Australia kept their cool to stall a Sri Lankan fight back to scrape a decisive 3-wicket win in registering back to back triumphs to already clinch the 3-match T20 series tonight at the R. Premadasa International Stadium.
In a repeat performance of yesterday’s game the Lankans, put into bat after losing the toss again, were restricted to124 for 9 in 20 overs. The Aussies went about going for a quick finish losing no time in mounting the 50 mark despite losing two wickets in the process.
The world champions did make the difference by the stealthy, clinical fronting they are renowned for in dictating terms. Despite one drop batsman Charith Asalanka looking threatening as he was in yesterday’s game, this time in partnership with Kusal Mendis, the Aussie bowlers won through.
But for the packed to capacity home crowd that had begun to roar at young Asalanka breaking free and simply hammering 2 over the top and and an equal number to the ropes in gay abandon to see his fireworks short-lived was hurting. For the young find displayed shot making of clean butchery type of his blade flashing so fast as a circus man. But then, Charith Asalanka, this discovery from Richmond College, Galle, had certainly heralded his arrival of a champion batsman on the blocks. He made a top score of 39 off 32 caught by Aaron Finch hitting through a deceptive slow Glen Maxwell delivery that undid him.
Kusal Mendis fell for 36 off an equal number of balls hitting a six and 2 boundaries before falling on his stumps mistiming a shot off Jhey Richardson. (PARA 6) Australia got about victory courtesy wicket-keeper batsman Mathew Wade unbeaten on 26, Aaron Finch 24, David Warner 21, Maxwell 19 on a day Wanindu Hasaranga spun his way to 4 for 33, but not just enough to stop the Aussies.
CHIEF SCORES: Sri Lanka 124/9 (20 Overs) (Charith Asalanka 39, Kusal Mendis 36, Dasun Shanaka 14, Kane Richardson 4/30, Jhey Richardson 3/26. Glen Maxwell 2/18) Australia 126/7 (17.5 Overs) (Mathew Wade n.o. 26, Aaron Finch 24, Glen Maxwell 19, Wanindu Hasaranga 4/33) Player of the Match: Mathew Wade.