2nd T20I: Australia have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead against Sri Lanka in the three-match T20I series. Matthew Wade’s run-a-ball 26 helped Australia defeat Sri Lanka after the collapse.
Australia and Sri Lanka players congratulating each other after the match. (courtesy: AP)
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- Australia have won an unassailable 2-0
- Wanindu Hasaranga took four wickets
- Kane Richardson returned with four wickets
Australia defeated Sri Lanka by three wickets in the second T20 match played at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday. With this win, the T20 World Champions have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead against Sri Lanka.
Chasing the target below 125, Australia were in all kinds of trouble thanks to Wanindu Hasaranga’s four-wicket haul. The Aaron Finch-led side, which had crushed Sri Lanka a day earlier, were reduced to 99/7 in 12 overs. However, an unbeaten 26 from Matthew Wade took the Down Under team home with 13 balls to spare.
Richardson-Maxwell Triggered Collapse
Electing to bat first, Sri Lanka had to face defeat in the opening round itself. Jhye Richardson and Glenn Maxwell hit early to break into Sri Lanka’s top order. Openers Pathum Nisanka and Danushka Gunathilaka, who were notable run scorers in the previous match, cheaply returned to the dugout.
Charit Aslanka and Kusal Mendis tried to rebuild the innings but their stay was cut short. Sri Lanka were restricted to 124/9, Kane Richardson returned with 4/30, while Jhye and Maxwell took three and two wickets.
Aussie team in danger from Lanka
Finch and David Warner, who had both scored half-centuries in the first T20I, failed to put up a big show. The likes of Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith were dismissed early on as the Sri Lankan bowlers continued to infiltrate the low-scoring game. It was Wade, the player of the match, and Jhye who made a comeback and secured the series for Australia.