Sri Lanka Qualified for the Super 8s with a splendid batting show against Australia. The hosts were in trouble early on with the ball but they came back superbly to put a dent on the Aussies’ chances. Australia now will need Zimbabwe to lose both their games and themselves defeat Oman to qualify.
Match Summary: Sri Lanka vs Australia
Result: Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets
Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Australia: 181/7 in 20 overs
Sri Lanka: 185/3 in 18 overs
Player of the Match: Pathum Nissanka
Top Scorer (Sri Lanka): Pathum Nissanka – 102*
Top Scorer (Australia): Travis Head – 56
Best Bowler (Sri Lanka): Dushan Hemantha – 3/24
After opting to bowl first, Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head put the hosts under pressure scoring runs quickly. They stitched a magnificent century-partnership with both batters scoring fifties. Once Head fell, it was a collapse as they lost Cameron Green, Mitchell Marsh and Tim David in quick succession. A vital cameo from Josh Inglis and Glenn Maxwell put some sanity but they lost wickets towards the end as well to finish on 181. Dushan Hemantha was the pick of the bowlers as he finished with three wickets.
Australia, though, would have fancied their chances as the ball was gripping on the pitch. Their hopes were crushed by Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. They stitched a 97-run stand before Mendis fell for a well made 51. Nissanka though continued on his merry way. He took the bowlers apart and unleashed a flurry of shots towards the end. He reached his century and took the hosts home with 2 overs to spare. He literally gave the Kangaroos no chance of coming back in this game.
Australia now are on the verge of elimination and will need help from other teams to qualify while Sri Lanka have qualified. Zimbabwe can join them as well if they win one of their remaining games. All to look out for in the upcoming games.
