Sri Lanka registered a surprise win over Australia in the 2nd ODI of the ongoing 5-match series as they signed off Pallekele, much to the delight of a packed crowd. This was Sri Lanka’s first win in an ODI competition over Australia since August 2016 as the hosts ended a five-match losing streak in the 50-over format.
Notably, Sri Lanka sealed the win with a record as they defended the lowest score in an ODI at the Pallekele Cricket Ground. It was a return to the style of ODI cricket for more than a decade as Sri Lanka scored only 220 runs before bowling out Australia for 189 and scripting a 26-run win (via DLS) in a rain-hit competition. Of.
Crowds went berserk at the Pallekele Stadium as Sri Lanka beat Australia for the second time in 3 matches at the venue after registering a resounding victory in the third T20I of the 3-match series last month. Sri Lanka lost the T20I series 1-2 but they managed to level the ODI series 1-1.
Sri Lanka vs Australia 2nd ODI Highlights
Karunaratne paved the way for Sri Lanka as he tested the Australian batsmen with clever changes of pace. He was well supported by Dushmantha Chamira, who finished with 2-19.
The Australian all-rounder took the crucial wicket of Glenn Maxwell, who had played a match-winning knock in the first ODI, and was looking to grow. Maxwell was dismissed for 30 off 25 balls in the 35th over, after which the Australian innings collapsed. Due to Karunaratne’s ability, wicketkeeper Alex Carey was run out in the same over.
Australia went from 170/5 to 189-all as Sri Lanka came up with a brilliant effort with the ball.
Karunaratne said, “I was asking myself why I was not contributing more for the team. Glad that today I got my 100 percent performance when we had to level the series.”
“We had a lot of plans ahead of the game and I was trying to figure out what the batsmen were trying to do and then I had to come up with a counter move. It all went well for us.”
Player of the match – Chamika Karunaratne #SLVAUS #CheerForLions pic.twitter.com/LiCSggCv4Y
— Sri Lanka Cricket (@OfficialSLC) 16 June 2022
shine is a warrior
Youngster Dunith Velalez stepped in in the absence of Vanindu Hasaranga, who missed with a back injury. He took 2 wickets along with fellow spinner Dhananjay de Silva.
Captain Dasun Shanka heaped praise on his bowlers.
“Chamika is a born warrior. Whenever I throw the ball to her, she delivers. Same is the case with Dushmantha. The attitude and concentration on the field too is top-class,” he added.
Earlier, Australia restricted Sri Lanka to 220-9 in 47.4 overs before rain ended the innings prematurely. Kusal Mendis scored 36 runs for the hosts.
Pat Cummins, who led the injured Australian attack, was one of the bowlers with figures of 4-35. However, his efforts with the ball were not supported by the batsmen.
The third ODI of the five-match series will be held in Colombo on Sunday.