| 0.0 : What will be Sri Lankaâs mantra for a win in this game? Spin? Has to be spin. Australians have been quite vulnerable against the turning ball. They would dearly hope, Wanindu Hasaranga can get back to his best in this game and they would love Maheesh Theekshana to be available as his mystery can cause a few problems. |
| Australia too, will rely on their bowling. Their batting lineup is strong but not in form. We saw the quality in the bowling department in the last game and it wonât come as a surprise if we do see another good performance by them against a not-so-reliable Lanka batting. Stay tuned for toss and further updates. |
| PITCH REPORT - Alan Wilkins says that this is the same pitch as India vs Pakistan match. Dale Steyn adds that length is the key on pitches of UAE, when the lengths are dragged back it is difficult to score. Tells that whoever wins the toss will decide to chase. |
| ....MATCH DAY.... |
| TOSS UPDATE - Aaron Finch and Dasun Shanaka are out in the middle for the all-important toss. The coin goes up and lands in favour of the former. Australia have elected to BOWL first. |
| Australia (Unchanged Playing XI) - Aaron Finch (C), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steven Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood. |
| Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Kusal Perera (WK), Pathum Nissanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana (In for Binura Fernando), Lahiru Kumara. |
| Aaron Finch, the skipper of Australia, says it looks like a good wicket and it won't change a lot, it is not as hot as it usually is and he would look to chase well later on. Adds it was a good bowling performance in the last game. States in such tournaments you just need to get the points anyhow and it does not matter how. Informs that they are unchanged going into this game. |
| Dasun Shanaka, the skipper of Sri Lanka, says that they would have bowled first as well. Says that it is a good contest and the players are prepared. Informs that Maheesh Theekshana comes in for Binura Fernando. Adds that spinners are crucial in this game and he is very happy to lead this side. |
| Hello and a very warm welcome to yet another exciting encounter of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021! The Sri Lankans look a completely different team to what they were before arriving to the UAE. Their players have stepped up to the occasion and are still to be beaten in this tournament. They though face their toughest test so far as they face the mighty Aussies. Both sides will be confident heading into the fixture and both have momentum but the Aussies are big favourites to win this one. Can t |
| The players of both the teams are out for their respective national anthems! First, it will be the anthem of Sri Lanka, followed by the anthem of Australia! We are done with the national anthems now and it is game time! The players of Australia spread out on the field. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera are the opening batters for Sri Lanka. Mitchell Starc will start with the ball. |
| 0.1 : Mitchell Starc to Pathum Nissanka, Good start from Starc and Nissanka! Starc lands it on a length, gets it to move back in a little from around off. Nissanka plays it towards mid off and gets to the other end. Sri Lanka and Pathum are underway. |
| 0.2 : Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, Leading edge but two! Swing for Starc again! This is fuller, it starts on middle and then shapes away. Perera looks to work it against the movement which is on the leg side. It goes off the leading edge down to third man for two. |
| 0.3 : Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, BEATEN! This is fuller and outside off, moves away further. Perera goes hard at it but is beaten. |
| 0.4 : Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, WIDE! Down the leg side, Starc was probably looking for the magic ball, he tries to swing it from around middle and leg towards off but it slips down the leg side as there is no swing. Wided. |
| Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, Well fielded! Good shot too! Perera finally times one. He just lets the ball come to him and strokes it towards cover. The fielder at cover dives to his left and makes a half stop. Single taken. |
| 0.5 : Mitchell Starc to Pathum Nissanka, Well fielded yet again! Already around 6 runs saved in the field by the Aussies! Starc drags his length back and bowls it on off, Nissanka guides it towards point. The fielder dives to his right and saves at least two for his side. A single in the end. |
| 0.6 : Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, A dot to end! On middle, Perera works it to mid-wicket. 6 from the first over then. |
| 1.1 : Josh Hazlewood to Pathum Nissanka, Good length and on off, Nissanka defends it to mid off. |
| 0.6 : Who will bowl from the other end? Josh Hazlewood it is. |
| 1.2 : Josh Hazlewood to Pathum Nissanka, Good stop! Angled into the pads this time, Nissanka flicks but the fielder at square leg dives to his right and stops it. |
| 1.3 : Josh Hazlewood to Pathum Nissanka, Another one on a length and around off, Nissanka guides it to point. Really good start by Hazlewood. |
| 1.4 : Josh Hazlewood to Pathum Nissanka, Really good running! On middle, Nissanka works it towards mid on, he takes off and completes the run easily. |
| 1.5 : Josh Hazlewood to Kusal Perera, Good length and on off, Perera guides it to point. Just the single from the over, can he end it well? |
| 1.6 : Josh Hazlewood to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Fails to end it well and Sri Lanka bag their first boundary! Shorter and on middle, Perera pulls, not off the middle but finds the gap in the mid-wicket region. Boundary. |
| 2.1 : Pat Cummins to Pathum Nissanka, On the fuller side and on middle, Nissanka works it to mid on. |
| 0.0 : Pat Cummins comes to bowl now. |
| 2.2 : Pat Cummins to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! That is a lovely shot! Angled into the pads, Nissanka plays a picture-perfect pick-up shot, somewhat like Mahela Jayawardene used to, it goes over square leg and a boundary results. |
| 2.3 : Pat Cummins to Pathum Nissanka, OUT! TAKEN! Cummins strikes back! Early wicket for Australia, just what they would have wanted. Cummins goes slightly fuller and on off, Nissanka looks to loft it over mid off. Does not get the timing on it, it is more off the bottom. The fielder, Warner moves back and takes a simple catch. |
| Charith Asalanka walks out to bat. |
| 2.4 : Pat Cummins to Charith Asalanka, NO BALL AND FOUR! Charith Asalanka continues from where he left off in the last game! He needs no sighters. This is short and on middle, Asalanka pulls it over square leg for a boundary. Also, Cummins has overstepped, a Free-Hit coming up. |
