Australia did it again! In the epic battle between Srilanka and the hosts of the T20 World Cup 2022, Australia emerged winners by 7 wickets. Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis showed sincere effort and played their natural game to win it for their team with 21 balls to spare.
Australia Flamboyant Chase
Australia triumphs with 21 extra balls. The reigning champs didn’t have a good start while attempting to chase down a difficult score. In seven overs, they failed to hit a single boundary, and the score read 38/1 with both hitters, Finch and Marsh, having trouble with timing.
The introduction of Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka’s finest bowler of the competition, into the attack would have made the Islanders the happier team since the lone left-hander in the top-order had also been removed. But for the Sri Lankan leggie, Hasranga, it was a day to forget. He gave up 15 runs in his first over. Despite Mitchell Marsh’s loss in the next over, Maxwell continued to pursue Hasaranga.
The Australian Fightback
Australia was back in the lead at 85/2 at the midway point, but Sri Lanka rallied back by giving up just 4 runs off the following 14 deliveries, including the wicket of Maxi. The hosts might have felt some strain, but when Stoinis entered at five, any SL dreams were dashed. He started off by hitting a few fours, went 6 4 6 against Hasaranga, and subsequently didn’t spare Theekshana either, smashing three sixes off him in one over.
What Captains Said
Aaron Finch, the winning captain expressed his happiness over the win. He said, “Very happy. My innings was unusual, poor. I couldn’t hit the ball. The way we approached with the bat was fine. It was seaming a long way there, if we could get through that, it was important to set-up the back end of the innings. Would have been nicke if I had kicked on earlier.”
“All in all, pretty clinical. They bowled the hard length, it was tough. Such a big ground, hard to stand and deliver. Nice to get the two points. (Stoinis) It was a pretty special innings. To come out with that intent is the main thing. When you walk out to bat and have that presence of the crease, that’s half the battle in T20 cricket. When you got the skill that he has got, it’s a good combo. (Next game vs England) Always a great event, any format, anywhere, looking forward to it.”
Dasun Shanaka, the losing captain looked disappointed. He said, “We started really well and finished well, but we didn’t get going in the middle overs. I think we could have missed 15-20 runs. Fast bowlers didn’t prepare well, they are coming after injuries. That’s the reason behind getting them injured. It was tough with the new ball due to the spongy bounce. Even Finch struggled against the new ball. They played really well in the latter part.”
AUS VS SL: Analysis
Australia had a poor bowling performance and a sluggish start with the bat. However, Maxwell’s cameo and Stonis’ blitzkrieg earned them two points while also improving their NRR. To compete against their fiercest rivals, England, they will go to Melbourne. Meanwhile, in Sydney, Sri Lanka and New Zealand will square off. Let’s hope their team doesn’t sustain any additional injuries.
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