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Home » Live Cricket Score » ICC Cricket World Cup, 2019 » Summary

Sri Lanka vs Australia Live Cricket Score, Match 20, ICC Cricket World Cup, 2019, June 15, 2019

AUS 334/7 (50)
Australia beat Sri Lanka by 87 runs
SL 247/10 (45.5)
Match over
Commentary :
0.0 : Hello and a warm Welcome to the match 20 of the ICC cricket world cup 2019. Today the Lankan Lions will lock horns with the Kangaroos. The Lankans have had less playing time as their last two games have been washed out. It would be interesting to see how they fare in this one. They though won the last game they played and they would be eager to continue that momentum. They though are up against Australia who are favorites today. Will there be a surprise or will the Australians make it 2 in 2? St
Pitch report - Michael Slater starts by informing about the dimensions of the ground. Mentions that if you are bowling to a right-hander from the Vauxhall end, then the off side boundary is on the smaller side while from the pavilion end, the bowlers need to be wary of the on side. Brendon McCullum inspecting the pitch says that this is an outstanding batting surface. Adds that it has a green tinge and will offer some extra pace and bounce. But Baz feels that it's all flatten out and he is expec
TOSS - Up goes the coin and it lands in the favor of Sri Lanka. They will bowl first.
Sri Lankan skipper, Dimuth Karunaratne, say there was rain in the last few days and they want to make use of the early moisture. Informs Pradeep is fit to play and he has been bowling well in the practice sessions. Further adds Lakmal is not playing and Siriwardana is in. Mentions they need to focus on the game after the break and they have trained hard. Further says that they are playing a top team here and are looking forward to it.
Australian skipper, Aaron Finch, says he would have wanted to bowl first. Reckons it would swing early on and they need to bat well. Mentions they haven't played their best cricket especially with the bat but it is building up nicely. Further adds they need to be careful early and be disciplined with the new ball and then see how it pans out. Informs Coulter-Nile sits out and Jason Behrendorff comes in.
Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Kusal Perera (WK), Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Milinda Siriwardana (IN FOR SURANGA LAKMAL), Isuru Udana, Lasith Malinga, Nuwan Pradeep.
Australia (Playing XI) - Aaron Finch (C), David Warner, Steven Smith, Usman Khawaja, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Alex Carey (WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, Jason Behrendorff (IN FOR NATHAN COULTER-NILE).
Time for the National Anthems! Both the sides make their way out to the middle. We are not too far away from the first ball being bowled now.
Done and dusted with the National Anthems! The Australian openers, Aaron Finch and David Warner make their way out to the middle. The left-hander will take strike and he will be facing Lasith Malinga who has the first new ball in his hand. Here we go...
0.1 : L Malinga to D Warner, A little swing first up! It is on a length and around middle, shapes back into Warner. He watches it carefully and keeps it out.
0.2 : L Malinga to D Warner, BEATEN! An absolute beauty that one! It starts outside off and then comes in. It is a touch fuller. Pitches and then holds its line. Warner ends up playing inside the line and gets beaten.
0.3 : L Malinga to D Warner, FOUR! Warner is underway with a boundary and so are Australia. Gets very straight does Malinga this time. Easy pickings for Warner, he flicks it nicely between mid-wicket and mid on and the ball races away.
0.4 : L Malinga to D Warner, Once again on the pads, Warner flicks it again but can't beat mid-wicket this time.
0.5 : L Malinga to D Warner, Drags his length back and also bowls it outside off. Warner makes a leave.
0.6 : L Malinga to D Warner, A good delivery to finish the first over. Length and on middle, Warner solidly defends it to mid off.
Nuwan Pradeep to bowl from the other end with the second new ball. He has two slips in place.
1.1 : N Pradeep to A Finch, FOUR! Stand and deliver! What a shot to get off the mark! Not a very bad delivery, it is on a length and around off. Finch stands tall and punches it past the left of mid off. The ball races away to the fence.
1.2 : N Pradeep to A Finch, Similar length but the line is a little straighter. Finch defends it.
1.3 : N Pradeep to A Finch, Good delivery and well played! Bowls this one fuller and gets it back in from off. Finch gets that front foot out of the way and strokes it with a straight bat to mid on.
1.4 : N Pradeep to A Finch, Once agin brings this back in from outside off, Finch though is solid in defense.
1.5 : N Pradeep to A Finch, FOUR! This is beautiful! Pradeep goes fuller and pays the price. Finch leans into it and strokes it past the bowler for the second boundary of the over. The idea by Pradeep is not wrong. He is looking to get it back in and hit the pads of Finch but the batter is ensuring he is not planting his front foot way too across.
1.6 : N Pradeep to A Finch, Good delivery to end a good over for the Aussies. Length and outside off, Finch shoulders arms to it.
2.1 : L Malinga to D Warner, Slightly fuller and outside off, Warner is guilty of going too hard at it and hence, it goes off the inner half back to the bowler.
2.2 : L Malinga to D Warner, Back of a length on middle, Warner blocks it into the ground.
2.3 : L Malinga to D Warner, Just outside off, Warner covers his off pole and leaves it.
2.4 : L Malinga to D Warner, Good length and on off, Warner strokes it on the up to cover.
2.5 : L Malinga to D Warner, Well bowled! Goes very full and on middle, Warner looks to jam it out but the bat turns in his hand and the ball goes towards mid-wicket.
2.6 : L Malinga to D Warner, Another dot! A maiden by Malinga! Length and outside off, Warner shoulders arms to it.
3.1 : N Pradeep to A Finch, Excellent stop! Saves a boundary. Full and on off, Finch strokes it back towards the bowler who is going to his left in his followthrough. He though sticks his right leg out and stops the ball from going past him.
3.2 : N Pradeep to A Finch, Solid stroke! Another one on a length, Finch punches it hard but finds cover.
3.3 : N Pradeep to A Finch, Shorter this time and it zips through. Finch is a touch late in the pull and hence, the ball goes to mid on.
3.4 : N Pradeep to A Finch, FOUR! This outfield is lightning quick! This is angled into the pads, Finch works it nicely past the right of mid on. Udana gives it a chase and tries to pull it back in with a dive. Does get a hand to it but the ball rolls onto the fence. Udana seems to be in pain here. He is down on the ground holding his shoulder.
Physio comes out! Isuru Udana is in some discomfort and is holding his bowling arm. Sri Lanka will hope that there isn't anything serious. He is heading off the field now to receive some treatment. Jeffrey Vandersay is the substitute.
3.5 : N Pradeep to A Finch, A single to follow the boundary! Length and around off, Finch looks to defend but due to the inswing, it goes off the inner half towards mid-wicket for one.
3.6 : N Pradeep to D Warner, On the body of Warner, he works it to mid-wicket.
4.1 : L Malinga to A Finch, On the pads, this is flicked down to fine leg for one.