| Pat Cummins to Charith Asalanka, FOUR! Up and over! That is a lovely shot. He did not look to hit the ball hard. Watched it closely, it was a low full toss on off. Did not lose his shape and just lofts it nonchalantly over mid off for back-to-back boundaries. He is off to a very good start. |
| 2.5 : Pat Cummins to Charith Asalanka, Good length and on off, drags his length back does Cummins. Defended. |
| 2.6 : Pat Cummins to Charith Asalanka, A single to end! A wicket in it but 14 runs from it! Outside off, Asalanka looks to guide it down to third man but it goes more off the top edge to that region for one. |
| Glenn Maxwell comes into the attack. |
| 3.1 : Glenn Maxwell to Charith Asalanka, SIX! BANG! What a shot that is! Welcome into the attack, Maxwell. This is on middle, Asalanka brings out the slog sweep and he nails it, it sails over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. |
| 3.2 : Glenn Maxwell to Charith Asalanka, Drags his length back and bowls it on middle, defended. |
| 3.3 : Glenn Maxwell to Charith Asalanka, FOUR! Nicely timed! Charith Asalanka has come out all guns blazing! On middle, he plays the sweep, controls it really well and hits it through square leg for a boundary. |
| 3.4 : Glenn Maxwell to Charith Asalanka, FIVE WIDES! Glenn Maxwell is feeling the pressure here! He slips this one down the leg side. Charith Asalanka looks to sweep but misses. Wade fails to collect it and it races away. Bonus runs. Lanka off to a flier. |
| Glenn Maxwell to Charith Asalanka, A quick run now! On off, Charith Asalanka pushes it towards mid off and takes one. |
| 3.5 : Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Perera, On middle, Perera takes a watchful approach as he blocks it out. |
| 3.6 : Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Perera, Two dots in a row to end but another huge over. On middle, Perera plays it back to the bowler. |
| 4.1 : Josh Hazlewood to Charith Asalanka, Good length and on off, Asalanka guides it to point. |
| 0.0 : Josh Hazlewood is back on. He replaces Pat Cummins. |
| 4.2 : Josh Hazlewood to Charith Asalanka, Outstanding fielding! That though was timed brilliantly! Fuller and on off, Asalanka times it but towards extra cover who makes a really good stop. |
| 4.3 : Josh Hazlewood to Charith Asalanka, That one stays a touch low! Outside off, Charith Asalanka looks to guide it down to third man but this one stays low and he is beaten. Three dots in a row. Pressure building. |
| 4.4 : Josh Hazlewood to Charith Asalanka, Make that 4 in a row! Hits the deck hard, lands it on off, good length. Charith Asalanka hangs back and defends. |
| 4.5 : Josh Hazlewood to Charith Asalanka, FOUR! Not timed but gets the result he needed! Length and on middle, Charith Asalanka stands tall and slaps it over the bowler's head. It does not go off the middle. Warner from mid off hares after it, slides but does not stop it. |
| 4.6 : Josh Hazlewood to Charith Asalanka, A single to end! Sri Lanka moving along nicely! Length and on off, this is guided down to third man for one. |
| 5.1 : Pat Cummins to Charith Asalanka, A nicely bowled slower one on off, Charith Asalanka plays it onto the ground. |
| 5.2 : Pat Cummins to Charith Asalanka, Slashes but misses! Shorter and angling away. Stays low. Asalanka throws his bat at it but misses. |
| 5.3 : Pat Cummins to Charith Asalanka, Well fielded! Fuller, another slower one. Charith Asalanka swings hard, this goes more off the inner half towards mid on. The fielder there dives to his left and makes a good stop. Just the one. |
| 5.4 : Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Top edge and a boundary! Luck favoring Lanka at the moment and 50 up for them! Shorter and on off, Perera looks to pull but this flies off the top edge, towards third man who was just got in. Boundary. Lanka won't mind how they come as long as they do. |
| 5.5 : Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera, Angled into the pads, Perera works it through square leg for one. |
| 5.6 : Pat Cummins to Charith Asalanka, A single to end the Powerplay and it is a good one for Lanka! A slower one on middle, this is worked to square leg for one. Sri Lanka are 53 for 1. |
| 6.1 : Marcus Stoinis to Charith Asalanka, A full ball, slanting outside off. Asalanka smashes it to deep cover who carries it on a bounce. One. |
| 0.0 : Marcus Stoinis comes into the attack. |
| 6.2 : Marcus Stoinis to Kusal Perera, Two taken! This was a slower ball, on a length, outside off. Perera lifts it to wide long off for a brace. |
| 6.3 : Marcus Stoinis to Kusal Perera, Slower again, on a length, outside off. Perera pushes it to deep cover for a single. |
| 6.4 : Marcus Stoinis to Charith Asalanka, Nicely driven but just for two! A full ball, outside off. Asalanka drives it to the left of deep cover for just two runs as the fielder cuts it off. |
| 6.5 : Marcus Stoinis to Charith Asalanka, Short ball, on middle. Asalanka pulls it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 6.6 : Marcus Stoinis to Kusal Perera, Nicely bowled to end the over! Stoinis looks for the yorker and serves one around off. Perera jams it out back to the bowler. |
| 7.1 : Adam Zampa to Charith Asalanka, A short ball, on off. Asalanka pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 0.0 : Adam Zampa comes into the attack now. |
| 7.2 : Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, Appeal for LBW but not given! That one spun sharply! A tossed up ball, full on middle, it lands and spins away sharply. Perera looks to defend but misses and gets hit on the pads. |
| 7.3 : Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, Full on middle. Kusal Perera reverse sweeps it but straight to short third man. |
| 7.4 : Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, A loopy ball, on middle. Perera prods and flicks it to square leg for a single. |
| 7.5 : Adam Zampa to Charith Asalanka, Another single! Full and on middle. Asalanka lunges and tucks it to the mid-wicket region and takes a single. |
| 7.6 : Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, Just four singles of the over then. Good start from Zampa! A full ball, on middle. Perera flicks it to long on for one run. |
| 8.1 : Marcus Stoinis to Kusal Perera, Very full, on middle. Perera pushes it to mid off for a single. 50-stand between these two batters. |
| 8.2 : Marcus Stoinis to Charith Asalanka, Bangs a short one now, with good pace and on off. Charith Asalanka tries to pull but misses. |
| 8.3 : Marcus Stoinis to Charith Asalanka, A length ball, outside off. Asalanka steps across and slaps it to extra cover for a single. |
