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AUS beat SL by 7 wickets | Australia vs Sri Lanka, Highlights And Cricket Score 3rd T20I Match - Commentary
Sri Lanka in Australia, 3 T20 International Series, 2019
Date: Nov 01, 2019 Start Time: 13:40 IST | 08:10 GMT | 19:10 LocalVenue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne
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Australia vs Sri Lanka Highlights And Cricket Score 3rd Match - T20I Commentary
Kane Richardson says it was tough to get a wicket, it was hard as they expected but it is nice to restrict them to 140. States they were advised to stick to their strengths and with long boundaries, it is not easy to find them. Ends by saying they are happy with how they did with the ball and he hopes they do well with the bat.
So a better showing from the Lankans with the bat sees Australia chase a tricky target of 143. Will David Warner once again be the man to take his side home or will Sri Lanka have an answer not just for him but rest of his colleagues as well? Join us after the break to find out but for now, Kane Richardson is giving an interview.
It was another good performance from the Aussie bowlers but it was not as efficient in the death as the previous two games. All three pacers, Starc, Richardson and Cummins got two wickets each but the former was relatively expensive courtesy of his last over. Zamapa did not have a good outing as he went wicketless and gave away 30 from his 4. Agar too went wicketless but was once again economical. Overall a decent performance from the hosts with the ball.
After opting to bat, the Lankan innings once again did not get off to a best of starts losing Dickwella in the very first over. Perera though was in the mood and he started off with a flurry and then did the balancing act in the middle. Scoring Sri Lanka's first individual 50 in the process. His 57 along with Bhanuka Rajapaksa's cameo in the end took Sri Lanka to a fighting total of 142.
Excellent end to the innings. 24 runs off the last two overs has seen Sri Lanka cross 140 the run-mark. A much, much improved performance from the visitors. They definitely have something to bowl at.
Kane Richardson to Lasith Malinga. A single to end! Very full and on off, Malinga looks to hit it hard but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It rolls on the leg side for one. 24 from the last two overs. Good finish for Sri Lanka. THEY END WITH 142/6!
Kane Richardson to Lasith Malinga. Swing and a miss! A dot! Malinga is followed as he makes room. He swings but misses.
Kane Richardson to Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Another single! Slower one again, Rajapaksa swings but it hits the body of him and rolls on the off side. A leg bye taken.
Kane Richardson to Lasith Malinga. Just a single this time! Richardson goes full and on middle, this is hit towards covers for one.
Kane Richardson to Lasith Malinga. SIX! All the way! What a shot to get off the mark! WOW! Powered! The crowd here is going bonkers! It is short and on middle, Malinga hammers it over the long on fence for a biggie.
Kane Richardson to Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Very full and on off, this is hit nicely through covers but just for one.
Kane Richardson to bowl the last over of the innings! Also, Lasith Malinga walks out to bat.
Mitchell Starc to Shehan Jayasuriya. OUT! Bowled! Starc ends his spell with a wicket. Good length ball on top of leg, Jayasuriya looks to play a premeditated ramp shot. He misses, Starc does not. The leg stump goes for a toss. Good over through for Sri Lanka. 14 runs off it. Starc finishes with the figures of 4-0-32-2.
Mitchell Starc to Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Full on off, Bhanuka strokes it towards mid off for a single.
Mitchell Starc to Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Excellent running. Good length ball on off, Rajapaksa cuts it through point and runs the first one hard. The then look for two and get it with relative ease.
Mitchell Starc to Bhanuka Rajapaksa. FOUR! 10 in two and the pressure is on Starc! A real loose delivery from him. It is on the pads, Rajapaksa picks it up and pulls it fine down the leg side for a boundary.
Mitchell Starc to Bhanuka Rajapaksa. SIX! What a shot! Effortless this. Fuller on the pads, Rajapaksa picks it up with his flick and lofts it over the square leg fence for a maximum. Adam Gilchrist would be proud of that shot.
