Unbeaten Australia take on SL

KARACHI: Australia have never had a World Twenty20 title and were knocked out in the first round after losing to West Indies and Sri Lanka last year.

This time, Australia are favourites as they are the only team undefeated this World Twenty20. Sri Lanka have lost only one game so far, the tournament-opener against New Zealand. Australia are riding on the backs of their hard-hitting openers and a solid middle order while Sri Lanka is depending on Mahela Jayawerdene’s solo cameos to get them through.

Batting to play pivotal role

The confidence in Australia’s batting prowess was best expressed by captain Michael Clarke’s decision to stay in the pavilion and send in David Hussey at number three and Brad Haddin at number four. Additionally, Australia have found firepower at the top of the order as their total of 184 for five was built on an opening stand of 104 between David Warner (72) and Shane Watson (54). Watson has a total of 139 runs from three innings while Warner is on 114. Australia have won throughout with doubledigit margins.

The Mahela factor If Jayawerdene falls early, chances are that Sri Lanka will follow suit. He has scored more runs this tournament than his squad combined. He looks in superb form and scored an unbeaten 98 as Sri Lanka began their SuperEight campaign with a crushing 57-run win over West Indies.