| 8.4 : Marcus Stoinis to Kusal Perera, FOUR! He really hit that with some venom! A full ball, outside off. Perera slaps it through covers and wide of long off for a boundary. Welcome boundary. |
| 8.5 : Marcus Stoinis to Kusal Perera, FOUR! Consecutive boundaries! A full ball, width on offer, outside off. Perera carves it through point and the ball races away to the fence. |
| 8.6 : Marcus Stoinis to Kusal Perera, Yorker now, on middle. Perera squeezes it out to square leg for a single. 11 coming of the over. |
| 9.1 : Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, A full ball, way outside off. Perera drags it to deep square leg for a single. |
| 9.2 : Adam Zampa to Charith Asalanka, A full ball, on middle. Asalanka dances in his crease and then pushes it softly down to long off for a single. |
| 9.3 : Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, Very full, outside off. Perera works it to the mid-wicket region for one more. |
| 9.4 : Adam Zampa to Charith Asalanka, OUT! TAKEN! Asalanka was batting so nicely but now he has to depart for a well-made 35! A googly from Zampa, it was full and outside off. Charith Asalanka tries to slog sweep it and connects it well. He hits it flat and straight towards deep square leg where Steven Smith runs forward and takes a good low catch. Australia will look to build on this now. |
| 9.5 : Adam Zampa to Avishka Fernando, Tossed up, full and on middle. Defended. |
| 9.6 : Adam Zampa to Avishka Fernando, Shorter, flatter and on middle. Avishka Fernando turns it to long on for a single. |
| 9.4 : DRINKS! Sri Lanka have started really well and would be happier of the two sides going into the break! Charith Asalanka has got out just at the stroke of Drinks break but he has laid a solid foundation for the batters to follow! Australia would look to chip in with wickets and stop the run-flow! Avishka Fernando walks out to bat. |
| 9.6 : Mitchell Starc is back on. Went for 6 runs in his first over. |
| 10.1 : Mitchell Starc to Avishka Fernando, Starc starts with a length ball, around off. Avishka Fernando steers it to third man for a single. |
| 10.2 : Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, SIX! WOW! Kusal Perera has picked the bones out of that! Starc errs in length and bowls it full, around middle. Perera stays back and sends it sailing way, way over long on for a biggie! |
| 10.3 : Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, OUT! BOWLED! What a delivery from Mitchell Starc and he has the last laugh! Starc hurls a pacy yorker, around off. Kusal Perera looks to dig it out but he misses. The ball crashes onto his middle stump! Excellent comeback from Starc to get rid of the dangerous Perera! |
| Bhanuka Rajapaksa is in the middle now. |
| 10.4 : Mitchell Starc to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Yorker-length ball, on middle. Bhanuka Rajapaksa jams it out to mid on and takes a run. David Warner runs to his right from mid on and keeps it to one. |
| 10.5 : Mitchell Starc to Avishka Fernando, Starc bangs it into the deck, around leg. Avishka Fernando looks to pull but he miscues it to square leg. A single taken. |
| 10.6 : Mitchell Starc to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Top over from Mitchell Starc! He serves a pin-point yorker, around off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa digs it out watchfully. |
| 11.1 : Adam Zampa to Avishka Fernando, Flatter ball, on middle. Avishka Fernando skips down and pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 11.2 : Adam Zampa to Avishka Fernando, Tossed up, on middle. Avishka Fernando shimmies down and tucks it to the leg side for a single. |
| 11.3 : Adam Zampa to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, BEATEN! A googly, around off, turning away sharply. Bhanuka Rajapaksa looks to drive on the up but the ball zips past his outside edge. |
| 11.4 : Adam Zampa to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, This is flatter, on a length, around off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa stays back and guides it to short third man for a run. |
| 11.5 : Adam Zampa to Avishka Fernando, OUT! CAUGHT! Adam Zampa strikes yet again and Sri Lanka lose their fourth wicket now! Zampa hurls a loopy ball, fuller in length, on off. Avishka Fernando looks to slog-sweep but he only manages a top edge and the ball lobs up in the air towards extra cover. Steven Smith there settles under it and takes a good catch. |
| Wanindu Hasaranga is the new man in. |
| 11.6 : Adam Zampa to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Well bowled! Another googly, around off, turning away late. Bhanuka Rajapaksa looks to defend but the ball spins past his outside edge. Just 2 runs and wicket from the over! |
| 12.1 : Mitchell Starc to Wanindu Hasaranga, FOUR! Streaky way to get off the mark but Wanindu Hasaranga will not mind that! Good-length ball, outside off, shaping away late. Hasaranga looks to drive on the up but it goes off the outside edge between the keeper and the gully fielder for a boundary. |
| 12.2 : Review time! Wanindu Hasaranga has taken a review for caught behind. Ultra Edge shows a spike as the ball passes the bat. The on-field decision stays and Sri Lanka lose their review. |
| 12.3 : Mitchell Starc to Dasun Shanaka, Good-length ball, on off. Dasun Shanaka blocks it out. |
| 12.2 : The skipper, Dasun Shanaka walks out. |
| Mitchell Starc to Wanindu Hasaranga, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Sri Lanka lose a review and they are in deep trouble now! Good-length ball, outside off, moving away after landing. Wanindu Hasaranga looks to play another expansive drive but it takes the bottom edge and goes to Matthew Wade behind the sticks who makes no mistake. Hasaranga opts for a review as he thinks he has not hit that! The Ultra Edge confirms that there was bat involved and he walks back. |
| 12.4 : Mitchell Starc to Dasun Shanaka, Oh, dear! That could have been the sixth wicket had Mitchell Marsh hit the stumps at the striker's end. Good-length ball, on off. Dasun Shanaka pushes it to cover and takes off for a run. Bhanuka Rajapaksa is not interested and he sends him back. Marsh misses his shy at the striker's end Dasun Shanaka survives! |
| 12.5 : Mitchell Starc to Dasun Shanaka, Short ball, on off. Dasun Shanaka dabs it to cover. |
| 12.6 : Mitchell Starc to Dasun Shanaka, A single to end the over! Length ball, on leg. Dasun Shanaka clips it to mid-wicket for a single. |
| 13.1 : Adam Zampa to Dasun Shanaka, Tossed up, around off. Dasun Shanaka hits it straight back to the bowler. |
| 13.2 : Adam Zampa to Dasun Shanaka, Flatter ball, on off. Dasun Shanaka stays back and punches it back to the bowler. |