Mitchell Starc to Shehan Jayasuriya. Full on off and middle, Shehan glances it towards square leg for a single.
Mitchell Starc to bowl out. 3-0-18-1, his figures so far.
Adam Zampa to Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Eventually they get two! This is on middle, it is worked with soft hands towards mid on. They take on. The non-striker wants another but is sent back. The fielder picks the ball up and scores a direct hit. The ball deflects away from the fielder backing up and a run is taken.
Adam Zampa to Bhanuka Rajapaksa. NOT OUT! The foot is down! Flatter and outside off, Rajapaksa looks to guide it down to third man but misses. Carey takes the bails off and appeals. The umpire takes it upstairs. Replays show that Rajapaksa never lifted his foot.
The square leg umpire has gone up to check for stumping. Rajapaksa looks to be in to the naked eye but the umpire wants to be sure.
Adam Zampa to Shehan Jayasuriya. On middle, it is worked towards mid-wicket for one. Boundaries once again hard to come by.
Adam Zampa to Shehan Jayasuriya. Good shot! Jayasuriya comes down the track and hits it hard down to long off. The fielder runs to his left, slides and pushes it back in. Saves two for his side.
Adam Zampa to Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Fumble and a run! This is floated up on off, Rajapaksa pushes it towards cover. The fielder fumbles and a run is taken.
Adam Zampa to Shehan Jayasuriya. On the pads, Jayasuriya works it through square leg for one.
Adam Zampa is back on. 3-023-0 are his figures so far.
Pat Cummins to Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Length ball on off, Bahnuka once again taps it towards point and looks for a single but does not get it yet again.
Pat Cummins to Bhanuka Rajapaksa. Oh direct hit and that would have been close. Good length ball around off, Rajapaksa taps it towards backward point and comes out looking for a single. Shehan sends him back. The fielder has a shy at the keeper's end but misses. Luckily Cummins came to cover up otherwise that could have cost extra runs.
Pat Cummins to Shehan Jayasuriya. Length ball on top of middle, Jayasuriya taps it towards backward point for a single.
Pat Cummins to Shehan Jayasuriya. Extra bounce! Good length and on off, Jayasuriya looks to guide it down to third man but it hits the higher part of the bat and it rolls towards point. No runs taken.
Pat Cummins to Shehan Jayasuriya. No hat-trick. Not a good hat-trick ball though. Outside off, Jayasuriya lets it be. Do not see a lot of leaves in the 17th over. SJ just wanted to ensure the hat-trick is not taken maybe.
Sehan Jayasuriya to face the hat-trick ball. Bhanuka Rajapaksa to join him out in the middle.
Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera. OUT! Caught! End of Perera's knock and 150 now looks farfetched as there will now be two new batters out in the middle. Cummins strikes on the first ball of his last over and once again the bowling change works. It is short and on middle, skids through. Perera is way too late in the pull. He only manages a top edge towards the cover fielder where Turner takes it. Also, Cummins is on a hat-trick as he took a wicket on the last ball of his last over and the on the first ball this time.
Pat Cummins is back into the attack. 3-0-22-1, his figures so far.
Ashton Agar to Shehan Jayasuriya. A couple to end but just the six runs from the over. On middle, it is flicked with soft hands through mid-wicket for two. End of Agar for tonight, he does not take a wicket but just goes for 24 in his 4 overs.
Ashton Agar to Shehan Jayasuriya. Fired on the pads, Jayasuriya works it towards short fine leg for one.
Ashton Agar to Kusal Perera. Quicker and on middle, this is flicked through mid-wicket and a single is taken.
Ashton Agar to Shehan Jayasuriya. Another single as this is worked through mid-wicket for one. Singles won't harm Australia at the moment.
Ashton Agar to Kusal Perera. Very full and on the pads, Perera looks to sweep but misses. It hits the pads and rolls on the off side. A leg bye taken. The players make an appeal but not given.
Ashton Agar to Shehan Jayasuriya. On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Ashton Agar is back. 3-0-19-0, his figures.
