T20 World Cup 2021, Australia vs Sri Lanka: Coming from a fantastic win against Bangladesh, Sri Lanka was unable to continue its momentum. While Australia on the other hand, after beating South Africa comprehensively stays unbeaten winning by 7 wickets.
Night match and bowling first, Australia already had the upper hand. However, the start suggested something else. A partnership of 63 runs for the second wicket between Kusal Perera(35) and Charith Asalanka(35) guided Sri Lanka to a respectable score of 78 after 10 overs.
Once a wicket fell for Sri Lanka, Australia bought them wholesale. Starting from Adam Zampa’s wicket of dangerous Charith Asalanka. It was full outside off, Charith tried to sweep it straight at Steve Smith. Zampa was again in play getting Avishka Fernando’s wicket. Looking to slog-sweep but only manages to top-edged it.
A monstrous six from Kusal Perera to Mitchell Starc but the next ball was a missile to destruct the stumps apart. Wandindu Hasaranga(4) was also disappointing only playing two balls before getting caught behind.
The Australian bowling attack was on target, with Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Adam Zampa taking two wickets each. While Josh Hazlewood although not getting a wicket was brilliant economically.
The most needed last push came from Bhanuka Rajapaksa(33). He was good at the end in getting Sri Lanka to a respectable score of 154.
The problem of openers being out of form for Australia seems to be solved with a 70 runs opening stand between the Finch and Warner. Early on in the innings, Aaron Finch(37) was destructive before failing to read Wanindu Hasaranga’s googly.
Wanindu Hasaranga was impressive in this particular outing. Picking up two wickets of Finch and Mighty Maxwell(5). When David Warner departed it was too late. The Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka’s clever bowling successfully defused the Australian opener.
Steve Smith(28*) and Marcus Stoinis(16*) finished the innings unbeaten and with three overs to spare. Smith was anchoring the innings, while Marcus Stoinis smacked relentlessly.
With this win, Australia with England are on the top of the table both winning two out of two. The returning form of David Warner(65) is a plus sign for Australia.
Watch the highlight of Australia vs Sri Lanka in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021.
ICC T20 World Cup 2021, Australia vs Sri Lanka: post match presentation.
Dasun Shanaka:
“The wicket was too good and we did get off to a great start but failed to capitalize on it. The batter who is set needs to continue on till 15th-16th over and it is a concern for us. Warner and Finch are good batters and we were not able to contain them. We will try to rectify the same in the next game.”
Aaron Finch:
“It was a good performance but Zampa and start did well earlier to track them back. The wicket was good and we needed to be calm and stick to the plans. Sri Lanks can take the game away from you but we did well today. Warner played well today and Zampa made his impact. We are looking forward to the England game.”
Adam Zampa:
“Sri Lanka got off to a flier but we came back well. The wicket was a bit slow but the dew helped us in the second innings. I love to bowl against Sri Lanka as they are good against spin. I like to play at the back end as well. David Warner played really well as he was under pressure.”
