Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka credited final T20 game’s result has set the tone for the ODI series after the hosts won the ODI series against the mighty Australia.
The visitors, who started the series with back-to-back victories and won the T20 series by 2-1, outshined by Sri Lanka in the ODI series as the hosts secured the ODI series by 3-2.
After winning the first ODI of a 5-match series, Australia lost the momentum and faced defeat in the next three games before winning the fifth and final match, thanks to Alex Carey’s unbeaten 45-run as Australia won the fifth match by 4 wickets.
“It (today’s loss) is disappointing, but we need to keep pushing the boundaries, glad with the way the guys performed in the series. We took the momentum from the last T20 game, which set the tone. I think we could have won the first ODI as well. Our batters kept performing and our bowlers also delivered,” said Shanaka in a post-match presentation.
“Everyone took the responsibility, good to see Mendis back in form. Also the other players, it is a team effort. We need to keep playing like this. The crowd has been amazing, it has been a full house, they were always behind us. They kept believing in us and we need to deliver more in the future. Would like to thank the cricket boards and the ground staff as well,” he added.
Aus Vs SL 5th ODI Match Highlights:
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to bat first, but had a poor start. They lost their main three layers for just 34 runs. The fall of wickets didn’t stopped there as the hosts lost 7 wickets for 62 and the 8th wickets when they were at 85.
Contrarily, Chamika Karunaratne fought courageously, making 75 runs, and sharing a ninth-wicket stand of 58 runs with debutant Pramod Madushan. Sri Lanka rebounded and finished their innings at 160.
While chasing a small total, Australia witnessed difficulty. Aaron Finch was dismissed by Maheesh Theekshana on duck. While Wellalage dismissed David Warner on 10.
Theekshana then sent back Josh Inglish to pavilion to bring Australia’s score to 19/3.
Alex Carey and Cameron Green steadied the visitors’ boat. With a 43-run partnership they hand Australia victory in fifth ODI.
Although the victory couldn’t help Australia to win the series as the ODI series ended 3-2 in favour of Sri Lanka.
