualifying but may come unstuck against co-hosts Sri Lanka in Kandy on Monday (13:30, Sky Sports Cricket, Sky Sports Main Event).

The Islanders beat Ireland by 20 runs in their error-strewn opener in Colombo, but then destroyed Oman by 105 runs at the Pallekelle Cricket Ground on Thursday.

Cricket odds

Team news

Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, plus Mitchell Starc's retirement from T20Is, left the Australian attack short from the outset.

Mitch Marsh is also struggling with injury and while Steve Smith has joined the party, he has yet to be officially added to the tournament squad of 15 and remains on standby.

Sri Lanka are without Wanindu Hasaranga for the remainder of the tournament due to a hamstring injury suffered against Ireland.

Match odds

Sri Lanka to win @ 15/8

Australia have lost only two of their previous 14 T20Is against Sri Lanka but this is their first meeting since October 2022 and things are not going the Aussies' way.

Multiple injuries, plus a 3-0 whitewash in their preparation series in Pakistan, which included a record defeat, have set the tone for a difficult campaign.
Although they beat Ireland, their loss to Zimbabwe was disastrous, and their form appears to be heading in a different direction from Sri Lanka's.

Nerves may have been an issue for the co-hosts in their opening win over Ireland but they were superb in beating Oman, tallying 225-5 from their 20 overs before restricting their opponents to 120-9.

They look a more settled side than Australia, their spinners are controlling games and the middle order is also delivering when required, while playing at home is also in their favour.

Dasun Shanaka's team might be the underdogs, but they look worth supporting considering Australia's plight.

Top Australia Batter - Glenn Maxwell @ 8/1

Australia's top order has struggled against spin so far in this tournament, placing additional pressure on their middle order. With Sri Lanka reliant on spin, Glenn Maxwell may have a big role to play.

Among the best players of spin on the planet, his sweep, reverse and footwork make him the ideal player to provide a counterpunch and, regardless of the result, Maxwell has the profile to keep his country in matches.

Cricket Betting tips with Betfred Insights.