| 13.3 : Adam Zampa to Dasun Shanaka, Three dots in a row! Another flatter ball, on middle and leg. Dasun Shanaka tucks it to mid-wicket. |
| 13.4 : Adam Zampa to Dasun Shanaka, Make that four in a row! Swing and a miss! Tossed up, outside off. Dasun Shanaka looks to sweep but he misses. |
| 13.5 : Adam Zampa to Dasun Shanaka, Loopy ball, darted on the pads. Dasun Shanaka flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 13.6 : Adam Zampa to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, A googly, fuller in length, around off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa drives it to long off for a run. That ends a very fine spell from Adam Zampa! He finishes with figures of (4-0-12-2). |
| Josh Hazlewood is back into the attack. |
| 14.1 : Josh Hazlewood to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, A length ball, on off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa nudges it to mid-wicket. |
| 14.2 : Josh Hazlewood to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, On the pads. Bhanuka Rajapaksa flicks it uppishly and wide of deep square leg for a couple. |
| 14.3 : Josh Hazlewood to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, FOUR! Crunched! Welcome boundary and also 100 up for Sri Lanka! A full ball, outside off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa smashes it to covers for a boundary. |
| 14.4 : Josh Hazlewood to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, In the air and safe! A short ball, on middle. Bhanuka Rajapaksa looks to pull but mistimes it and hits it towards short fine leg for a single. |
| 14.5 : Josh Hazlewood to Dasun Shanaka, A length ball, on off, tapped to point. |
| 14.6 : Josh Hazlewood to Dasun Shanaka, Angles it on the pads, flicked to deep square leg for a single. |
| 15.1 : Pat Cummins to Dasun Shanaka, A length ball, on middle, tucked to mid-wicket. |
| 0.0 : Pat Cummins (2-0-21-1) comes back to bowl. |
| 15.2 : Pat Cummins to Dasun Shanaka, In the air and safe again! A full ball, outside off. Dasun Shanaka looks to clear the long off rope but hits it off the bottom of his bat and to the vacant long off region for a brace. |
| 15.3 : Pat Cummins to Dasun Shanaka, On a length, on off. Dasun Shanaka works it on the off side for a single. |
| 15.4 : Pat Cummins to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, A short ball, on middle, 143 clicks. Bhanuka Rajapaksa tries to ramp it away but misses it. |
| 15.5 : Pat Cummins to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, A slower ball, Short in length and on off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa waits and then guides it to third man for a single. |
| 15.6 : Pat Cummins to Dasun Shanaka, WIDE! Tries the short ball again, on middle. It is way over Dasun Shanaka and the umpire calls it a wide. |
| Pat Cummins to Dasun Shanaka, A slower length ball, on off. Dasun Shanaka pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 16.1 : Marcus Stoinis to Dasun Shanaka, Full and on middle, flicked to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 16.2 : Marcus Stoinis to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, FOUR! Improvisation from Bhanuka Rajapaksa! A low full toss, outside off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa slips as he tries to sweep but does well to connect it and clear square leg for a boundary. |
| 16.3 : Marcus Stoinis to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, FOUR! Sri Lanka are clearly targeting the Aussies fifth bowler! A short of a length, on middle. Bhanuka Rajapaksa pulls it to mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 0.0 : Marcus Stoinis (2-0-18-0)Â is back on. |
| 16.5 : Marcus Stoinis to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, A length ball, way outside off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa throws the kitchen sink at it but fails to connect. |
| 16.6 : Marcus Stoinis to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, WIDE! Marcus Stoinis has to reload again! A short ball, banged on middle. Bhanuka Rajapaksa watches it sail over. |
| Marcus Stoinis to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Slower, full and way outside off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa hits it to deep cover for a single. Brilliant over for Sri Lanka, 17 coming of it. |
| 17.1 : Pat Cummins to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wide! Cummins bowls it slower but spills this one down leg. Bhanuka Rajapaksa skips down and misses his nudge. Wided! |
| Pat Cummins to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Slower ball, into the pitch, down leg. Bhanuka Rajapaksa tucks it behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 16.4 : Marcus Stoinis to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, SIX! THUMPED! Just the over Sri Lanka needed! A full ball, outside off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa hammers it over long off for a biggie. |
| 17.2 : Pat Cummins to Dasun Shanaka, Top delivery! A yorker, around off. Dasun Shanaka jams it out towards backward point. |
| 17.3 : Pat Cummins to Dasun Shanaka, FOUR! CRUNCHED! Full ball, outside off. Dasun Shanaka stays back, clears his front leg and pierces the gap between extra cover and mid off to collect a boundary. |
| 17.4 : Pat Cummins to Dasun Shanaka, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Australia continue to chip away and Sri Lanka now lose their skipper, Dasun Shanaka! Another slower ball, into the pitch, outside off. Dasun Shanaka looks to heave it away but he only manages a top edge. The ball goes high into the night sky behind the sticks. Matthew Wade settles under it and takes a good catch. |
| Chamika Karunaratne walks out. |
| 17.5 : Pat Cummins to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, A slower short ball, outside off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa swings and misses. |
| 17.6 : Pat Cummins to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Single to end the over! A short ball, on middle. Bhanuka Rajapaksa tries to pull but it takes the gloves and rolls towards short fine leg for a single. |
| Mitchell Starc to bowl the penultimate over. |
| 18.1 : Mitchell Starc to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Leg bye! A low full toss, darted on the pads. Bhanuka Rajapaksa misses the flick and gets hit low on the pads. The ball rolls away for a leg bye! |
| 18.2 : Mitchell Starc to Chamika Karunaratne, FOUR! What a way to get off the mark! Full ball, outside off. Chamika Karunaratne reaches out and lofts it over mid off to collect a boundary. |
