Published: Feb 19, 2017, 03:45 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 19, 2017, 04:20 PM (IST)
Sri Lanka skittled out Australia for 173, thanks to Nuwan Kulasekara‘s four-wicket haul. On the other hand, Moises Henrqiues was the hosts’ only respite in the death overs. Given Australia have already lost the first contest of the three-match T20I series, they had no option but to fire on all cylinders right from the word go. And to provide the same, Australia captain Aaron Finch left no stone unturned to put Sri Lanka on the back foot. He smashed a four of Lasith Malinga in the very first over, smashing it over cover. He then guided Kulasekara’s length ball to vacant deep square-leg. Full cricket scorecard: Australia vs Sri Lanka, 2nd T20I
However, captain Upul Tharanga made the first bowling change in the third over, giving the ball to Vikum Sanjaya. The ploy worked wonders, as the medium pacer took as many as 4 balls to get the better of the Australian captain. Nonetheless, that did not stop Michael Klinger from going full throttle. He hit back-to-back boundaries off Kulasekara.
To make matters worse for the opposition, No. 3 Ben Dunk bludgeoned 3 sixes and a four of Dilshan Manuweera. While the four was scythed in the point region, he plundered sixes over cover, long-on, and eventually mid-wicket. The scorecard read 60 for 1 after 6 overs.
Given the brand of cricket the hosts approached, Tharanga kept making changes. He introduced Asela Gunaratne in the 7th over once the field was spread. And yet again the change in bowling went their way, as Gunaratne knocked over the rampant Dunk for 14-ball 32. The pressure gradually started building on the new-look Australian side, hence failing to score a boundary from over No. 7 to 10.
Despite losing wickets at the other end, Klinger kept the scorecard ticking. He scored 43 off 37 before Sanjaya dismissed him, providing yet another breakthrough. The momentum, for that matter, kept shifting. Kulasekara then pushed Australia in further trouble. He sent the dangerous Travis Head for a mere 4.
As the game progressed to death overs, Malinga was expected to catch the batsmen in maze. Off the last ball of the 16th over, Malinga, with his round-arm action, took the pace off the ball and outfoxed James Faulkner. Anticipating a quick yorker, Faulkner got into his shot early. Malinga then trapped Tim Paine in front, scalping his second scalp.
Meanwhile, Moises Henriques kept his cool at the other end and scored his maiden T20I fifty. He remained unbeaten on 56, as Kulaksekara’s four-for dismantled Australia for 173 all-out.