4.2 : L Malinga to D Warner, A couple! It seemed like a slower one on off, Warner looks to drive initially but then check-drives it past mid off for two.
4.3 : L Malinga to D Warner, Good length and on middle, Warner defends it onto the ground.
4.4 : L Malinga to D Warner, A little too straight again and Warner works it to square leg.
4.5 : L Malinga to D Warner, Good shot but for no runs! Full and on off, Warner strokes it nicely but finds the man at mid off.
4.6 : L Malinga to D Warner, Another dot to end! A good over by Malinga. On the pads again, it is worked to square leg.
Lasith Malinga's pace has dropped considerably. He used to be in high 140s and that made his slower ones very effective. At his current pace, the batsmen have found ways to counter him as there ain't much difference in his variations in terms of speed. Meanwhile, Isuru Udana has returned on the field. Good news for Sri Lanka!
5.1 : N Pradeep to A Finch, Good length and on off, it tails back in a little. Finch defends it with his bat close to pad. An appeal from the keeper but he is the only one doing so.
5.2 : N Pradeep to A Finch, Good fielding! Finch times it beautifully towards mid off where Perera makes a good stop diving to his left.
5.3 : N Pradeep to A Finch, Good running! Works this through square leg and gets to the other end quickly.
5.4 : N Pradeep to D Warner, Nicely placed! Just leans into the stroke and pushes it through covers for a couple.
5.5 : N Pradeep to D Warner, Continues landing it on a length and around off, Warner pushes it to mid off.
5.6 : N Pradeep to D Warner, Another dot to end! On the stumps again and Warner pushes it to mid off. A very watchful start this by Australia.
6.1 : L Malinga to A Finch, On a good length and around off, Finch defends it.
6.2 : L Malinga to A Finch, FOUR! Straight back past the bowler! On the stumps again, Finch keeps his balance and creams it past mid on. No stopping those.
6.3 : L Malinga to A Finch, Now a comfortable two! Finch works this through square leg and takes an easy couple.
6.4 : L Malinga to A Finch, Angles this away from off, from around the wicket. Left alone.
6.5 : L Malinga to A Finch, Misfield and FOUR! Perera is the culprit. Yes, this was hit hard but should have been stopped. Full and on off, Finch hits it right from the middle of the bat to the right of mid off. Thisara Perera runs towards the ball and looks to stop it but it goes through his hands. Expensive over this. Still a ball left.
6.6 : L Malinga to A Finch, A dot to end a good over for Australia. Goes full again on off, Finch strokes it nicely but straight to covers.
7.1 : N Pradeep to D Warner, FOUR! Runs leaking now! Warner gets into the act. Full and outside off, Warner plays it late, gets it through cover-point and the ball races away.
7.2 : N Pradeep to D Warner, This is fuller and on off, Warner strokes it to the left of cover but the fielder gets there and does not allow any run.
7.3 : N Pradeep to D Warner, Wide called for height! Way too short, Warner ducks under it. Kusal jumps and manages to get a hand on it. Takes the pace off the ball but can't stop the run. The batsmen cross!
N Pradeep to A Finch, Goes full again, Finch strokes it to cover. Sri Lanka have bowled too full in the last two overs and hence, runs have started to come for Australia.
7.4 : N Pradeep to A Finch, Another misfield! Goes full again does Pradeep. It is driven to covers where the fielder makes a half-stop and a run is stolen.
7.5 : N Pradeep to D Warner, Another sloppy effort in the field sees the Australians get an extra run. This is pushed towards cover-point and the batsmen go for one. Mendis puts in a lazy effort and the ball sneaks under his hands. Another run is taken.
7.6 : N Pradeep to D Warner, A single to end another good over for the Aussies! Shorter and on the body, it is worked through square leg for one.
Isuru Udana is on now!
8.1 : I Udana to D Warner, Good delivery to begin! Length and just outside off, Warner makes a leave. The ball seams away after going past the batsman. Perera keeps his eyes on the ball and does well to collect it.
8.2 : I Udana to D Warner, On the stumps this time and it is on middle, Warner defends it onto the ground.
8.3 : I Udana to D Warner, On the off pole, Warner goes back and defends it onto the ground.
8.4 : I Udana to D Warner, Back of a length again on middle, Warner stands tall and defends it onto the ground.
8.5 : I Udana to D Warner, Good fielding and good energy! This is worked towards mid-wicket. The batter goes for a run. The fielder moves to his left quickly. Picks the ball up and has a shy at the non-striker's end but misses.
8.6 : I Udana to A Finch, A very good first by Udana. Just the single from it. Back of a length on off, Finch pushes it to cover.
Thisara Perera comes on.
9.1 : T Perera to D Warner, A little too straight to begin with. Warner works it through square leg for one.
9.2 : T Perera to A Finch, FOUR! Another misfield! That is probably the third one in the first 10 overs. A poor ball too. A half volley outside off, Finch smashes it towards cover. The fielder dives to his left to stop it but fails to do so.
9.3 : T Perera to A Finch, FOUR! Width on offer again and Finch pounces on it. Finch goes back and guides it through cover-point. 50 up for Australia. A solid start for them.
9.4 : T Perera to A Finch, Goes full again and on middle, Finch strokes it back towards the bowler who does well to stop it. That too was cracked.
9.5 : T Perera to A Finch, Slightly slower this time and on a fuller length on off, Finch finds cover with his drive.
9.6 : T Perera to A Finch, A dot to end another good over for Australia. Length and outside off, left alone. End of the 10th and Powerplay 1 has been dominated by Australia. They started off slowly but then ended it strongly. They are 53 for no loss after it.
Powerplay 2 has been signaled! Now a maximum of 4 fielders can be placed outside the ring till the 40th over.
10.1 : I Udana to D Warner, Back of a length on off, DW guides it to point.
10.2 : I Udana to D Warner, Rolls his fingers on this delivery and Warner pushes it to mid on.
10.3 : I Udana to D Warner, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
10.4 : I Udana to D Warner, Warner works it with the angle through mid-wicket and away from the fielder in the deep for two.
10.5 : I Udana to D Warner, Goes back to bowling it outside off, Warner pushes it through covers for one.
10.6 : I Udana to A Finch, Finch now strokes it with the angle through covers for one.
11.1 : T Perera to A Finch, This is on the pads, Finch looks to work it on the leg side but misses. The ball hits the thigh pad and rolls towards square leg. The batsmen run the first one hard and then go for the second and complete it. Two leg byes.
0.0 : Time to trouble the third umpire! A huge shout for an lbw against Aaron Finch as he tries to defend a ball close to his front pad. Is it pad first or bat? The onfield umpire feels it's bat and shakes his head. Also, the impact could be just outside off as well. Sri Lanka decide to review it.