| 18.3 : Mitchell Starc to Chamika Karunaratne, Yorker-length ball, outside off. Chamika Karunaratne pushes it to mid off and takes off for a run. |
| 18.4 : Mitchell Starc to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Leg bye! A low full toss, angling in from middle. Bhanuka Rajapaksa misses his flick yet again and gets hit on the pad. The ball rolls away to the leg side and the batters sneak in a leg bye. |
| 18.5 : Mitchell Starc to Chamika Karunaratne, Full ball, outside off. Chamika Karunaratne squeezes it out to extra cover. |
| 18.6 : Mitchell Starc to Chamika Karunaratne, Good running! Full toss, outside off. Chamika Karunaratne slices it to wide of deep cover and scampers back for the second run. 9 runs from the penultimate over! |
| Josh Hazlewood to bowl the final over. |
| 19.1 : Josh Hazlewood to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, FOUR! That is a lovely shot! Full ball, around leg. Bhanuka Rajapaksa makes room on the off side and carves it through covers. Pat Cummins at sweeper cover runs to his left and puts in a dive to stop the ball but the ball wins as it ricochets off his hand. |
| 19.2 : Josh Hazlewood to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Leg bye! Yorker-length ball, down leg. Bhanuka Rajapaksa misses his flick. The ball rolls away to the leg side after brushing his pads. A leg bye! |
| 19.3 : Josh Hazlewood to Chamika Karunaratne, Full ball, outside off. Chamika Karunaratne reaches out and drags it to long off for a single. |
| 19.4 : Josh Hazlewood to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wide! A wayward delivery from Josh Hazlewood! He bowls it short, but way down leg. Bhanuka Rajapaksa misses his slog. Wide called by the umpire. |
| Josh Hazlewood to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Leg bye! Full ball, in the slot, around leg. Bhanuka Rajapaksa misses his flick and gets hit low on his pad. The ball rolls away to the leg side for a leg bye! |
| 19.5 : Josh Hazlewood to Chamika Karunaratne, Another full ball, well outside off. Chamika Karunaratne reaches out and drives it to deep cover for a run. |
| 19.6 : Josh Hazlewood to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Top delivery to end the innings! Hazlewood hurls a yorker as Bhanuka Rajapaksa makes room on the off side. Rajapaksa digs it out to cover. A single taken! Sri Lanka finish with 154/6. |
| So 154 is what Lanka have got to! Really not sure if they will be pleased with that score, especially after the start they got. It is still a fighting total though but one has to believe, the Aussies will be the happier side heading into the break. |
| Most of the bowlers did a decent job for the Aussies. Zampa, Starc and Hazlewood were right on the money. Cummins came back well towards the end but it was the 5th bowler that went for a lot of runs. The combination of Maxwell and Stoinis went for over 50 in the 4 overs they bowled. Still though they will be pretty pleased with where they are in the game. |
| 19.3 : Josh Hazlewood strides to deliver but Bhanuka Rajapaksa backs away as there is some issue with the sight screen. |
| 19.6 : Mitchell Starc is up for a chat, he says that he had some stripe on his leg but he is happy to get some overs. Says that they have done well to restrict Sr Lanka and will hope to chase it out. |
| Australia should fancy themselves to chase this down. If they play the spinners well, they should well be on course to a comfortable win. Sri Lanka on the other hand, know it is their spinners who will have to play the key role. There is a little turn in the wicket but will it ease up, will the dew come in play? We will find out shortly. |
| ... THE RUN CHASE ... |
| After being inserted, the Lankans lost a wicket early but Asalanka and Perera with a 50-run stand not only steadied the ship but also laid the foundation for a good total. However, once Asalanka fell, there was a small procession and Lanka found themselves in trouble at 94 for 5. A good partnership though between Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Dasun Shanaka has taken their side to a decent total. |
| 0.4 : Chamika Karunaratne to Aaron Finch, Again gets hit on the pads! A full ball, angling on the pads. Aaron Finch looks to flick but gets rapped on the pads. |
| 0.5 : Chamika Karunaratne to Aaron Finch, FOUR! Width and punished! A length ball, way outside off. Aaron Finch has all the time to pick his spot and hits it well wide of sweeper cover and bags another boundary. |
| 0.6 : Chamika Karunaratne to Aaron Finch, Brilliant delivery! That one shapes back in! A length ball, around off, it lands and jags back in. Aaron Finch tries to defend but gets beaten on the inside edge and the ball rolls over the middle pole. |
| 1.1 : Maheesh Theekshana to David Warner, A flatter ball, on middle. Warner blocks it out. |
| 0.6 : Who will bowl from the other end? Maheesh Theekshana it is. |
| 1.2 : Maheesh Theekshana to David Warner, FOUR! One bounce and over the ropes! A tossed up ball, full on middle. David Warner gets into the position quickly as he reverse sweeps it well over short third man for a boundary. |
| 1.3 : Maheesh Theekshana to David Warner, Quicker now, on middle. Warner nudges it on the leg side for a single. |
| 1.4 : Maheesh Theekshana to Aaron Finch, This one slides on the pads, Finch flicks it to square leg. |
| 1.5 : Maheesh Theekshana to Aaron Finch, Looks for two but settles with single! A short ball, on middle. Aaron Finch skips down and tucks it to deep mid-wicket and takes one. |
| 1.6 : Maheesh Theekshana to David Warner, Slight hesitation in the middle but Warner is safe! On middle. Warner turns it with soft hands to mid-wicket and looks for a quick run. Finch yells 'NO' and stays against the single. |
| 0.3 : Chamika Karunaratne to Aaron Finch, FOUR! Finch is underway with a boundary! A length ball, outside off. Finch slaps it through point and the ball races away to the fence. |
| 0.1 : Chamika Karunaratne to David Warner, A length ball, on the pads, flicked to square leg for a single. Australia and David Warner are off the mark straigtaway. |
| 0.2 : Chamika Karunaratne to Aaron Finch, An appeal for LBW but not given! Might be sliding down! A length ball, around middle, nipping further away! Aaron Finch misses his flick and gets hit on the pads. |
| 1.6 : Dushmantha Chameera comes to bowl. |
| 2.1 : Dushmantha Chameera to Aaron Finch, FOUR! Nicely driven! A full ball, on middle. Aaron Finch drives it nicely and beats the diving mid on fielder for a boundary. |
| 2.2 : Dushmantha Chameera to Aaron Finch, On a length, on middle. Blocked out. |
| 0.0 : Change of bat for Aaron Finch! He seems to have damaged the bottom of his bat. |
