Melbourne: Sri Lanka defeated Australia by nine runs to reach the final of the Commonwealth Bank Series. With this win Sri Lanka has ended India’s tour Down-Under. The Indians who would have been praying for an Australian win will fly back to their home country after completing a horrendous tour.
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first, they lost two early wickets and it was the partnership between the veteran Sangakkara and the young-sensation Dinesh Chandimal which set the game for the Lankans. They added 123 runs for the 3rd wicket and gave a perfect platform to the visitors.
They would have been hoping for a massive end but a magical spell from D. Christian that restricted the visitors to a modest total of 238 runs. Christian took a five wicket haul which included a hat-trick.
In reply, Australia also suffered early hiccups in their chase losing three wickets for only 26 runs. Australia continued to lose wickets and it was the innings of the stand-in skipper Shane Watson (65) and David Hussey (74) that took the Aussies close to the Lankan title.
Australia needed 10 runs in the final over with David Hussey on strike and only one wicket to go. Nuwan Kulasekara bowled the first ball and the shot from Hussey was easily taken by Dilshan to ensure that Sri Lanka becomes the second side to reach the finals.
Dinesh Chandimal for his brilliant innings of 75 runs was awarded the man of the match.
Brief Score:
Sri Lanka: 238 (Chandimal 75, Sangakkara 64, Christian 5-31)
Australia: 229 (D Hussey 74, Watson 65, Malinga 4-49)
By Indian Sports News
