MELBOURNE: Sri Lanka ends the T20 series against Australia with a memorable win by 5 wickets at the MCG short while ago. Chasing 154 runs target set by the Aussies, Kusal Mendis and Skipper Shanaka steered Sri Lanka to a victory, amidst the cheers of the large Sri Lankan fans at the MCG.
Australia wins the series 4 – 1 however this win for Sri Lanka goes a long way in salvaging the pride. Australia won the toss and elected to bat. An injury hit Sri Lankan team had two new debutants in for today’s match. Janith Liyanage and Kamil Mishara got their T20 debuts.
Batting first, Mattew Wade’s contribution of 43 not out and Maxwells, 29 helped the Aussies to set a competitive score. Dushmantha Chameera and Lahiru Kumara bowled best for Sri Lanka picking up 2 wickets each. Throughout the series the Sri Lankan bowling has been brilliant and it is the batting that has let Sri Lanka down.
A determined run chase led by Kusal Mendis who remained unbeaten with 69 together with Asalanka (20 runs) and Captain Shanaka (35 runs) ensured that Sri Lanka goes over the winning line. Australian Ashton Agar bowled brilliantly to pick up one wicket for 19 runs. Kane Richardson picked up 2 wickets for 28 runs including the wicket of Dasun Shanaka.
Kusal Mendis was named the player of the match for his unbeaten 69 runs off 58 balls. Glenn Maxwell was named the player of the series.(RZ) Image credit – Australia cricket board twitter images