11.2 : T Perera to A Finch, NOT OUT! It was pad first but the impact is umpire's call! Finch survives a close call. Could have gone either way, that. A good review by Lanka and they haven't lost it. Perera bowls it on a good length and around off, it comes in late. Finch defends it outside the line. It nearly hits both bat and pad at the same time but not sure what it hit first. Perera appeals but the umpire shakes his head. Lanka review at the very end. Replays roll in and they confirm it is pad
11.3 : T Perera to A Finch, Risky run! Finch pushes it towards cover and calls for a single. Warner obliges. The fielder picks the ball up and has a shy at the keeper's end but misses.
11.4 : T Perera to D Warner, Back of a length on off, it is kept out.
11.5 : T Perera to D Warner, WIDE! Too far wide outside off, left alone.
T Perera to D Warner, Back of a length on off, Warner pushes it through covers for one.
11.6 : T Perera to A Finch, Another length ball on off, AF looks to defend but it goes off the outer half down to third man for one. A better second over by Perera.
12.1 : I Udana to A Finch, Shortish and it is the slower one. This is slapped through covers for one.
12.2 : I Udana to D Warner, Another single as this is worked wide of mid on.
12.3 : I Udana to A Finch, Good length and on off, it is pushed to cover.
12.4 : I Udana to A Finch, Shorter in length and on middle, Finch pulls it behind square on the leg side. Fine leg runs to his left, stops the ball and then parries it to square leg who runs to his right. Two taken.
12.5 : I Udana to A Finch, Good length and on off, the batter lunges and defends it onto the ground.
12.6 : I Udana to A Finch, Solid stroke! Back of a length on off, Finch stands tall and punches it through covers for two.
13.1 : T Perera to D Warner, Shorter and on off, Warner slaps it through covers and takes one.
13.2 : T Perera to A Finch, A little fuller this time and it shapes in just a little. Finch pushes it to mid on.
13.3 : T Perera to A Finch, On the fuller side and once again there is some movement into the batsman. Finch looks to drive it down the ground but it goes off the inner half towards deep square leg for one.
13.4 : T Perera to D Warner, Another single conceded! Length and around off, Warner looks to defend but it goes off the outer half towards point. The fielder dives to his right but lets it through. A single taken.
13.5 : T Perera to A Finch, Finch walks down the track and Perera bangs it short. Finch works it through mid-wicket for one.
13.6 : T Perera to D Warner, Good length on middle, it is blocked.
Dhananjaya de Silva is introduced into the attack. There's a slip in place.
14.1 : de Silva to A Finch, Tosses it up on middle, Finch strokes it back to the bowler.
14.2 : de Silva to A Finch, A single as Finch strokes it nicely down to long on.
14.3 : de Silva to D Warner, Warner now dances down the track and hits it down to long on for one.
14.4 : de Silva to A Finch, Flatter and on middle, Finch shuffles across and works it through mid-wicket for one.
14.5 : de Silva to D Warner, Good stop! This one drifts in from outside off, Warner looks to push it through the off side but it goes off the inner half towards mid on. Mid-wicket runs to his right, dives and stops it nicely.
14.6 : de Silva to D Warner, Two dots to end a good first over by de Silva. On the stumps, Warner pushes at it with hard hands. It goes uppishly but falls short of cover.
15.1 : T Perera to A Finch, Good length and on off, Finch defends it onto the ground. This is good bowling by Lanka. They are not giving any freebies to Australia at the moment.
15.2 : T Perera to A Finch, Good length and outside off, this is hit through covers for one.
15.3 : T Perera to D Warner, Good running! Warner taps this towards cover and takes off. The fielder makes it easier for the batsmen as he misfields.
15.4 : T Perera to A Finch, Back of a length on off, Finch defends it onto the ground.
15.5 : T Perera to A Finch, Good length again on middle, Finch defends it onto the ground. Once again, good tight lines and lengths.
15.6 : T Perera to A Finch, Width on offer this time and Finch creams it through covers but towards the sweeper. Only a run.
16.1 : de Silva to A Finch, Flatter and on middle, Finch works it to mid-wicket.
16.2 : de Silva to A Finch, Very full and Finch eases it down to long on for one.
16.3 : de Silva to D Warner, On the stumps, blocked.
16.4 : de Silva to D Warner, OUT! TIMBER! De Silva strikes! A much-needed wicket for Sri Lanka. A poor shot by Warner though. De Silva is getting the ball to drift in and does so once again. Also, the length is fuller. Warner stays leg side of the ball and looks to cut but the line is a little too close and the length is also not the right one to play that shot. Warner misses and the stumps behind are disturbed. So Sri Lanka have got the reward for the pressure they have built after Powerplay 1.
Drinks break. Wicket of Warner followed by a break. Sri Lanka needed that desperately. This is their chance now to regroup. The Lankans need to keep picking wickets though otherwise they will end up chasing a gigantic total. Australia have the upper hand currently and Aaron Finch has looked in sublime form. They will just concentrate on partnerships at the moment.
Number 3 batsman is in. And it's not Steve Smith. Usman Khawaja walks in at that position. Australia have kept that spot flexible, it seems.
16.5 : de Silva to U Khawaja, On the stumps and it is kept out.
16.6 : de Silva to U Khawaja, Flatter and on middle, Khawaja pushes it to the right of the bowler. De Silva dives to that part and saves a run. End of a brilliant over by him, just the run and a wicket.
17.1 : T Perera to A Finch, 24th ODI fifty for Aaron Finch! Good length delivery in the zone outside off, Finch stays back and plays it with an angled bat past the point fielder for a run. His form has been critical for Australia at the top of the order.
17.2 : T Perera to U Khawaja, Back of a length delivery on off, Usman is on his toes as he defends it on the off side.
17.3 : T Perera to U Khawaja, Defended off the back foot by the batsman.
17.4 : T Perera to U Khawaja, Khawaja is underway! He stands tall to a shortish ball and steers it behind point for a single.
17.5 : T Perera to A Finch, A length ball on off, shaping in, Finch pushes it off his front foot to covers.
17.6 : T Perera to A Finch, Goes on the back foot and forces it through cover-point for one. Tidy over after a wicket, Sri Lanka are doing a great job at the moment.
18.1 : de Silva to A Finch, Floated up on off, once again the drift causes problem for the batter. Finch looks to play it with a straight bat but since it drifts away, the ball goes off the outer half towards point.
18.2 : de Silva to A Finch, Shorter and on middle, Finch works it through mid-wicket for one.
18.3 : de Silva to U Khawaja, On off, Khawaja pushes it through covers for one.
18.4 : de Silva to A Finch, Shorter and on off, Finch slaps it through covers and gets to the other end.
18.5 : de Silva to U Khawaja, On the stumps, it is pushed to covers.
18.6 : de Silva to U Khawaja, Just outside off, Khawaja pushes it through covers and gets to the other end.
