Sri Lanka will take a boost of confidence into the men’s T20 World Cup after beating Australia in the final game of the five-match T20 series at the MCG.
The tourists drew level with Australia’s 154-run total with three balls to spare.
And with captain Dasun Shanaka bowled late by Kane Richardson, the stage was set for Chamika Karunaratne to deliver the final blow, lifting Sri Lanka to a five-wicket win.
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Earlier, Australia had won the toss and elected to bat.
Aaron Finch returned to the top of the order after the side’s experimentation with Ashton Agar in the two matches prior.
However, the opening pair of Finch and Ben McDermott failed to make a great impact, furthering questions around their selection in Australia’s World Cup team.
After a solid partnership between budding talent Josh Inglis and player of the series Glenn Maxwell, Australia’s scoreline took a hit with a quick succession of wickets.
Inglis was struck in the helmet by a bouncer from Dushmantha Chameera.
DRS found him out as he was assessed for concussion, a slight spike showing on Snicko.
Inglis left the field unharmed but frustrated by his dismissal.
The dangerous Marcus Stoinis was the next wicket to fall, caught on 17 runs from 10 deliveries.
A 64-run partnership between Matthew Wade and Daniel Sams rescued Australia’s faultering innings.
After Sams’ cameo was ended by a substitute fielder in the deep, Agar arrived in the middle at No.8.
Wade was a driving force as Australia posted 6-154.
Kusal Mendis starred in the chase and was named player of the match for his efforts.
The wicketkeeper-batter scored 69 runs from 58 balls, notching his sixth T20 international half-century.
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International debutants Kamil Mishara and Janith Liyanage were unable to settle into the match, succumbing to lapses in judgement that highlighted their level of experience.
Adding to his impressive bowling performances throughout the series, Agar successfully bowled Charith Asalanka with his first ball, ending the allrounder’s threatening strike at the boundary.
With skipper Shanaka at the crease, Sri Lanka required 10 runs per over to close out the match.
Richardson tweaked his hamstring in the final over, leading to Sams taking the ball for the final delivery of the match.
Sri Lanka won the game but Australia claimed the series 4-1.
The T20 World Cup, to be held in Australia, will kick off in October.
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