Australia and Sri Lanka will yet again be up against each other, for the 4th T20 International which is to be played in the Melbourne Cricket Ground this Friday. Australia has already acquired an unassailable 3-0 lead in the 5-match T20 series. With two matches yet to go, the Australians would be looking for a clean-sweep while the Sri Lankan side would be looking prevent it. Both the remaining T20Is are scheduled to be played in Melbourne, hence we will be discussing the Pitch Report and the T20 Records of the venue, along with the weather forecast for the last two AUS vs SL T20Is.
The Sri Lankan batting has not been able to step up so far in the series. Apart from a couple of Sri Lankan batters, none of the others have looked good enough. On the other hand, the hosts have dominated in the games so far as both their bowling and batting departments have worked well in unison. Australia registered a comfortable 20-run win the first T20 which was followed by a super-over win in the 2nd T20. The third T20 as well was won convincingly by the hosts as they chased down the 121 run total in the 17th over with six wickets in hand.
Steven Smith who suffered a concussion while fielding in the 2nd T20 won’t be available for Australia in the remainder of the series. While star Sri Lankan bowler Wanindu Hasaranga won’t be available for Sri Lanka as he was tested positive for Covid-19 a couple of days ago.
Melbourne Cricket Ground Pitch Report
The Melbourne Cricket Stadium is generally known for its batting friendly wickets. The pitch however does offer initial assistance to the pacers with a handy bit of bounce. The spinners as well get some purchase from the wicket during the middle overs. Interestingly, the bowlers have managed to restrict the batsmen from scoring huge totals in the T20 internationals played here in the recent past.
Weather During AUS vs SL match
The weather is expected to remain mostly cloudy over the weekend but no rain is expected during the match-time. Hence, the fans would be able to enjoy the match without any delays.
MCG T20 Records
A total of 15 T20 Internationals have been played in the Melbourne Cricket Ground out of which the teams batting first and second both have won 7 matches each.
Total matches | 15 |
Matches won batting first | 7 |
Matches won bowling first | 7 |
Average 1st Inns scores | 141 |
Average 2nd Inns scores | 126 |
Highest total recorded | 184/4 (20 Ov) by AUSW vs INDW |
Lowest total recorded | 74/10 (17.3 Ov) by IND vs AUS |
Highest score chased | 172/5 (20 Ov) by SL vs AUS |
Lowest score defended | 127/10 (18.4 Ov) by AUS vs PAK |