Nuwan Pradeep is back on!
19.1 : N Pradeep to U Khawaja, 87 almost strikes! Pradeep starts off with a good delivery. Just behind the driving length and it is angling away from off. Khawaja plays a loose stroke but the ball just beats the outside edge.
19.2 : N Pradeep to U Khawaja, EDGY FOUR! A welcome boundary for Australia. It has come after Powerplay 1. Nuwan Pradeep goes even wider this time and the length is fuller. Khawaja throws his bat at it but the ball flies off the outside edge and races to the third man fence.
19.3 : N Pradeep to U Khawaja, Good change in length there! Short and on the body, Khawaja ducks under it in time.
19.4 : N Pradeep to U Khawaja, Good length on off, Khawaja pushes this through covers for one.
19.5 : N Pradeep to A Finch, Back of a length on off, Finch pushes it through covers for one.
19.6 : N Pradeep to U Khawaja, Another excellent short one! Khawaja does well to duck under it again. A testing over from Pradeep.
When wickets are not coming, best a team can do is choke the flow of runs. Sri Lanka have successfully managed to do that after Powerplay 1. One can say that Australia have been ultra cautious in their approach also. Maybe, they just want to bat out the middle phase with minimum casualty and then target the death overs.
20.1 : de Silva to A Finch, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground.
20.2 : de Silva to A Finch, Flatter and on off, this is pushed back to the bowler.
20.3 : de Silva to A Finch, Flatter and on middle, Finch looks to flick but it goes off the higher portion of the bat towards mid-wicket.
20.4 : de Silva to A Finch, This is worked through mid-wicket for one.
20.5 : de Silva to U Khawaja, Floats it up on off, Khawaja strokes it through covers and a single is taken.
20.6 : de Silva to A Finch, The batsman works it down the leg side.
21.1 : N Pradeep to U Khawaja, A huge shout but not given! A length ball and it slants away from off. Khawaja looks to push at it with an open face but misses. Perera takes it and appeals but the umpire shakes his head.
21.2 : N Pradeep to U Khawaja, Shorter and on the body, Khawaja looks to pull but it goes off the glove and towards fine leg for one.
21.3 : N Pradeep to A Finch, Cuts him into half there! Back of a length and this one jags back in. Finch looks to keep it out but is surprised by the movement. It goes between the body and the bat.
21.4 : N Pradeep to A Finch, On the pads, it is flicked through square leg for one.
21.5 : N Pradeep to U Khawaja, Another good bumper but Khawaja does well to evade it. The plan is clear here, bowl short to UK.
21.6 : N Pradeep to U Khawaja, Another dot! Length and on off, Khawaja pushes it to covers.
22.1 : de Silva to A Finch, Works it off his pads to mid-wicket but finds the fielder.
22.2 : de Silva to A Finch, Sliding down the leg side, Aaron fails to middle his sweep shot. Not given a wide, maybe some pad there.
22.3 : de Silva to A Finch, Goes back to a short delivery outside off and punches it to the right of sweeper cover for a couple of runs.
22.4 : de Silva to A Finch, 100 up for Australia in the 23rd over! Flatter and quicker on off at 92 kph, Finch drills it down to long off for one.
22.5 : de Silva to U Khawaja, Shortish and on off, Usman punches from the back foot to covers.
22.6 : de Silva to U Khawaja, OUT! Khawaja holes out! Dhananjaya strikes again and he is delighted. A flatter full ball on off at 90 kph, skidding in after landing, Khawaja stretches forward and tries to slog sweep over the leg side. But he doesn't get the desired connection and it flies in front of square leg. Isuru Udana in the deep moves across to his left and goes down low to complete the catch easily. The idea from Usman was right, he targeted the shorter side of the ground but didn't get en
Here comes Steve Smith at number 4.
23.1 : N Pradeep to A Finch, This is on the pads, Finch works it down to fine leg and a single is taken.
23.2 : N Pradeep to S Smith, A little too straight, Smith looks to work it through square leg but misses to get hit high on the pad.
23.3 : N Pradeep to S Smith, On the pads again, this is worked through square leg for one.
23.4 : N Pradeep to A Finch, Attacks the stumps again, Finch defends it out.
23.5 : N Pradeep to A Finch, Good short one outside off, Finch looks to drag his pull but misses it completely.
23.6 : N Pradeep to A Finch, SIX! Should release all the pressure that was building! Pradeep goes short and this time Finch might have been ready for it. He rocks back and pulls it way over the square leg fence. First of the game and spoils the over.
24.1 : de Silva to S Smith, On the stumps, Smith pushes it towards mid on where mid-wicket stops the run by moving across to his left.
24.2 : de Silva to S Smith, Floats it up on off, it is driven back to the bowler.
24.3 : de Silva to S Smith, Flatter and on off, Smith works it to mid-wicket.
24.4 : de Silva to S Smith, A single as SS works it through mid-wicket.
24.5 : de Silva to A Finch, Very full, this is eased down to long on for one.
24.6 : de Silva to S Smith, Good fielding! On the stumps, Smith strokes it to the right of the bowler who dives and saves a run.
Isuru Udana is back!
25.1 : I Udana to A Finch, Full and on middle, Finch strokes it down to long on for one.
25.2 : I Udana to S Smith, Very full and on off, Smith shuffles across and works it through square leg for one.
25.3 : I Udana to A Finch, Guides it with the angle towards backward point. Waits for the ball to beat the fielder there and then a run is taken.
25.4 : I Udana to S Smith, Smith shuffles right across. Udana bowls it on off, it is defended.
25.5 : I Udana to S Smith, Nicely played! Smith manages to flick that from outside off, through mid-wicket for two.
25.6 : I Udana to S Smith, FOUR! A gift for Smith, it still has to put away and he does so. Full toss, Smith flicks it through mid-wicket and the ball races away. First for him and expensive start to Udana's new spell.
26.1 : de Silva to A Finch, Down the leg side, Finch looks to sweep but misses. Wided.
de Silva to A Finch, On the stumps, it is kept out.
26.2 : de Silva to A Finch, Floats it up on middle, it is eased down to long on for one.
26.3 : de Silva to S Smith, Driven through mid on by the batsman. They pick up a single.
26.4 : de Silva to A Finch, Shorter and on off, this is punched down to long off for one.
26.5 : de Silva to S Smith, On the stumps, blocked.
26.6 : de Silva to S Smith, Works it with the turn through mid-wicket for one.
27.1 : I Udana to S Smith, The batsman plays it with an angled bat and guides it to third man. One run added to the total.
27.2 : I Udana to A Finch, Another length ball outside off, Finch now guides it down to third man and gets to the other end.
27.3 : I Udana to S Smith, On the fuller side, Smith works it through square leg and gets to the other end.
27.4 : I Udana to A Finch, Very full and Finch hits it nicely down to long on for one. 4 singles from the over.