Kane Richardson to Shehan Jayasuriya. Outside off, this is slapped down towards mid off for one. 6 runs and a wicket for him.
Kane Richardson to Kusal Perera. Good shot for three! Shorter and outside off, Perera makes room and slaps it over covers. Starc runs to his left, the ball stops as it reaches the fence. Starc dives and pushes it back in. Saves a run for his side.
Kane Richardson to Shehan Jayasuriya. Shorter and on the body, it is pulled through square leg for one.
Kane Richardson to Shehan Jayasuriya. Well bowled! A length ball around off, Jayasuriya looks to pole at it but gets beaten.
Shehan Jayasuriya walks out to bat now.
Kane Richardson to Oshada Fernando. OUT! There is nothing on Hot Spot but a spike on Snicko and the on-field call stays. Fernando's stay is a short one and the partnership which was looking good comes to an end. The bowling change does the trick for the hosts. It is a short ball and outside off, Oshada plays a nothing shot. He looks to guide it down to third man but only manages a faint edge to the keeper. An appeal and up goes the finger. Oshada reviews. The first replays does not judge anything. Hot Spot also shows nothing but then Snicko shows a spike. Another timely wicket for Australia.
Edged and taken! Another wicket for Australia or is it? Oshada reviews straightaway. So there might not be an edge.
Kane Richardson to Kusal Perera. Perera comes down the track and Richardson bangs it short. It is hit down to long on for one.
Kane Richardson is back as well. 2-0-10-1, his numbers so far.
Adam Zampa to Oshada Fernando. EDGY FOUR! Excellent over for Sri Lanka. They would hope this is the momentum changing over. This is tossed up on off, Fernando looks to go over covers but gets a thick outside edge which goes down to the third man fence.
Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera. Tosses it up on middle, this is powered down to long on for one.
Adam Zampa to Oshada Fernando. The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. One run added to the total.
Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera. On middle, this is eased down to long on for one.
Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera. A couple now and fifty for Perera. 11th in T20Is and also the first Sri Lankan to score a fifty in this series. He gets there by playing this one with soft hand through mid-wicket for two.
Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera. FOUR! Reverse sweep and a boundary! Perera gets into position early and then manages to hit it over the point fielder. Two boundaries in the last 7 balls.
Adam Zampa is back on. 2-0-10-0, his figures so far.
Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera. In the air... but safe again! Shorter and on middle, Perera looks to cut but can't get on top of the bounce. He still manages to get it over covers for two.
Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera. DROPPED! That is a dolly! It just does not get easier than this. Richardson should have gobbled that. It is another full and wide ball outside off, Perera goes after it but ends up hitting it uppishly to point. It is straight to Kane who does not hang on. This could prove costly as Perera can be very dangerous.
Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera. FOUR! A welcome boundary there! First boundary after the Powerplay. There is width on offer and Starc pays the price. This is slapped through covers, uppishly but wide of the fielder at covers and into the fence.
Mitchell Starc to Oshada Fernando. One more short one, it gets big on the batter. Oshada nudges it around the corner and gets to the other end. He is off the mark.
Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera. On the pads, this is worked through square leg and a single is taken.
Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera. Just over! A slower one, Perera is completely deceived. He ends up pushing at it way too early. He gets enough though to clear the man at covers and collects two.
Change in bowling as well. Mitchell Starc is back into the attack. 2-0-9-1, his figures so far.
One Fernando is replaced by another. Oshada is the new man in.
Pat Cummins to Avishka Fernando. OUT! In the air... taken! Long boundaries here, not easy to clear, you have to get it right off the middle and Fernando does not do so. Ben McDermott takes his third catch and a timely wicket for Australia as the two were just looking to accelerate. This is a back of a length ball, it is angled into the pads of the batter. Fernando looks to whip it over the square leg fence but ends up getting more height than distance. The fielder there settles under it and takes it nicely. Fernando just never got going, he played at a strike rate of around 90 so his wicket could well be a blessing in disguise for the visitors.
Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera. A slower short one! Perera pulls it through mid-wicket and takes another single. Sri Lanka are trying a lot but just can't find the fence at the moment.
Pat Cummins to Avishka Fernando. One more short one, too quick for the batter again. Fernando tries to pull but mistimes it in the mid-wicket region for one.
Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera. In the air... safe! Shorter again, this one has more zip on it. Perera looks to pull but then realizes it is a little too quick. It ends up hitting the bat and lobs on the leg side for one.
Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera. Mistimed! Shorter in length on middle, Perera makes room and drags it over mid-wicket for two.
Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera. Shorter and around off, not a lot of room to work with. Perera cuts it to point.
Pat Cummins is back on. 2-0-17-0, his figures so far!
Ashton Agar to Avishka Fernando. Misfield! Still no boundary though. Fernando plays an aggressive stroke. He looks to hit it over covers but gets it a little too straight. The fielder at long on overruns it, the ball goes past him, it stops near the ropes though. Two taken.
Ashton Agar to Kusal Perera. Perera comes down the track this time but Agar spots it. He shortens his length. Perera looks to sweep it but then it ends up hitting the pad and it lobs on the leg side for one. Leg bye signaled.
Ashton Agar to Avishka Fernando. Flatter and on middle, Fernando pushes it through covers and takes one. Dealing in singles at the moment are Sri Lanka.
Ashton Agar to Avishka Fernando. This is on off, Avishka opens the face of the bat and guides it to point.
Ashton Agar to Kusal Perera. Shorter and on middle, Perera goes back and pulls it through square leg for one.
Ashton Agar to Avishka Fernando. Slightly shorter and on off, Fernando pushes it through covers for one.
Adam Zampa to Avishka Fernando. 6 singles off the over. Shorter on off, Fernando punches it towards cover and keeps the strike.
Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera. Flights one off, Perera nudges it to point and gets another single.
Adam Zampa to Avishka Fernando. Darts one fuller outside off, Fernando strokes it towards point and takes the 4th consecutive single off the over.
Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera. Flighted on off, Perera pushes it towards cover and rotates the strike.
Adam Zampa to Avishka Fernando. Uppish but away. Tossed up on middle, Avishka plays it uppishly towards the vacant mid on region and gets a single.
Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera. Floated on off, Perera milks it towards long on for one.
Ashton Agar to Kusal Perera. A single to end a decent over for Sri Lanka. On middle, KP flicks it towards square leg for one.
Ashton Agar to Kusal Perera. Another couple! Slightly shorter and outside off, Perera plays it nice and late, he cuts it through point for two. When boundaries are hard to come by, running between the wickets becomes crucial and the two are doing it nicely.
Ashton Agar to Avishka Fernando. This is flatter and on the pads, Fernando nudges it on the leg side and takes one.
Ashton Agar to Kusal Perera. On middle, Perera once again flicks it through mid-wicket and takes one more.
Ashton Agar to Kusal Perera. Good running! Flatter and on middle, there some extra bounce. Perera looks to work it on the leg side but it goes off the higher part of the bat. That works in the favor of the batting side as they take two.
Ashton Agar to Avishka Fernando. Flatter and on middle, it comes in with the angle. Fernando ends up defending outside the line, the ball goes off the inner half and through square leg for one.
Adam Zampa to Avishka Fernando. On the pads, AF glances it to mid-wicket and keeps the strike.
Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera. Flights one around the pads, Perera flicks it towards mid-wicket for an easy single.
Adam Zampa to Avishka Fernando. Zampa gives this one nice amount of air time and bowls it slower through the air on off. Avishka squeezes it to cover for a single.
Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera. Floated on middle and leg, KP flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run.
Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera. Perera brings out the reverse sweep but does not get a proper timing on it. It is on middle and leg, Perera looks to play the reverse hit but it goes towards short third man off the lower half of his bat.
Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera. Zampa starts with a leg spinner outside off, Perera cuts it but finds the man at point.
