COLOMBO : Sri Lanka secured a win in the third one day international match against Australia and lead the series 2:1 in the 5 match series. Sri Lanka first time in 20 years was able to win back-to-back ODI against Australia. Pathum Nissanka’s scintillating maiden century led the way for a well-deserved win for Sri Lanka. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis also made a record partnership for the second wicket of 213 runs which was interrupted when Kusal Mendis was retired hurt at 87 runs (off 85 balls).
Australia batting first set a target of 291 runs for the loss of 6 wickets with Travis Head being the highest run scorer for the Aussies (70* runs off 65 balls). Vandersay picked up 3 wickets for 49 runs off his 10 overs and Duntith Wellalage and Dhananjaya De Silva chipping in with one wicket each.
Pathum Nissanka led the chase for Sri Lanka with 137 runs off 147 balls. He made sure he was there right till the end and only fell for a tired shot ( and a brilliant catch by Warner) with only 8 runs required for a win. Richardson picked up 2 for 39 runs off 9 overs for Australia. Charith Asalanka hit the winning run to secure a 6 wicket win in the 49th over of the match. Nissanka was named the man of the match. The next ODI will be on Tuesday. (RZ)