| 2.3 : Dushmantha Chameera to Aaron Finch, A slower ball, on a length and on the pads, flicked to mid-wicket for a quick single. The fielder scores a direct hit at the bowler's end but Finch was well in. |
| 2.4 : Dushmantha Chameera to David Warner, In the air and safe! A full ball, outside off. Warner stays back and tries to play on the leg side. Ends up slicing it well over the cover fielder and the ball drops safely. Collects a couple of runs. |
| 2.5 : Dushmantha Chameera to David Warner, Short in length, on off. Warner steers it to third man for a single. |
| 2.6 : Dushmantha Chameera to Aaron Finch, A length ball, on off. Finch hits it without much timing to mid on. |
| 3.1 : Lahiru Kumara to David Warner, Kumara starts with a full toss, on middle. David Warner tucks it to mid-wicket and takes a run. |
| 3.2 : Lahiru Kumara to Aaron Finch, FOUR! Nicely done! Full ball, on off. Aaron Finch drills it through mid off for a boundary. |
| 0.0 : Lahiru Kumara is into the attack. |
| Lahiru Kumara is into the attack. |
| 3.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Aaron Finch, SIX! TOP SHOT! Kumara bangs it into the deck, outside off. Aaron Finch stands tall, hops in the crease and cuts it over the deep point region for a maximum! |
| 3.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Aaron Finch, Slower ball, into the pitch, around leg. Aaron Finch tucks it to the leg side for a run. |
| 3.5 : Lahiru Kumara to David Warner, FOUR! STREAKY! Good-length ball, jagging back in from middle. David Warner looks to heave it across the line but it goes off the toe end and past the keeper for a boundary. |
| 3.6 : Lahiru Kumara to David Warner, FOUR! WOW! That shot almost took the bowler with it to the fence! Length ball, on off. David Warner stays back and hits it back past the bowler to collect another boundary. 20 runs from the over and Australia are off to a flier! |
| 4.1 : Dushmantha Chameera to Aaron Finch, SIX! What a wonderful shot that is. Nonchalant! Just beautiful and the Aussies are in a hurry here. This is fuller and on middle, Finch shows the full face of the bat and lofts it down over the long on fence for a maximum. |
| 4.2 : Dushmantha Chameera to Aaron Finch, FOUR! Misfield and a boundary. 50 up for Australia and it has come up in quick time! Short and outside off, Finch cuts, it goes through point. The fielder at third man runs to his right but dives over the ball. |
| 4.3 : Dushmantha Chameera to Aaron Finch, Top class batting! 10 from the first two balls, now takes no risk and drops it towards cover for one. |
| 4.4 : Dushmantha Chameera to David Warner, Wondering how that has been dropped! That is a dolly of a chance that too for someone who has the gloves on. A short one and on the body, Warner looks to pull but is through the shot. It is a slower one. It takes the glove and lobs to Perera who spills it. Even the umpire almost raised his finger. He too expected that too be taken. Not been Sri Lanka's night with the ball so far. |
| 4.5 : Dushmantha Chameera to David Warner, Shorter and on the body, this is nudged around the corner for one. |
| 4.6 : Dushmantha Chameera to Aaron Finch, THAT IS A NO BALL SAYS FINCH AND HE GETS IT! The umpire did refer upstairs and eventually has to raise his hand sideways. Chameera steams in but at the end, he fails to release it in time, ends up bowling it outside the wicket. No ball. Free Hit coming up. |
| Dushmantha Chameera to Aaron Finch, A dot on the freebie! A low full toss on middle, he mistimes it to mid on. Still a good over for the Aussies. |
| 5.1 : Maheesh Theekshana to David Warner, On the pads, Warner looks to sweep but it hits the glove and goes towards short fine leg for one. |
| 0.0 : Maheesh Theekshana is back on. |
| 5.2 : Maheesh Theekshana to Aaron Finch, Shorter and down the leg side, Finch now looks to pull, it hits the glove and rolls towards the short fine leg fielder for one more. |
| 5.3 : Maheesh Theekshana to David Warner, Warner misses out! It is short and outside off, this is slapped but to covers. |
| 5.4 : Maheesh Theekshana to David Warner, FOUR! Pulled away! This time he does not miss out but this is through the leg side. He rocks back and hammers it through mid-wicket. This one races away to the fence. |
| 5.5 : Maheesh Theekshana to David Warner, On off, this is slapped down to long off for one. |
| 5.6 : Maheesh Theekshana to Aaron Finch, A huge appeal but turned down! Flatter and on the pads, Finch looks to flick but misses. It hits him on the pads. Going down leg. End of the first 6 and it is bossed up by the Aussies. They are 63 for 0. 92 needed in 84. |
| Wanindu Hasaranga comes to bowl now. |
| 6.1 : Wanindu Hasaranga to David Warner, FOUR! There is just no stopping these two! Welcome back into the attack, Wanindu Hasaranga! This is short and on middle, it is pulled hard through square leg. Boundary. |
| 6.2 : Wanindu Hasaranga to David Warner, Two! Lovely placement! On middle, this is worked between deep mid-wicket and long on. Two taken. |
| 6.3 : Wanindu Hasaranga to David Warner, Another single! On middle, this is flicked through mid-wicket. |
| 6.4 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Aaron Finch, Shortish and outside off, Finch guides it to short third man. He wants a run but is sent back. |
| 6.5 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Aaron Finch, OUT! CHOPS IT ON! Wanindu Hasaranga strikes! Not sure why he was not got on earlier! This is shorter and outside off, it is the googly, Finch looks to cut but this one turns back in, hits the inner half and then onto the stumps. A wicket too little too late for Lanka? We do feel so. |
| Glenn Maxwell is the new man in. |
| 6.6 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Glenn Maxwell, Almost another one! Shorter and outside off, Maxwell looks to push it through the off side, it is yet another googly, he gets an inside edge onto the leg side. End of a successful over by Wanindu Hasaranga. |
| 7.1 : Maheesh Theekshana to David Warner, On the pads, Warner works it to short fine leg, thinks of a run but is sent back. |
| 7.2 : Maheesh Theekshana to David Warner, Two dots in a row! That is rare! On off, this is pushed to covers. |
| 7.3 : Maheesh Theekshana to David Warner, FOUR! What a shot that is! Not a lot wrong with that delivery, it is flatter and on off, Warner stays low and drags it through mid-wicket. Boundary. |
| 7.4 : Maheesh Theekshana to David Warner, This lands on off, turns away. Warner guides it through point. Takes the first one quickly but has to settle for a single. |
| 7.5 : Maheesh Theekshana to Glenn Maxwell, On middle, Maxwell hangs back and blocks. |
| 7.6 : Maheesh Theekshana to Glenn Maxwell, Maxwell is off the mark! On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one. |