27.5 : I Udana to S Smith, A dot now! Full and on off, Smith strokes it towards mid off.
27.6 : I Udana to S Smith, FOUR! Once again Udana's last ball spoils the over! He offers a lot of width outside off and it is very full. Smith plays it late and guides it past point for a boundary.
28.1 : de Silva to A Finch, FOUR! Consecutive boundaries for Australia. Very poor delivery again! Short and down the leg side. Finch will not miss out, he pulls it past short fine leg and the ball races away.
0.0 : Aaron Finch has carried his good form from the last innings against Pakistan. He has worked on his shortcomings against the inswinging deliveries. Has looked at ease facing them today. His head doesn't fall over while playing the inswingers as well he is aware of not planting his front foot too far and across the stumps. Still a work in progress for him. But surely he is an improved batsman now.
28.2 : de Silva to A Finch, SIX! All the way! A boundary followed by a biggie! This is right in Finch's zone. Full and turning back in. He goes with the turn so the risk is minimal. Clears the long on fence with ease.
28.3 : de Silva to A Finch, SIX! BOOM! Finch has taken de Silva to the cleaners in this over. Another one over the fence. Flighted and very full on middle, Finch just extends his arms and tonks it over the long off fence. 16 from the first 3 balls of this over and 20 from the last 4 balls of the game. Finch 11 short of a ton.
28.4 : de Silva to A Finch, Pressure getting to de Silva. He bowls this one down the leg side and it has been wided.
de Silva to A Finch, Good delivery! This is flatter and shorter. Finch looks to work it against the angle but it goes off the leading edge down to long off for one.
28.5 : de Silva to S Smith, Smart batting from Smith. He works it through square leg and gives the strike over to Finch.
28.6 : de Silva to A Finch, Finch now retains strike by working it through square leg for one. Just the three singles from the last three balls but a huge over for Australia. 20 from it. Also, this could well be the momentum changing over.
Lasith Malinga is back on! His team needs a wicket here. Can he provide it?
29.1 : L Malinga to A Finch, On the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.
29.2 : L Malinga to S Smith, Shorter in length. Smith works it with soft hands through square leg for one.
29.3 : L Malinga to A Finch, Good length on off, Finch defends it out.
29.4 : L Malinga to A Finch, That must have slipped out! Malinga goes for the slower one but it almost ends up being a high full toss, dips in the end but is still down the leg side. Not a no ball but a wide.
L Malinga to A Finch, Full and on middle, Finch eases it down to long on for one.
29.5 : L Malinga to S Smith, Shorter and on middle, this is pulled through mid-wicket for two.
29.6 : L Malinga to S Smith, Another slower one and it is on middle, Smith waits for it and then works it down to fine leg for one.
Milinda Siriwardana is on now! Sri Lanka trying everything at the moment. They are desperate for a wicket here.
30.1 : M Siriwardana to S Smith, FOUR! Easy pickings. It's short and sliding down the leg side, Smith stands back inside the crease and nudges it fine down the leg side for a boundary.
30.2 : M Siriwardana to S Smith, Slower loopy delivery way wide outside off, Smith reaches out and strokes it through covers for a couple of runs.
30.3 : M Siriwardana to S Smith, Hangs on the back foot to a short ball and plays it straight to point.
30.4 : M Siriwardana to S Smith, Smith drives this through the covers. One run added to the total.
30.5 : M Siriwardana to A Finch, Nearly a drag on! Also a chance for the keeper but he never reacted. Floated full ball outside off, bowled at 79 kph, Finch tried to drive but it took the inside edge and went closely past the off pole. Before the keeper could even react, the ball hit him on his left pad and rolled behind. They crossed for one.
30.6 : M Siriwardana to S Smith, Full and outside off, driven through covers for one. 9 coming from this over and this pair is looking at ease.
31.1 : L Malinga to S Smith, FOUR! Another gift! Sri Lankan bowling has been very poor in the last few overs. Malinga starts with a full toss on off, Smith gently strokes it through extra cover and a boundary results.
31.2 : L Malinga to S Smith, Bangs this short and on the body, Smith ducks under it. Too high is what the umpire feels and it has been wided.
L Malinga to S Smith, The batsman defends it from within the crease.
31.3 : L Malinga to S Smith, Slower one and on middle, Smith works it through mid-wicket and takes one.
31.4 : L Malinga to A Finch, It is a NO BALL! Sri Lanka have one fielder extra outside the circle. Poor match awareness. This is full and on off, Finch guides it to point. Free Hit coming up.
L Malinga to A Finch, Nothing from the Free Hit. Very full, difficult to get under those. Finch hits it to mid off.
31.5 : L Malinga to A Finch, OHHH! Slower one and it is a dipping slower one. Finch just about gets his bat down in time and works it to mid-wicket.
31.6 : L Malinga to A Finch, A single to end as Finch eases it down to long on. Just 8 from the over despite a Free Hit in it.
32.1 : M Siriwardana to A Finch, This is fired on the pads, Finch works it to square leg.
32.2 : M Siriwardana to A Finch, SIX! What a way to get to a ton! One of the most beautiful shots played to get to his hundred. His 14th in ODIs. He missed out on one twice in this tournament so far and finally gets his first. He gets to the milestone by effortlessly lofting this over the long off fence. Went with the turn so the risk was minimal. Takes his helmet off and raises his bat. Soaks in the applause. Still a lot of overs to go. He could score a really big one here.
32.3 : M Siriwardana to A Finch, Down the leg side, Finch misses out there as he sweeps it straight to short fine leg.
32.4 : M Siriwardana to A Finch, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. One run added to the total.
32.5 : M Siriwardana to S Smith, This is hit down to long off, with the turn for one.
32.6 : M Siriwardana to A Finch, A leg bye to end another good over for Australia. This is on the pads, Finch looks to flick but misses to get hit on it. The ball rolls towards square leg. A run taken.
Thisara Perera is back on.
33.1 : T Perera to A Finch, Length ball outside off, driven to covers.
33.2 : T Perera to A Finch, Finch drives this length ball outside off through covers for a single.
33.3 : T Perera to S Smith, Smith drives this delivery outside off but finds covers.
33.4 : T Perera to S Smith, Smith this time punches this delivery through the off side and gets a couple.
33.5 : T Perera to S Smith, Smith flicks this delivery on middle to mid-wicket for a run.
33.6 : T Perera to A Finch, Finch punches this delivery through covers. A run added to the total.
Isuru Udana is back!
34.1 : I Udana to A Finch, Slower one and short outside off, Finch slaps it to covers.
34.2 : I Udana to A Finch, FOUR! Despite Perera getting a hand to that one, he could not stop it from going to the fence. That is how firmly it was struck. Full and on off, Finch powers it to the left of mid off. Thisara there, dives and does get a hand to the ball but fails to stop it.
