Australia vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test, Day 5, Highlights: Hosts Clinch Historic Win Over Australia
Sri Lanka registered their first Test win over Australia in 17 years. Catch the highlights of Sri Lanka vs Australia here
For 178 balls, Steve O'Keefe and Peter Nevill defied the Sri Lankan spinners and it seemed Australia would escape with a draw. However, Dhananjaya de Silva broke the four-run stand while Rangana Herath clinched the final wicket to give Sri Lanka a historic 106-run win over Australia. Catch the highlights of Sri Lanka vs Australia here (SCORECARD | PLAY FANTASY CRICKET)
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Australia were 83/3, in pursuit of 268, before rain and bad light scuppered the fourth day's play at Pallekele. Smith was unbeaten on 26 while Herath, Perera and Sandakan took a wicket apiece.
Earlier, Kusal Mendis' magnificent knock of 176 helped Sri Lanka score 353 in their second innings. Mitchell Starc took four wickets while Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon grabbed two scalps each.
Live Score: Sri Lanka vs Australia
So, that completes our coverage of what was a fascinating Test match. Rain did cause a lot of overs to be lost in each of the first four days but we had enough time to witness a classic Test match albeit at a slow pace at times. So, SL are 1-0 up going to Galle on 4th August. Do join us for that Test match. Until then, it's goodbye from us.
ANGELO MATHEWS is lost for words and expresses his happiness on this big win. Feels that it was a much-needed comeback for the team after the recent disappointments in Tests for the side. Admits that his team batted poorly in the first innings but felt that they had a chance if they could get a lead of above 200. Praises Mendis for his knock while also credits Chandimal for the contributions. Praises Herath for standing up once again and also opines that Sandakan was brilliant. Doesn't feel that captaincy affects his batting and ends by saying that he hopes to contribute in the next match.
STEVEN SMITH feels that it's been a tough week. Credits Sri Lanka for the victory. Opines that they should have got a bigger lead in the first innings but batted poorly. Lauds Mendis for the classy knock and feels that it was difficult to come back after conceding 260-plus. States it was going to be a tough chase and it proved to be so. Accepts that O'Keefe's absence did hurt but doesn't want to point it as an excuse. Ends by saying that Australia need to find out solutions to play spin in the remaining Tests.
KUSAL MENDIS (MAN OF THE MATCH) says that he is very happy with his performance especially as it came in the team's win. Feels that Australia is a very good team and values his efforts a lot. Praises Chandimal for providing support and ends by saying that it was a good win for Sri Lanka.
Australia's bowlers too were guilty of underperforming in the second innings with O'Keefe's hamstring injury also being a reason. Lyon wasn't at his best after a good first innings while Starc was inconsistent. However, credit must go to Mendis for his performance while the Lankan spinners led by the veteran himself - Rangana Herath, spoiled the Australian party. Debutant Sandakan too had a great game as Sri Lanka brought Smith's 11-match unbeaten streak since becoming captain to an end.
The youngster compiled a majestic 176 in a match where only one other batsman got a fifty. His knock along with help from the tail meant that the Lankans had a stiff lead of 267 going into the fourth innings. Chasing that down, particularly on day 4 and 5, is always a very tough ask and the Australians found that out the hard way. The top order was a let down for the tourists and the O'Keefe-Nevill blockathon showed what Australia's batsmen lacked - application.
An incredible comeback by Sri Lanka after having been bundled out for a paltry 117 on the first day and then conceding a lead of 86. The tourists could have got a bigger lead in hindsight but barring Voges, Smith and Marsh, nobody stuck it out there. Still, a lead of 86 was always going to be handy on such a tricky surface but Kusal Mendis' masterclass propelled an unbelievable turnaround to the Test. The Islanders came from behind with a bang through his brilliance.
It seemed like game would be wrapped up quickly but Nevill and O'Keefe pulled the shutters down to forge a very dogged 9th wicket stand that added only 4 runs but ate up 178 deliveries. Sri Lanka were feeling a bit tense mainly due to the weather forecast but de Silva removed Nevill before Herath completed formalities by cleaning up O'Keefe. A thoroughly clinical bowling display by the hosts as they put relentless presure on Australia.
That completes a fantastic win for Sri Lanka as they go 1-0 up in the 3-match series. What a day for the hosts! It's only their second ever Test victory against Australia. Starting the day needing 185 more to win, Australia's batsmen tried hard but couldn't quite survive the trial by spin. Smith conjured a fighting fifty but once he departed, the Lankans took control.
OUT! That's a 5-fer for the old horse Herath! Arm ball, O'Keefe comes down the track to play across the line but misses the ball completely. The ball goes on to hit the leg stump. Herath makes Stephen O'Keefe's long halt to an end by picking up his 9th of the match. With this wicket Australia are all out for 161 and Sri Lanka win the match by 106 runs!