Australia vs Sri Lanka 5th T20I, Highlights: Sri Lanka Beat Australia By 5 Wickets For Consolation Win
AUS vs SL 5th T20I Highlights: Kusal Mendis hit an unbeaten 69 off 58 balls as Sri Lanka beat Australia by five wickets in the final match of the series.
- NDTV Sports Desk
- Updated: February 20, 2022 09:46 am IST
AUS vs SL 5th T20I Highlights:Â Kusal Mendis hit an unbeaten 69 off 58 balls as Sri Lanka beat Australia by five wickets in the final match of the series. Earlier, Australia slammed 58 off the last five overs to reach 154 for six in the fifth and final Twenty20 against Sri Lanka at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday as they strive to complete a series whitewash. The home side won all four previous games, three of them convincingly. Skipper Aaron Finch won the toss and chose to bat, but it didn't go to plan with Australia exposed early on by some impressive Sri Lankan bowling. They slumped to 13 for two off five overs and were just 58 for three off 10 before late fireworks from Matthew Wade (43 off 27 balls) and Daniel Sams (18 off 15) set a competitive target. (Scorecard)
AUS vs SL, 5th T20I Highlights
All the Aussie players are called on the podium as the trophy is handed to them. So, another T20I series is done and dusted but if you are a cricketing fan, you don't have to wait for a long time as India will take on West Indies shortly at 7 pm IST (1:30 pm GMT). So, do join us there in advance for the build-up. Till then, goodbye and take care!
Aaron Finch, the skipper of Australia, says that he thought they were outplayed in the Powerplay, which made a difference. Mentions that the partnership between Matthew Wade and Daniel Sams was very good. States that Sri Lanka are a dangerous side and to win four games in a row was good. Also says that the flexibility of Josh Inglis throughout the order was good. Concludes by saying that Ashton Agar bowled well throughout the series and the depth in their bowling attack continues to grow.
Dasun Shanaka the skipper of Sri Lanka, says that the boys played very well throughout the series, but they could have been better, however, they are preparing well for the T20 World Cup. Mentions that Kusal Mendis has been outstanding, he has been in and out, but he has been consistent. Concludes by thanking all the Sri Lankan fans in Australia who have supported them.
Glenn Maxwell is adjudged as the Player of the Series for scoring 138 runs overall. He says that it was a good performance and overall everyone contributed. Adds that they will use the bench as well, as the T20 World Cup is coming up. He is happy to play at home soil as they are playing after so long.
Kusal Mendis is the player of the match for his match-winning knock of 69. He says today was a very good game, but in the last few games also they bowled very well. Mentions that Charith Asalanka and Dasun Shanaka batted well, but as a team, they did play well in the previous games as well.
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Australia had a low target to defend. Although Sri Lankan batters failed to chase these similar targets in the previous games. This time the chase thrived with maturity. Australia started well by keeping the pressure and taking the wickets, even their fielding was top notch but it was that one partnership that took the game away. They still had enough runs to defend in the fag end but both Kane Richardson and Jhye Richardson failed to defend the target.
The newbies didn't have the best of debuts as both Kamil Mishara and Janith Liyanage went cheaply. Charith Asalanka scored a quick 20 and fell but it was the partnership between Kusal Mendis and Dasun Shanaka that held things for the visitors. Mendis anchored nicely while Shanaka rotated the strike. They still had a job to do in the end as 9 runs were needed off the last over and Dasun Shanaka hit a biggie before giving away his wicket. In the end, Sri Lanka will be happy to end the series on a positive note.
Well, too little too late, but SRI LANKA AVOID A WHITEWASH. They have been in positions where they could have won every game but could not cross the line. At long last, they earn a win and end a disappointing tour on a happy note.
Daniel Sams drops it short, around middle. Chamika Karunaratne pulls it over mid-wicket and runs across to the other end for a run. That's it! Sri Lanka win by 5 wickets! They end the series with a victory!