34.3 : I Udana to A Finch, Drags his length back and lands it on middle, it is kept out.
34.4 : I Udana to A Finch, Almost drags it on! This one is very slow and outside off, Finch is a touch early in the shot. He ends up getting an inside edge onto his pads.
34.5 : I Udana to A Finch, In the air... but short! Once again the slowness in the wicket is quite evident there. Slower one and on middle, Finch looks to flick but the ball holds into the surface. Finch is almost through his shot, it goes uppishly but short of the man at mid-wicket.
34.6 : I Udana to A Finch, A single to end! Slower one again and AF works it through mid-wicket for a single.
Drinks break. 15 overs left and the launching pad is set for Australia. They can really go hammer and tongs from hereon. Two set batsmen in the middle and the likes of Glenn Maxwell and Alex Carey yet to come. The Aussies really will be targeting a score close to 350 at the moment. For Sri Lanka, they bowled well in the middle phase but have lost the plot in the last few overs. It will be all about minimizing the damage for them now.
35.1 : T Perera to A Finch, Good running! Taps it towards cover and gets to the other end quickly.
35.2 : T Perera to S Smith, Back of a length and on off, Smith guides it to point.
35.3 : T Perera to S Smith, FOUR! STREAKY! Australia won't care though. 200 up for the Aussies and still 14 overs to go after this. Sri Lanka may be staring down a big score here. Length and outside off, Smith looks to punch it through covers but gets a thick outside edge which goes down to the third man fence. 100-run stand up between the two. This partnership has completely taken the momentum away from Sri Lanka. When Smith came in, Sri Lanka were doing well but the way the two have played has
35.4 : T Perera to S Smith, Back of a length on off, Smith pushes it through covers for one.
35.5 : T Perera to A Finch, Lovely shot again! That has been creamed through covers, they look for two but then settle for one.
35.6 : T Perera to S Smith, Another quick run! Length and around off, Smith looks to hit it square on the off side. The ball hits the inner half and hits the pad. It rolls towards the off side. A run taken.
36.1 : I Udana to S Smith, Short in length and around off, Smith turns inside the crease and pulls it behind square leg for a run.
36.2 : I Udana to A Finch, Direct hit was needed there! A slower ball on middle and off, on a length, Finch taps it down to point and Smith comes a long way down the track in search of a run. He is sent back and the fielder also has a shy at the bowler's end. Misses and Smith dives back in safely.
36.3 : I Udana to A Finch, Shortish and on off, Aaron plays this one close to his body and runs it down to third man for a run.
36.4 : I Udana to S Smith, Beaten! Udana delivers a seam up delivery this time. Outside off and angling away, Smith tries to run it down but misses.
36.5 : I Udana to S Smith, Good length ball around off, Steve shuffles across and eases in front of square leg for a run.
36.6 : I Udana to A Finch, FOUR! That's literally slapped! Udana goes for the slower one but it's very short and wide outside off. Finch has plenty of time to wait for it on the back foot. When it arrives, Aaron is ready to hammer it to the deep cover fence.
37.1 : T Perera to S Smith, Fuller and on middle, Smith strokes it to mid on.
37.2 : T Perera to S Smith, Back of a length on off, Smith stands tall and guides it through cover-point for one.
37.3 : T Perera to A Finch, Slower one and it is on off, Finch pushes it to the left of the cover fielder for one.
37.4 : T Perera to S Smith, A wild swing there! Fuller and on off, Smith looks to whip it on the leg side but it goes off the inner half towards square leg for one.
37.5 : T Perera to A Finch, FOUR! That has gone to the fence like a tracer bullet! Too much width on offer and it is short. Finch goes back and slaps it through point. No chance for the fielder in the deep.
37.6 : T Perera to A Finch, Smart batting! Follows the boundary by pushing it through covers and taking a run. A boundary and 4 singles in this over.
Bowling change. Nuwan Pradeep is back on.
38.1 : N Pradeep to A Finch, Clever shot but only for one! Short and on middle, Finch upper cuts it over the keeper. Third man gets across and keeps it down to one.
38.2 : N Pradeep to S Smith, Back of a length on off, Smith goes back and pushes it to cover.
38.3 : N Pradeep to S Smith, Fifty for Smith! His 8th fifty in his last 10 World Cup innings. Smudge's love affair with the World Cup continues. 22nd in ODIs. Smith gets there by working it through square leg for one. He still has time to get a ton here.
38.4 : N Pradeep to A Finch, Length and on off, Finch stands tall and lofts it over covers. Udana runs to his right, dives and stops it. Interestingly, the batters only take one. Poor running.
38.5 : N Pradeep to S Smith, Smith walks across and works it through square leg for one.
38.6 : N Pradeep to A Finch, Just over! A good short one on middle, Finch looks to pull but the ball hurries onto him. He though gets enough on it to clear mid-wicket and two runs taken.
39.1 : T Perera to S Smith, On the pads, this is stylishly flicked through square leg for one.
39.2 : T Perera to A Finch, SIX! Not off the middle but the result is the one he wanted. Outside off, Finch looks to drag it over the leg side. It does not come off the middle but he has so much of power, that he clears the square leg fence with ease. This is the last over of Powerplay 2, Finch would want to make use of it. 7 off the first two balls.
Slight halt in play as we have lost the ball. The reserve umpire is out with a box of balls.
39.3 : T Perera to A Finch, FOUR MORE! It was uppish but wide of the fielder! Short and outside off, Finch cuts it past the diving point fielder and it races away. 11 scored from the last 3 balls now.
39.4 : T Perera to A Finch, A yorker now! Not a lot you can do with that. Finch jams it out on the off side and takes one.
39.5 : T Perera to S Smith, Shorter and on off, Smith guides it through covers for one.
39.6 : T Perera to A Finch, A rare dot to end! Full and on off, Finch strokes it to cover. 13 from the over and now the run rate is just below six.
Powerplay 3 has been signaled! Now 5 fielders can be placed outside the ring till the end of the innings.
40.1 : N Pradeep to S Smith, FOUR! What a shot! This is very full and on middle, Smith somehow manages to squeeze it in the gap between fine leg and backward square leg for a boundary. Pressure on the bowler now as this is a poor start to the over.
40.2 : N Pradeep to S Smith, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! This is class form Smith. The last one was full and he hit it for a boundary. This is short, he still manages to hit it for a boundary. It is on off, Smith guides it very fine on the off side. No chance for third man.
40.3 : N Pradeep to S Smith, Very full on the pads again, Smith works it fine on the leg side for one.
40.4 : N Pradeep to A Finch, FOUR! Slapped! Into the 140s now Finch. Third boundary of the over. Short and on off, it sits up to be hit. Finch makes room and smashes it over covers for a boundary. 250 is up.
