5th T20I, Melbourne, February 20, 2022, 11:40 AM
Australia
154/6(20.0ov)
Sri Lanka
155/5(19.5ov)
Sri Lanka beat Australia by 5 wickets
All the Aussie players are called on the podium as the trophy is handed to them. So, another T20I series is done and dusted but if you are a cricketing fan, you don't have to wait for a long time as India will take on West Indies shortly at 7 pm IST (1:30 pm GMT). So, do join us there in advance for the build-up. Till then, goodbye and take care!
Aaron Finch, the skipper of Australia, says that he thought they were outplayed in the Powerplay, which made a difference. Mentions that the partnership between Matthew Wade and Daniel Sams was very good. States that Sri Lanka are a dangerous side and to win four games in a row was good. Also says that the flexibility of Josh Inglis throughout the order was good. Concludes by saying that Ashton Agar bowled well throughout the series and the depth in their bowling attack continues to grow.
Dasun Shanaka the skipper of Sri Lanka, says that the boys played very well throughout the series, but they could have been better, however, they are preparing well for the T20 World Cup. Mentions that Kusal Mendis has been outstanding, he has been in and out, but he has been consistent. Concludes by thanking all the Sri Lankan fans in Australia who have supported them.
Glenn Maxwell is adjudged as the Player of the Series for scoring 138 runs overall. He says that it was a good performance and overall everyone contributed. Adds that they will use the bench as well, as the T20 World Cup is coming up. He is happy to play at home soil as they are playing after so long.
Kusal Mendis is the player of the match for his match-winning knock of 69. He says today was a very good game, but in the last few games also they bowled very well. Mentions that Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka batted well, but as a team, they did play well in the previous games as well.
... Stay tuned for the presentation ...
Australia had a low target to defend. Although Sri Lankan batters failed to chase these similar targets in the previous games. This time the chase thrived with maturity. Australia started well by keeping the pressure and taking the wickets, even their fielding was top notch but it was that one partnership that took the game away. They still had enough runs to defend in the fag end but both Kane Richardson and Jhye Richardson failed to defend the target.
The newbies didn't have the best of debuts as both Kamil Mishara and Janith Liyanage went cheaply. Charith Asalanka scored a quick 20 and fell but it was the partnership between Kusal Mendis and Dasun Shanaka that held things for the visitors. Mendis anchored nicely while Shanaka rotated the strike. They still had a job to do in the end as 9 runs were needed off the last over and Dasun Shanaka hit a biggie before giving away his wicket. In the end, Sri Lanka will be happy to end the series on a positive note.
Well, too little too late, but SRI LANKA AVOID A WHITEWASH. They have been in positions where they could have won every game but could not cross the line. At long last, they earn a win and end a disappointing tour on a happy note.
In over# 20
1
0W
6
2
0
Daniel Sams 22/0(2.1)
19.5
1
Daniel Sams drops it short, around middle. Chamika Karunaratne pulls it over mid-wicket and runs across to the other end for a run. That's it! Sri Lanka win by 5 wickets! They end the series with a victory!
Is there a twist in the tail? Dasun Shanaka would have just driven it through covers but tries to be innovative. Anyways, Chamika Karunaratne has to finish now. Okay, hold on ....Kane Richardson is walking off. Looks like the hamstring and the pressure in on Daniel Sams as he has been handed the ball. 1 run needed in 2 balls.
19.4
W
OUT! CHOPPED ON! Oh, dear! There was no need for that! Are we in for a twist? A fuller ball, outside off. Dasun Shanaka shuffles across, gets low, and tries to scoop this over. But he gets an inside edge back onto the stumps. The skipper walks back to the hut. Sri Lanka need one run off 2 balls now!
19.3
6
SIX! HIGH AND HANDSOME! That's been sent into the crowd! A shorter ball outside off. Dasun Shanaka waits for it and pulls it high over deep square leg for a biggie! Sri Lanka are one run away now!
19.2
2
Fuller, around middle and off. Dasun Shanaka heaves it high towards deep mid-wicket for a brace. Hits to the longer side of the ground and Marcus Stoinis does well there to flick it back. 7 needed off 4 now!
19.1
.
Back of a length, outside off. Dasun Shanaka swings his bat but misses. 9 off 5 now!
In over# 19
2
4
1
2wd
1
1b
0
Jhye Richardson 38/0(4)
18.6
2
Fuller ball, outside off. Kusal Mendis slashes it towards cover for a brace. 9 runs needed off the last over now!
18.5
4
FOUR! Wonderful shot! Much needed boundary for Sri Lanka! A low full toss, outside off. Kusal Mendis shuffles across and scoops it over short fine leg for a boundary.
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