India first, Australia second. No, that wasn't an early prediction for the finals, just simply Sri Lanka's first two matches at this World Cup . It should only get easier from here but for a Sri Lankan outfit that, despite having played 31 ODIs between the 2022 World Cup and this one, has been crying out for consistent, high-level competition, this upcoming game will lay the most accurate marker yet on their upward trajectory over the past couple of years.

Having challenged the hosts India in the tournament opener , they fell short at key moments in that game, perhaps succumbing to the pressure of the occasion. And that pressure will only be cranked up against an imposing Australian outfit, one with so many avenues to hurt you, it's hard to pinpoint any single weak point that opponent

See Full Page