Adam Zampa is on now! Spin from both ends now.
Ashton Agar to Kusal Perera. Another one on the pads, Kusal glances it to the on side and keeps the strike. 6 runs off Agar's first.
Ashton Agar to Avishka Fernando. Floated on middle and leg, Avishka turns it towards square leg for a single.
Ashton Agar to Avishka Fernando. Short again outside off, Avishka cuts it through point and takes a couple as the fielder cleans it up.
Ashton Agar to Kusal Perera. Short outside off, Perera cuts it towards point. The fielder there dives to his right and looks to stop the ball. He cannot stop it cleanly allowing them to take a single.
Ashton Agar to Kusal Perera. Darted on the pads, Kusal turns it to square leg.
Ashton Agar to Avishka Fernando. Agar starts with a flatter delivery outside off, Fernando punches it towards cover for a single.
Ashton Agar is on now!
Sri Lanka are 41 for 2 after the first six.
Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera. TOP EDGE AND FOUR! Perera is riding his luck here. Good length ball around off, Perera looks to pull but gets a top edge on it. The ball falls in no man's land at third man and goes away to the fence.
Pat Cummins to Avishka Fernando. Slower ball. It is bowled at a 118.9kph. Avishka manages to pull it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Pat Cummins to Avishka Fernando. Good length ball on middle and leg, Fernando defends it back towards the bowler.
Pat Cummins to Avishka Fernando. On top of the stumps, Avishka keeps it out.
Pat Cummins to Avishka Fernando. Length ball around off, Avishka punches it through covers for a couple.
Pat Cummins to Avishka Fernando. Back of a length ball on middle and leg, Avishka defends it towards mid on.
Kane Richardson to Kusal Perera. Hits the deck hard on top of off, Kusal defends it off the back foot to get through the over. End of a brilliant over from Richardson. Just 3 runs and a wicket off it.
Kane Richardson to Avishka Fernando. Back of a length on off, Avishka punches it towards cover and gets off the mark with a single.
Avishka Fernando comes out to bat.
Kane Richardson to Kusal Mendis. OUT! Mendis holes out! Richardson gets his first of the game. The short ball has done the trick here for Australia. Richardson bangs it in short, Mendis stands tall and pulls it towards deep mid-wicket. Ben McDermott is standing well in front of the ropes. He hardly has to move an inch as the ball goes straight to him. He makes no mistake and takes his second catch of the game. The change of ends does the trick for Kane. Mendis who was looking so good out in the middle has to depart.
Kane Richardson to Kusal Mendis. Brilliant effort from Turner! Good length ball on off, Mendis pulls it to the right of short mid-wicket. Turner dives to his right and puts a brilliant dive to save runs for his side.
Kane Richardson to Kusal Perera. Around the pads, Perera turns it towards square leg and takes a single.
Kane Richardson to Kusal Mendis. Length ball on off, Mendis pushes it to cover and gets to the other end.
Change of ends for Kane Richardson.
Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera. TOP EDGE AND SIX! Luck is going Sri Lanka's way and they are off to their best start of the series. Good length ball outside off, Perera looks to pull but gets a thick top edge on it. There is a man at deep third man but all he can do is watch it sail over the ropes.
Pat Cummins to Kusal Mendis. Length delivery closer to the off pole, Mendis dabs it down to third man and rotates the strike.
Pat Cummins to Kusal Mendis. Good length ball on off, Kusal Mendis defends it off the back foot.
Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera. Back of a length ball around off, Kusal pulls it towards mid-wicket for a run.
Pat Cummins to Kusal Mendis. Length delivery around off, Mendis runs it down to third man for a run.
Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera. Cummins starts with a length delivery around middle and leg, Perera defends it off his back foot to the side of the ptch on the leg side. They look for a quick single and get it as Mendis puts in a dive and crashes onto the stumps at the keeper's end. In the end he is safe that is all that he would care about.
Pat Cummins comes onto bowl now.
Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera. Length ball on off, Perera taps it towards cover and keeps the strike.
Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera. FOUR LEG BYES! Another ball around the pads, Perera looks to flick but the ball goes off his thigh pad wide of the diving keeper. Carey has no chance stopping that and the ball goes away to the fence.
Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera. On the stumps, KP keeps it out.
Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera. Good length ball on middle, Perera defends it back towards the bowler off the upper half of his bat.
Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera. WIDE! Starc misses his line and sprays one down the leg side. Wide signalled.
Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera. FOUR! Perera is off the mark in style. On the pads, Perera swings his bat and goes fine down the leg side. The ball races away to the fine leg fence for a boundary.
Mitchell Starc to Kusal Mendis. NOT OUT! The Ball Tracker is not available so the umpire stays with the on-field call. Fuller on leg, Mendis looks to play the uppish flick but misses. The ball hits him on the pads and he takes a leg bye as the ball goes towards point. The Australian players are putting in a huge appeal in the meantime but the umpire shakes it away. Finch signals the 'T'. Replay rolls in and Ultra Edge and Hot Spot confirm no involvement of bat. Weirdly the Ball Tracker is not available so the T.V umpire stays with the on-field call. Now, looking at the replays again and again, is Finch lucky that BT was not available? Because it seems like it might be doing too much. Australia do not lose a review because technology could not be used.
Review time! LBW appeal taken upstairs. Mendis is the man in question. To the naked eye, it looks like the ball is going onto miss the leg stump. But let's see what the replays have to say. Replays are inconclusive while there is no inside edge. But hang on...the third umpire is being told that there is no Ball Tracker available!
Kane Richardson to Kusal Mendis. On off, Mendis pushes it to point and keeps the strike.
Kane Richardson to Kusal Mendis. Richardson corrects his line and bowls one outside off, Mendis looks to play on the up but misses.
Kane Richardson to Kusal Mendis. SIX! First one off the day and a very smart shot too this. Length ball on the body, Mendis picks his shot early and goes over fine leg. The man at fine leg is up inside the circle so no risk. He times it well so the ball also clears the rope.
Kane Richardson to Kusal Mendis. On the pads, Mendis flicks it to the man at mid-wicket.
Kane Richardson to Kusal Mendis. Play and a miss. Good length ball outside off, Mendis slashes at it but does not connect.
Kane Richardson to Kusal Mendis. Kane starts with a fuller ball on middle, Kusal pushes it to mid on.
Kusal Perera walks out at number 3. Kane Richardson to partner Starc from the other end.
Mitchell Starc to Niroshan Dickwella. OUT! Golden duck for Dickwella! Starc strikes on the last ball of his first over. Fuller on off and middle, Dickwella looks to flick but closes his bat too early. The ball takes the leading edge and goes towards cover. Ben McDermott moves behind and takes a simple catch. Just like the previous two games, Sri Lanka lose their first wicket early.
Mitchell Starc to Kusal Mendis. Good length ball closer to the off pole. Mendis runs it down towards third man for a couple.
Mitchell Starc to Kusal Mendis. Play and a miss! Length ball way outside off, Mendis throws his bat at it but does not connect.
Mitchell Starc to Kusal Mendis. Beauty! Starc comes steaming and hits the deck hard outside off. It looks to be coming in but straightens after pitching. Mendis looks to play it to the off side but misses.
Mitchell Starc to Kusal Mendis. Low full toss outside off, Mendis drives it to Cummins on the bounce at point.
Mitchell Starc to Kusal Mendis. Starc starts with a full inswinging ball on middle and leg. Kusal Mendis flicks it through square leg for a couple to get Sri Lanka underway.
We are all set to begin! The Australian players are out in the middle and are taking their respective positions in the field. New opening pair for Sri Lanka as Niroshan Dickwella and Kusal Mendis stride out to the middle to open the innings. Mitchell Starc is back in the squad and he is straight into the thick of action as he is all set to start the proceedings with the new ball.
