CANBERRA: Australia won by 6 wickets comprehensively against Sri Lanka in a low scoring match at the Manuka Oval. Sri Lanka was in for a shock with all -rounder Wanindu Hasaranga being positive for COVID earlier in the day. Few days ago pacer Binura Fernando also was positive for COVID.
Australia won the toss and invite Sri Lanka to bat first. Sri Lanka were in the back foot at the initial stages itself reeling at 40 for 4 wickets in the 7th over. Charith Asalanka and Danushka Gunathilaka continued with their dismal performances with the bat. Skipper Dasun Shanaka was unbeaten on 39 and he consolidated the innings with Chandimal who hit 25 runs. Sri Lanka reached only 121 for 6 wickets off its 20 overs. Kane Richardson picked up 3 wickets for 21 runs.
The target was too small to be competitive for the T20 world champions and Australia reached the target with 19 balls to spare. Maheesh Theekshana bowled well to pick up 3 wickets for 24 runs along with Vandersay who replaced Hasaranga picking up one wicket for 32 runs. Aussie skipper finch hit 35 runs while maxwell scored 39 runs to seal a win and the series with two more matches remaining. Australia hit 124 runs for the loss of 4 wickets in 16.5 overs.
Kane Richardson was named the player of the match. The next match will be on Friday, February 18th. The Sri Lankan team should put their best effort now to elude a whitewash in this series. (RZ) – Image credit : Australian cricket board twitter
