Marcus Stoinis: Fastest T20I fifty by an Australian
The hosts’ T20 World Cup campaign got back on track with a seven-victory over Sri Lanka on Tuesday. Thanks in large part to Marcus Stoinis. He was at his dangerous best as he demolished the Sri Lankan attack followed by a trip to hit the quickest T20I fifty by an Australian.
Marcus Stoinis at his best
Notably, Sri Lanka, who gave the hosts a challenging 158-run target, hung around for the majority of the game. However, a devastating knock by Stoinis, who scored an unbeaten 59 off 18 balls with the help of four fours and six sixes. The game ended for the defending Asian champions as Australia chased down the target with 21 balls remaining.
On Tuesday, Sri Lanka put up a valiant fight, but Stoinis just transformed the outcome of the match on his own with his show of might. He was still on 59 off 18 balls when Australia easily won in 16.3 overs.
Early on
Aaron Finch, the captain, scored a laborious 31 runs and appeared to be a spectator during Stoinis’s match-winning 69-run stand with him. Prior to Stoinis’s arrival, Sri Lanka, the Asian champions, had a score of 157-6 after Charith Asalanka had struck an unbeaten 38.
Maxwell’s Cameo
Maxwell early on gave some life to the game, but in the 12th over, he was struck in the throat. After Ashen Bandara made a fantastic catch of him close to the boundary rope in the following over, Chamika Karunaratne picked up his wicket. The Australians were reduced to 89/3 in 12.2 overs. The all-rounder was removed for a quick cameo 23 off 12 balls.
Brave Sri Lankan bowlers
As Lankan bowlers challenged Australia with their line and lengths. Australia’s chances of easily hitting boundaries when chasing 158 were restricted. David Warner, the opener, scored 26 and attempted to drive a ball but where captain Dasun Shanaka caught him after four overs. Spinner Maheesh Theekshana gave Lanka their first wicket.
Another Injury Treat for Sri Lanka
Binura Fernando, a speed bowler for Sri Lanka, left the field during Australia’s first over of the chase because the island nation worried about adding to its already lengthy injury list at this event.
Australia’s Huge Run Rate boost
This Incredible huge 7-wicket win over Sri Lanka gave Australia a much-needed run rate boost. Australia now move up to fourth place in group 1. On the other hand Sri Lanka dropped to third place in the points table.
What’s Next?
Australia will face tougher opponent England on the 28th of October (Friday). Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will face in-form New Zealand on the 29th of October (Saturday).