Sri Lanka vs Australia 2nd ODI Highlights: Sri Lanka Beat Australia to Level Series 1-1
James Faulkner's hattrick and Matthew Wade's gritty half-century went in vain as Australia lost to Sri Lanka by 82 runs in the second of five-match ODI series in Colombo on Wednesday. Catch highlights of the second ODI between Sri Lanka and Australia here
Matthew Wade's braveheart innings of 76 could not save Australia from the jaws of defeat as the world champions lost to Sri Lanka by 82 runs in the second ODI in Colombo on Wednesday . Catch highlights of the second One-Day International (ODI) between Sri Lanka and Australia here (Scorecard | Cricket News)
© AFP
All-rounder James Faulkner was the star of the day in the first ODI and he will once again try to shine for Australia.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, gave debuts to Amila Aponso and Lakshan Sandakan in the opening one-day game and it will be interesting to see with what playing XI they go into the match.
The pitch traditionally has helped spinners in the Sri Lankan capital but Australian pacers reigned supreme in the last match. Will it be the same on Wednesday?
Sri Lanka vs Australia
That's it from our side. Hope you enjoyed our coverage! Do join us for the 3rd ODI at Dambulla on 28th August at 1430 local time. Till then, goodbye and take care!
Australian captain, Steven Smith thinks they didn't execute it well with the ball. Credits Sri Lanka for batting so well as they scored almost 300 on such wicket. Adds Aponso is a very talented bowler. Says they just have to build more partnerships. Informs there is always pressure but wants his guys to adapt better. Credits Faulkner for picking wickets towards the end but at the same time says the damage was already done.
Man of the Match, Angelo Mathews credits Chandimal and Mendis as they set the platform. Says he just asked Kusal Perera to enjoy out there. Adds the wicket was good to bat on, although it spun a bit. Credits Aponso for the way he bowled. He is happy with his youngsters like de Silva and Mendis.
Wade and Head fought it out in the middle and scored a crucial 50-run partnership. When the stand was starting to look threatening, Wade departed to a low full toss from Perera and it pushed Australia further on the back foot. Sri Lanka put the shackles on the visitors after that and the lower order tumbled under pressure. The home side has proved their worth and are the deserved winners.
It was Thisara Perera who took the crucial wickets of Warner and Finch and put the Australians on the back foot from the beginning. He paved the way for his fellow bowlers to apply pressure on the middle order and they did it with quite a lot of authority. Aponso was terrific with his variations and the Aussies found it really difficult to read him. Smith and Bailey fell to his magical spell and it was always going to be an uphill task for the Aussies from there on.
Sri Lanka have bounced back hard and they have done it in great style to LEVEL THE SERIES 1-1! They outplayed the Aussies comprehensively and have stormed to the biggest victory against them in terms of runs (82 runs). It was a well rounded performance by their seamers as well as spinners as they bamboozled the Men in Yellow with their brilliant bowling efforts.
OUT! LBW! THAT'S IT! SRI LANKA WIN BY 82 RUNS! On middle and leg, Faulkner looks to play but misses the line and is hit on the pads. Big appeal for a leg before and the umpire raises his finger. Sri Lanka start celebration but Faulkner takes a review. Replays show the ball is pitched in line and would go on to hit the stumps. Fourth wicket for Aponso. SRI LANKA'S BIGGEST WIN AGAINST AUSTRALIA BY RUNS!
Faulkner takes a review for an LBW decision.
Tossed up around off, Faulkner gets onto his front foot and defends.
Landed outside off, Lyon tries to sweep but misses it yet again.