AUSTRALIA (Playing XI) - Aaron Finch (C), David Warner, Steven Smith, BEN MCDERMOTT (IN FOR GLENN MAXWELL), Ashton Turner, Alex Carey (WK), Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc (IN FOR BILLY STANLAKE), Pat Cummins, Kane Richardson and Adam Zampa.
Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Kusal Perera(wk), Kusal Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella, Oshada Fernando (IN FOR DANUSHKA GUNATHILAKA), Avishka Fernando, Shehan Jayasuriya (IN FOR DASUN SHANAKA), Bhanuka Rajapaksa (IN FOR WANINDU HASARANGA), Lakshan Sandakan, Lasith Malinga(c), Nuwan Pradeep and Lahiru Kumara (IN FOR ISURU UDANA).
TOSS - The flip of the coin has gone Aaron Finch's way and AUSTRALIA ELECT TO CHASE.
Time to talk about the action now. Erm... action... that is happening only from one side. The hosts have outplayed and outclassed the visitors and would like to end the first series of the cricketing summer with a thumping whitewash. David Warner has been the chief tormentor and is yet to be dismissed in the series. Australian skipper, Aaron Finch would hope that his side continues their brilliant form and make it 3-in-3. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, have a lot of work to do. They have not even threatened the hosts so far but would like to end their short tour with flying colours. It would be interesting to see how many changes they make in the side as they need to find a source of inspiration from somewhere. Can the Lankans put on a fight or will it be another stroll in the park for the Aussies? Welcome to the coverage of the final T20I game between Australia and Sri Lanka. Stay tuned to find out as the toss is not far away.
Before I welcome you to the coverage of the 3rd and final T20I between Australia and Sri Lanka, we would like to wish Maxwell all the power and strength and we hope to see him come back stronger than ever. Also, it takes a lot of strength to come out and speak about it openly so a special shout out for Maxwell to talk about his mental health issue openly. That has been the talk of the town as it is now time to think about players' well-being.
So that is it from this series Australia have started their summer with a bang! This is just the start though as Pakistan now come as the visitors. The Men in Green come for 3 T20Is and 2 Tests starting with the shortest format. The 1st T20I between them will be played at SCG, Sydney on 3rd November, Sunday. That game will begin at 1430 local (0330 GMT). Sri Lanka meanwhile will have time to have a relook at themselves before their next assignment begins. Hope you enjoyed the coverage as much fun we had bringing it to you. We will see you for Pakistan's tour of Australia. Till then, adios!
Aaron Finch says it was nice and they were very clinical. States the bowlers set the last two games up really good and they were exceptional. Further adds every game is a different challenge and they look to give their best no matter what. Mentions he is really pleased to win 3-0. Also tells when the backs are against the wall you need experienced players to stand up and they were lucky they did. Tells the spinners were excellent and the quicks also gave them important wickets. States Ashton Agar is a complete package, he can bat, field and bowl. Also mentions Warner was outstanding, it is excellent if you remain not out throughout. Ends by saying he is looking forward to facing Pakistan.
Sri Lankan skipper, Lasith Malinga is not there for the chat so it will be Niroshan Dickwella who will have a chat instead of him with Isa Guha. Dickwells confirms that everything is right with Malinga. On the series, Niroshan says they did not perform to their best and that is the reason they are on the losing side. Dickwella says they learnt a lot but also admits that they did not come close to Australia. On the positives, Dickwella says that Nuwan Pradeep and Lakshan Sandakan were good with the ball. On where they are headed next, Dickwella informs us that the Sri Lankan team will once again travel to Pakistan in Decemeber but this time for Tests.
For his unbeaten 57 and his overall performance in the series, David Warner has been named the Man of the Match and also the Man of the Series. Warner says on a personal front it is fantastic to get runs. Credits the bowlers for their performance. Tells if the chasing score would have been big then he might have looked to play more risky shots but it was not hence he could play cautiously. Warner tells he is ready to face Pakistan in SCG as that will be a different challenge.
