Australia v Sri Lanka predictions and Twenty20 cricket betting tips

Free cricket tips, best bets and analysis for Australia v Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup on Thursday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Cricket & Main Event, 3pm Wednesday

Best bet

Steve Smith top Australia runscorer
1pt 13-2 Betfair, Paddy Power

Match preview

Australia and Sri Lanka both won their opening Super 12 matches at the T20 World Cup and whichever team wins this clash will be in a strong position to qualify for the semi-finals with three Group One fixtures still to play.

Aaron Finch's men are strong favourites but the Lankans, unfancied at the beginning of the tournament, have built up a head of steam by easily winning their three first-round matches before claiming a victory over Bangladesh in Sharjah on Sunday.

Australia restricted South Africa to just 118-9 in their first match but struggled with the chase, getting home with two balls to spare after openers Finch and David Warner fell cheaply.

The Dubai International Stadium - where England bowled out the West Indies for just 55 and where South Africa chased down a moderate target against the same team - has proved difficult for power hitters and could produce another low-scoring contest.

If the struggling Finch and Warner fail to deliver again, Australia will look to red-ball talisman Steve Smith to steady the innings.

Far from a blasting T20 specialist, Smith looks well suited to the low, slow Dubai pitches and has been in excellent nick in the UAE, scoring 57 against India on this ground in Australia's first warm-up match, adding another 35 against New Zealand in the second, and compiling the same score against South Africa.

He has top-scored on each occasion and, at 13-2, looks overpriced to do so again given that Australia aren't certain to have things all their own way.

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