40.5 : N Pradeep to A Finch, FOUR! 4th boundary in the over! Pradeep is not sure where to bowl. He has gone, full, length, short and is hit for a boundary on each of that length. This time it is a bumper. Finch goes back and pulls it through square leg for a boundary.
40.6 : N Pradeep to A Finch, A single to end another top over for Australia. 18 from it. Finch works this through mid-wicket for one.
Lasith Malinga returns into the attack. There is a slight drizzle in the air now.
41.1 : L Malinga to A Finch, FOUR! Second score of 150 or more for Aaron Finch this year! A length ball angling into the batsman, Finch lines up the delivery and heaves it over mid-wicket for a boundary.
41.2 : L Malinga to A Finch, Straighter delivery, it's tucked in the gap at mid-wicket for a run.
41.3 : L Malinga to S Smith, Wide! Slips one way down the leg side, Smith leaves it alone.
L Malinga to S Smith, Angling away from the batsman from 'round the wicket, it's full and outside off, Smith drives it to extra cover for a run.
41.4 : L Malinga to A Finch, Width on offer outside off, Finch goes hard at it but the bat turns in his hands and it goes down to long off for a run.
41.5 : L Malinga to S Smith, Slower one, on the shorter side outside off, Smith cracks it off his back foot but finds the point fielder.
41.6 : L Malinga to S Smith, SIX! Monstrous hit! This one has gone into the crowd at mid-wicket. Smith gets across the stumps, fetches a length ball from outside off and launches it across the line. High and handsome. 14 from the over, 32 in the last two overs. Australia on the charge!
Isuru Udana is back!
42.1 : I Udana to A Finch, Good stop but a single sees Finch equal his highest score in ODI cricket. Full and on off, Finch makes room and drills it towards cover. The fielder does not stop it cleanly and a run is taken.
42.2 : I Udana to S Smith, Another misfield and the second run is conceded. Full and on middle, Smith whips it through mid-wicket. The fielder from long on runs to his right, bends down but does not collect the ball. The fielder from deep mid-wicket does the mopping up job and two is taken.
42.3 : I Udana to S Smith, Smith walks right across and works it through square leg for one.
42.4 : I Udana to A Finch, OUT! In the air... taken! End of a brilliant, brilliant innings by Aaron Finch. He walks off to a standing ovation and a well-deserved one. His knock has put Australia in a wonderful position here. He falls prey to a slower one. It is on middle, Finch looks to flat-bat it but there is spongy bounce on this delivery. Due to that a top edge is induced and it goes high up in the air towards cover where Karunaratne takes it. Sri Lanka will now hope they can restrict Austral
Glenn Maxwell arrives. The stage is set for the Big Show to just explode.
42.5 : I Udana to S Smith, A yorker! Smith jams it out and takes a quick run.
42.6 : I Udana to G Maxwell, Goes short straightaway to Maxwell. He somehow pulls it towards deep square leg for one. Excellent over by Udana. 6 from it and a big wicket.
43.1 : L Malinga to G Maxwell, Good running! Full and on off, Maxwell strokes it down the ground with a straight bat and takes two.
43.2 : L Malinga to G Maxwell, Very full and on off, Maxwell looks to whip it but it goes off the inner half down to long on for one.
43.3 : L Malinga to S Smith, OUT! BOWLED 'EM! That is a top, top nut by Malinga to get rid of Smith. Vintage Malinga there. He bowls a corker of a yorker on middle from around the wicket. Smith looks to jam it out but the ball sneaks under the bat and hits the stumps behind. Another excellent innings comes to an end by Smith. Both the set batters are out of here. Sri Lanka have a chance to finish strongly.
Surprise, surprise... it's Shaun Marsh to bat next and not Alex Carey who has been in amazing form in this World Cup. Hmm...
43.4 : L Malinga to S Marsh, A dipping slower one outside off, it ends up being a full toss. Marsh is almost foxed by it. He guides it towards point in the end for one.
43.5 : L Malinga to G Maxwell, Another low full toss on middle, Maxwell works it through mid-wicket for one. This is turning out to be another top over.
43.6 : L Malinga to S Marsh, A dot to end a brilliant over from Malinga. Slower one on middle, Marsh works it to mid-wicket. 32 in the first two overs of Powerplay 3 and 11/2 in the next two. Sri Lanka have pulled things back a wee bit.
Nuwan Pradeep is back into the attack!
44.1 : N Pradeep to G Maxwell, FOUR! Another Pradeep over starts with a boundary! He bowls it short. Maxwell clears his front leg and flat-bats it over mid on.
44.2 : N Pradeep to G Maxwell, SIX! Almost the same spot but this goes all the way! Poor bowling. Pradeep is just asking to be hit. It is a slower one and on middle, it is short, sits up to be hit. Maxwell powers it over mid on and it goes all the way.
44.3 : N Pradeep to G Maxwell, Well bowled! Goes very full and on middle, all Maxwell can do is jam it out towards the bowler who deflects it onto the stumps at his end.
44.4 : N Pradeep to G Maxwell, FOUR! Maxwell is playing with the field here. They have mid on up so he hit over that fielder, they now have square leg up so he hits a boundary through there. Full and on the pads, Maxwell flicks it in front of square. The fielder in the deep runs to his right but stands no chance despite a dive. 14 from the over, two balls to go.
44.5 : N Pradeep to G Maxwell, FOUR! Over mid-wicket now! That fielder in the deep just came in. Poor bowling from Nuwan. He is just not bowling to his field here. He bowls a high full toss on the body. Maxwell pulls it over the mid-wicket fence.
44.6 : N Pradeep to G Maxwell, FOUR! Over the keeper! You can't set a field for that! 22 from the over. Short and on middle, Maxwell looks to slap it but gets a top edge over the keeper's head for a boundary. 300 up for Australia. 5 overs still to go. Also, that is the end of Pradeep tonight. A day to forget for him, 10-0-88-0.
45.1 : L Malinga to S Marsh, Down the leg side, Marsh works it towards square leg and gives the strike to Maxwell.
45.2 : L Malinga to G Maxwell, Very full and on the pads, Maxwell whips it through square leg for one.
45.3 : L Malinga to S Marsh, A dot! Gold dust at this stage! Full and on off, Marsh finds cover with his drive.
45.4 : L Malinga to S Marsh, A leg bye! Slower one on middle, Marsh looks to flick but misses to get hit high on the pads. The ball rolls on the off side and a run is taken.
45.5 : L Malinga to G Maxwell, Just a single again! Brilliant bowling. Very full and outside off, Maxwell can't get under it. He just guides it through covers for one. Just the 4 from the over with one ball to go. Can Malinga end it well?
45.6 : L Malinga to S Marsh, He surely has! Ends it with a dot! Tremendous stuff from the veteran. Bowls another slower one on middle, Marsh works it towards mid-wicket.