| 8.1 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Glenn Maxwell, FOUR! Enough of sighters says Maxwell! He goes to the reverse sweep which he loves playing. He is helped as Hasaranga bowls it on off, Maxwell hits it over short third man to begin the over with a boundary. The last over of Hasaranga also started with a boundary so is there a wicket in this one too? |
| 8.2 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Glenn Maxwell, On middle, Maxwell pushes it to mid off. |
| 8.3 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Glenn Maxwell, OUT! TAKEN! There indeed is a wicket! Wanindu Hasaranga picks up his second and Maxwell's stay at the crease is a short one. Is there a sniff for Lanka here? They will believe so. Runs needed still above balls to be bowled. 75 needed in 69. The googly again, on middle, Maxwell looks to heave it over the mid-wicket fence. It is the longer part of the ground and he also does not time it that well. Avishka Fernando there takes a good catch close to the rope |
| Steven Smith walks out to bat. |
| 8.4 : Wanindu Hasaranga to David Warner, On middle, Warner works it through mid-wicket for one. |
| 8.5 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Steven Smith, Gives it nice air and bowls it on off, it is played back to the bowler. |
| 8.6 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Steven Smith, A single to end and Wanindu Hasaranga has another over in which a wicket is taken. On middle, this is pushed down to long on for one. He is off the mark. |
| 9.1 : Lahiru Kumara to Steven Smith, On off, Smith works it through square leg for one. Not sure how he hit that towards the leg side. |
| 0.0 : Lahiru Kumara (1-0-20-0) comes back to bowl. |
| 9.2 : Lahiru Kumara to David Warner, Tap and run! On off, Warner plays it towards point for one. |
| 9.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Steven Smith, FOUR! That is a lovely shot! The placement, the timing, beautiful! A slower full toss, it was dipping. It seemed like Smith was done in by the lack of pace but he keeps his balance and then just times it between mid off and covers. |
| 9.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Steven Smith, Two more! On off, this is stroked through covers again. Two more taken as there is a fumble in the deep. |
| 9.5 : Lahiru Kumara to Steven Smith, Another one on off, Smith strokes it through covers this time and gets to the other end. |
| 9.6 : Lahiru Kumara to David Warner, FOUR! Short and on middle, Warner stands tall and hammers it through mid-wicket. No stoppint that. Second boundary in the over and the move to get the pacer back on was probably not the right one. Kumara has gone for 33 in his 2. 60 needed in 60. |
| DRINKS! Australia are well and truly ahead in this game and they are not allowing Sri Lanka's bowlers to settle in. Dasun Shanaka and his men would be looking to chip in with wickets if they are to defend this score! Well, we are in for an exciting second half of the innings! |
| 10.1 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Steven Smith, Tossed up, on middle. Steven Smith drills it to long on for a run. |
| 10.2 : Wanindu Hasaranga to David Warner, Loopy ball, down leg. David Warner tucks it to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 10.3 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Steven Smith, Flatter ball, turning in from middle. Steven Smith blocks it off the back foot. |
| 10.4 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Steven Smith, A bit quicker, outside off. Steven Smith stays back and pushes it to extra cover. |
| 10.5 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Steven Smith, NO BALL! That spoils a good over! Flatter ball, on the pads. Steven Smith tucks it to mid-wicket. Free Hit coming up! |
| Wanindu Hasaranga to Steven Smith, Tossed up, way outside off. Steven Smith carves it to deep cover and can only manage a single. |
| 10.6 : Wanindu Hasaranga to David Warner, Floated, down leg. David Warner prods and tickles it behind square on the leg side for one. Australia bring up their 100! 55 runs needed from 54 balls! |
| Maheesh Theekshana is back into the attack to complete his spell. |
| 11.1 : Maheesh Theekshana to David Warner, FOUR! A half-tracker, on middle. David Warner rocks back and pulls it past the deep mid-wicket fielder to collect a boundary. |
| 11.2 : Maheesh Theekshana to David Warner, A stifled appeal for LBW but turned down! Tossed up, on middle and leg. David Warner misses his flick and gets hit on the pad. |
| 11.3 : Maheesh Theekshana to David Warner, Flatter ball, outside off. David Warner stays back and cuts it to sweeper cover for a run. That brings up David Warner's fifty! His first T20I fifty since April. This will not only make him feel good but also several Australian fans around the world. They will hope that there is more to come from him in this World Cup. |
| 11.4 : Maheesh Theekshana to Steven Smith, Flatter ball, on middle. Steven Smith eases it to long on and takes a run. |
| 11.5 : Maheesh Theekshana to David Warner, Sloppy fielding at short fine leg! Tossed up, down leg. David Warner tickles it to short fine leg. The fielder there fumbles and concedes an extra run. |
| 11.6 : Maheesh Theekshana to David Warner, Tossed up, around off. David Warner drives hard but finds the extra cover fielder. |
| 12.1 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Steven Smith, Flatter ball, on the pads. Steven Smith flicks it to deep square leg for one. |
| 12.2 : Wanindu Hasaranga to David Warner, Nicely tossed up, outside off. David Warner drills it to long off and takes a run. |
| 12.3 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Steven Smith, Flatter ball, outside off. Steven Smith looks to push it to cover but it takes the inner half of the blade and dabs it into the pitch. |
| 12.4 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Steven Smith, Tossed up, outside off. Steven Smith prods and carves it through cover-point for a single. |
| 12.5 : Wanindu Hasaranga to David Warner, Just a tad short, down leg. David Warner stays back and whips it to deep square leg for a run. |
| 12.6 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Steven Smith, A dot to end the over! Floated, around off. Steven Smith blocks it off the front foot. 43 runs needed off 42 balls! |
| 13.1 : Dushmantha Chameera to David Warner, A yorker, around off. David Warner jams it out to cover and takes a single. |
| 12.6 : Dushmantha Chameera is back on. |
| 13.2 : Dushmantha Chameera to Steven Smith, Chameera bangs it into the deck, outside off. Steven Smith hangs back and miscues his pull towards deep mid-wicket. A single taken! |
