Published: Feb 11, 2012, 11:48 AM (IST)
Edited: Feb 11, 2012, 11:48 AM (IST)
The Sri Lankans appeared to do a good job with the ball after captain Mahela Jayawardene won the toss and elected to field, Clarke top scoring with a polished 57.
Angelo Mathews said he felt like they would snatch the win.
“We were just one shot away, but unfortunately we couldn't make it.”
Clarke admitted the Australians nearly paid the price for what he believed was a below-par performance with the bat.
“We were 30 runs short of what we should have scored on that wicket… “A lot of credit needs to go to our bowlers, for the first 45 overs we bowled beautifully.”
The Sri Lankans appeared to be cruising at 61-1, but suffered a major blow when Kumar Sangakkara was run out for 22 in an ugly mix-up with opener Tillakaratne Dilshan (40).
They found it hard to recover from the loss of their most prolific batsman and Clarke's inspired season continued when he brought himself on for a rare bowl in the 31st over.
Dinesh Chandimal was on 37 and appeared to be Sri Lanka's last real hope of victory, but he was trapped leg before wicket by Clarke's first delivery.