Isuru Udana is back into the attack!
46.1 : I Udana to G Maxwell, Slower one but down the leg side, Maxwell looks to flick but misses.
I Udana to G Maxwell, Another slower one! Maxwell works it through mid-wicket and takes one.
46.2 : I Udana to S Marsh, Again a single! Bowling to his field here is Udana. Full and wide outside off, Marsh carves it out to deep point for one.
46.3 : I Udana to G Maxwell, Lovely delivery! The slower yorker and it dips on the batsman at the very end. Maxwell initially looks to go big but in the end tries to jam it out. Misses and the ball just about kisses the leg pole.
46.4 : I Udana to G Maxwell, Very full and on off, Maxwell hits it down to long off for one. Singles are something Sri Lanka won't mind.
46.5 : I Udana to S Marsh, Brilliant again! Full and wide outside off, just inside the tramline. Marsh fails to get bat on ball.
46.6 : I Udana to S Marsh, OUT! Marsh holes out. This could well be a blessing in disguise for Australia as Marsh just wasn't able to get going. Once again the slower one does the trick for Udana. It is on a length and around off. Once again there is some spongy bounce. Marsh looks to smash it over mid-wicket but only manages to hit it high up in the air towards deep mid-wicket where Siriwardana takes it nicely. Just the 4 runs and a wicket from this over. That is outstanding at this stage.
Alex Carey walks in next at number 7.
47.1 : L Malinga to G Maxwell, Full and on middle, this is whipped through mid-wicket for one.
47.2 : L Malinga to A Carey, Brilliant stuff again! A yorker on middle, Carey jams it out towards cover.
47.3 : L Malinga to A Carey, Good shot by Carey! Gets off the mark with three. Should have been only two though. Slower one and on off, Carey lofts it over covers. The man in the deep runs to his left, stops the ball and tries to parry it to the fielder running to his right from long off. The parry is above that fielder's head who can't catch it cleanly and a third is taken.
47.4 : L Malinga to G Maxwell, Extremely full again and on middle, this is hit down to long on for one. Boundaries hard to come by.
47.5 : L Malinga to A Carey, Again, only a single! A low full toss is hit towards cover. The batters go for a run. The fielder has shy at the bowler's end but misses. Carey would have been in though.
47.6 : L Malinga to G Maxwell, Another single to end! This is magnificent stuff from the veteran. Very full on middle, Maxwell jams it out towards cover for one. Just the 15 from the last three.
48.1 : I Udana to G Maxwell, OUT! Another wicket for Sri Lanka. Carey is given out, run out on the field. Brilliance from Udana. What agility shown by him there. He bowls a slower yorker on the leg pole which Maxwell jams to the right of the bowler. The batters feel it will go past him and they set off for a run but Isuru dives full stretch to his right, fields the ball. Seeing that Maxwell stops. Carey tries to return but Udana turns and then hits the stumps at his end. Carey tries to dive and m
0.0 : Pat Cummins is the new batsman.
48.2 : I Udana to G Maxwell, Up and just out of the reach of the backward point fielder. A length ball on off, Maxwell tries going hard at it but the ball comes on slowly and he ends up slicing it in the air. Mathews runs back a bit, then stretches his right hand out but fails to catch it. The ball rolls behind and the sweeper cover does well to boot it out just before the rope. Three taken by the batsmen.
48.3 : I Udana to Pat Cummins, OUT! One more run out and once again it is Udana. Outstanding work by him and Sri Lanka are crawling their way back into the game big time here. He bowls a yorker first up which Cummins jams to the right of the bowler. PC wants a run but there is never one in it and Maxwell rightly sends him back. Cummins turns and tries to make it back in but Udana hits the stumps at the keeper's end this time. Cummins' dive also does not save him.
Mitchell Starc is in next.
48.4 : I Udana to M Starc, Full and on off, Starc hits it down to long off for one.
48.5 : I Udana to G Maxwell, A yorker on middle, Maxwell gets it through mid-wicket and takes two.
48.6 : I Udana to G Maxwell, A single to end! Slower one on middle, Maxwell looks to work it on the leg side but closes the face of the bat early. He gets a soft leading edge towards the bowler who fumbles and a run is taken.
Thisara Perera to bowl the final over.
49.1 : T Perera to G Maxwell, Full and wide outside off, Maxwell hits it through cover for one.
49.2 : T Perera to M Starc, Very full and on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one. Two singles to begin the last over.
49.3 : T Perera to G Maxwell, Another single as this yorker is jammed out towards backward point for one.
49.4 : T Perera to M Starc, A couple but still no boundaries! Full and on middle again, Starc works it through mid-wicket for one.
49.5 : T Perera to M Starc, A low full toss on middle, this is hit down to long on for one. Just the 6 from the 5 balls bowled. Needs to end it well though.
49.6 : T Perera to G Maxwell, FOUR! Maxwell gets a boundary at last! Perera is not able to end the over well. Still not a bad last one though, 10 came from it. Also, this is not a very bad delivery, it is a low full toss outside off. Maxwell manages to whip it through mid-wicket, away from the fielder in the deep for a boundary. AUSTRALIA END ON 334/7!
Exceptional death bowling by Sri Lanka. They conceded just 32 runs in the last five overs and accounted for three wickets as well. Their accuracy was so good that Australia managed just one four in the last five overs in spite of having Glenn Maxwell in the middle. Superbly done by the Lankan Lions but they still are staring down to a big total.
Winning the toss and putting Australia to bat didn't go according to the plan for the Asian team. The Aussie openers started cautiously and then capitalized. David Warner didn't contribute much but his partner, Aaron Finch, was in scintillating form. After the fall of two quick wickets, Finch joined forces with Steve Smith and together they hammered a 173-run stand in quick time. That put Australia on track for a massive total although they failed to go past the 350-run mark in the end in spite
The Lankan bowling wasn't entirely up to the mark. They were cold in Powerplay 1 but then pulled things back a bit in the middle phase. The ploy to choke the flow of runs worked as they managed to remove David Warner and Usman Khawaja quite cheaply. But once the pair of Finch and Smith settled down, the Lankan bowlers lost the plot completely and started to concede runs at a brisk rate. Having said that, they must be praised for their death bowling. Isuru Udana was simply brilliant as he picked
Mel Jones catches up with Aaron Finch for a small interview. The Australian skipper says he feels like he is playing well and it is nice to get off to a good start. Informs it is quite windy and it is hard to target one side but overall he is happy. Mentions they did not have a target in mind as they knew the Lankan bowlers are very good at the death and says he is very happy with what they have put on the board. Ends by saying he is pleased to know that he now holds the record for the highest i
It's a tall target in front of the Lankans! Their batting hasn't been in good form and now they have a monumental task in front of them. Dealing with the likes of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Jason Behrendorff won't be easy. Do join us in a short while for the chase.