| 13.3 : Dushmantha Chameera to David Warner, FOUR! Punished by David Warner! Chammera hurls a slower ball, into the deck. Warner stays back and whips it to the vacant deep mid-wicket region for a boundary. |
| 13.4 : Dushmantha Chameera to David Warner, FOUR! BACK-TO-BACK BOUNDARIES! Back of a length, around off. David Warner hangs back and bludgeons it over extra cover. The ball races away to the fence! |
| 13.5 : Dushmantha Chameera to David Warner, A juicy full toss, outside off. David Warner looks to cut but it goes off the toe end towards cover. The batters cross for a single. |
| 13.6 : Dushmantha Chameera to Steven Smith, A bumper, outside off. Steven Smith hangs back and pulls it along the ground towards deep mid-wicket. A single to end the over! 31 runs needed from 36 balls! |
| Dasun Shanaka to bowl now. |
| 14.1 : Dasun Shanaka to Steven Smith, A slower length ball, on middle. Smith tucks it softly to mid-wicket and takes a quick single. He wanted another single but was sent back by Warner. |
| 14.2 : Dasun Shanaka to David Warner, A length ball, on middle. Warner opens the face of the bat and guides it to third man for a single. |
| 14.3 : Dasun Shanaka to Steven Smith, A length ball, on off. Smith looks to push but it takes the inner half and rolls to deep mid-wicket. Two taken. |
| 14.4 : Dasun Shanaka to Steven Smith, Around off, nudged down to wide long on for a single. |
| 14.5 : Dasun Shanaka to David Warner, A slower short ball, on middle. Warner leaves it alone to the keeper. |
| 14.6 : Dasun Shanaka to David Warner, WIDE! Another short ball, on middle. Warner watches it sail over his head. Wide given. |
| Dasun Shanaka to David Warner, OUT! TAKEN! Is it too late for a comeback? A full ball, on middle. David Warner backs away and tries to go inside-out over extra cover. Bhanuka Rajapaksa runs to his right from long off, keeps his eyes on the ball and takes a brilliant catch. Nonetheless, a wonderful innings from David Warner. 25 needed in 30 balls. |
| 15.1 : Chamika Karunaratne to Steven Smith, Full ball, on the pads, flicked to deep square leg for a single. |
| 0.0 : Marcus Stoinis is the new man in. Also, Chamika Karunaratne comes back to bowl. |
| 15.2 : Chamika Karunaratne to Marcus Stoinis, A slower length ball, on off. Blocked out. |
| 15.3 : Chamika Karunaratne to Marcus Stoinis, FOUR! Nicely played! A length ball, outside off, was another slower ball. Stoinis waits and slaps it through covers for a boundary. |
| 15.4 : Chamika Karunaratne to Marcus Stoinis, On middle, worked to covers for a single. |
| 15.5 : Chamika Karunaratne to Steven Smith, Wonderful timing from Smith! A full ball, outside off. Smith drives it through covers for two runs. The sweeper cover runs across and cuts it off. |
| Chamika Karunaratne to Steven Smith, WIDE! too many extras from Sri Lanka today! A short ball, on middle, hits the deck hard. Steven Smith leaves it alone. |
| 15.6 : Chamika Karunaratne to Steven Smith, Around off. Smith dabs it to short third man for a quick single. A direct hit at the keeper's end but Stoinis was well in.15 needed in 24 balls. |
| 16.1 : Lahiru Kumara to Steven Smith, Three taken! A full ball, outside off. Smith drives it through covers and well away from the running fielder. Picks up three runs now. |
| 15.6 : Lahiru Kumara (2-0-33-0) comes back to bowl. |
| 16.2 : Lahiru Kumara to Marcus Stoinis, A length ball, on off. Stoinis hits it to cover. |
| 16.3 : Lahiru Kumara to Marcus Stoinis, SIX! What a shot from Stoinis! Pure power! A full ball, angling on middle. Marcus Stoinis stays back and thumps it over long on for a biggie. |
| 16.4 : Lahiru Kumara to Marcus Stoinis, A length ball, on middle, drilled down to long on for a single. |
| 16.5 : Lahiru Kumara to Steven Smith, Very full and outside off. Smith punches it to sweeper cover for a single. 4 needed now. |
| 16.6 : Lahiru Kumara to Marcus Stoinis, FOUR! Marcus Stoinis hits the winning runs. A full ball, on off. Stoinis cracks it through covers for a boundary. AUSTRALIA WIN BY 7 WICKETS. |
| ... Time for the Presentation ... |
| Quite an easy win for the Aussies and they make it two in a row. Also, that ends the winning streak of Lanka in this World Cup. We did feel the Lankans got to a fighting score but their bowlers showed no fight. Finch and Warner really took the attack to them and in no time added 70 before Finch fell. Maxwell did not last for long but Warner and Smith with another good stand took the Aussies to the brink of victory. Warner was the mainstay. Once he fell though, Stoinis and Smith made quick work |
| Sri Lanka were quite poor with the ball! They were either very full or too short. Also, the introduction of Hasaranga, who was easily the pick, was quite late. They could have got him when the bowlers were taking a beating. However, the Lankans were actually 20 runs short of what they needed to be competitive. |
| Earlier in the day, after electing to bowl, the Aussie bowlers took a pounding at the start but then were excellent during the middle overs and death. What seemed like 170 at one moment ended at 154 which was chased easily in the end by the Aussies. |
| Adam Zampa is the Player of the Match. He says that Sri Lanka got off to a flier but they came back well. Adds that the wicket was a bit slow but the dew helped them in the second innings. Tells that he loves bowling against Sri Lanka as they are good against spin. Says that he likes to play at the back end as well. Credits David Warner by saying that he played really well as he was under pressure. |
| Dasun Shanaka, the skipper of Sri Lanka, says that the wicket was too good and they did get off to a great start but failed to capitalize on it. Adds that the batter who is set needs to continue on till the 15th-16th over and it is a concern for them. Tells that David Warner and Aaron Finch are good batters and they were not able to contain them. Says that they will try to rectify the same in the next game. |
| Aaron Finch, the skipper of Australia, says that it was a good performance but Zampa and Starc did well earlier to track them back. Says that the wicket was good and they needed to be calm and stick to the plans. Adds that Sri Lanka can take the game away from you but they did well today. Tells that Warner played well today and Zampa made his impact. Tells they are looking forward to the England game. |
| So, that is it from this game! Australia now have two in two whereas Sri Lanka, lose their first game in the World Cup. Two games coming your way on Friday. It is Bangladesh taking on West Indies first and then Pakistan locking horns with Afghanistan. The action begins at 1400 local (1000 GMT). |
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