Stay tuned for the presentation.
Earlier in the day, the Sri Lankans put in their best performance with the bat in this series. Perera was the hero for them with a half ton. However, Australia were still the happier side after the break as their bowlers did an exceptional job with Kane Richardson leading the pack.
The Lankan bowling was excellent to begin with! They hardly gave away any runs in the Powerplay but it is their fielding which let them down as they dropped two catches. After the first six though, the Australian batters took the attack to them and once they got into their own, the Lankans had no chance at all.
A convincing win for Australia, a convincing series win actually. They have probably whitewashed Sri Lanka without breaking a sweat. 143 was never going to be enough and that proved to be the case. Warner and Finch set the platform with a 69 run stand for the first wicket. Both were dropped once but if you put down quality players, they would always make you pay and that is what the two did. Finch though did not make most of his start but did his job. Smith and McDermott did not contribute a lot but Warner stayed there till the end and ensured side gets over the line with ease.
Nuwan Pradeep to David Warner. FOUR! Warner finishes it off in style. Another not out for Warner! Full toss on the body, Warner picks it over backward square leg and gets a boundary to finish off the game. AUSTRALIA WIN BY 7 WICKETS!
Nuwan Pradeep to David Warner. Very full. Almost a yorker. It is on middle, Warner digs it out towards mid on.
Nuwan Pradeep to Ashton Turner. Full on the pads, Turner works it fine down the leg side for a single.
Nuwan Pradeep to Ashton Turner. Fuller on off, Turner defends it calmly.
Nuwan Pradeep comes back on. 3-0-15-1 are his figures so far.
Lasith Malinga to David Warner. On the pads, Warner looks to flick but the ball goes off his thigh pads towards fine leg. The man from fine leg charges to get the ball but misses it allowing the batters to come back for the second.
Lasith Malinga to David Warner. Low full toss. It is a slower one which is dipping on its way to the Warner. He does well to push it to cover.
Lasith Malinga to David Warner. Length ball around off, Turner dabs it to third man and gets a couple.
Lasith Malinga to David Warner. WIDE! Bouncer bounces too high. It goes over the head of Warner and it has been wide.
Lasith Malinga to Ashton Turner. Good length ball on middle, Turner strokes it to long on for another easy single.
Lasith Malinga to David Warner. Back of a length ball on off, Warner defends it with soft hands and gets a single.
Lasith Malinga to Ashton Turner. Fuller on middle, Ashton nudges it to long on for a single.
Lasith Malinga comes back on. 3-0-16-1 are his figures so far.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ashton Turner. Tossed up on off, Turner milks it to long off and keeps the strike.
Lakshan Sandakan to David Warner. FIFTY FOR DAVID WARNER! His third 50 or more score of the series. He has been in brilliant form and this has to be one of his toughest fifty of the series. He has had to work hard here for the runs and also had some rub of the green. He gets to his 15th T20I fifty by a gentle push towards point. He raises his bat as the crowd once again appreciate his genius.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ashton Turner. Floated on off, Turner nudges it towards cover for a single.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ashton Turner. Tossed up outside off, this time Turner gets hit on the body trying to sweep.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ashton Turner. Floats one way outside off, Turner looks to sweep but misses. He looks at the umpire to see if he signals a wide but the umpire is happy with the delivery.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ashton Turner. Darted on middle and leg, Turner flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple.
Lakshan Sandakan comes back on. 3-0-20-0 are his figures so far.
Lahiru Kumara to David Warner. SIX! This is out of here. Back of a length ball on middle, Warner makes room and smashes it over wide long on fence for a biggie.
Lahiru Kumara to Ashton Turner. Fuller on middle, Turner nudges it to long on and gets to the other end.
Lahiru Kumara to Ashton Turner. SIX! Nicely played. On the body and short, Turner pulls it fine. He manages to connect it well as the ball clears the fine leg fence for a maximum.
Lahiru Kumara to David Warner. Another one banged in short. Warner pulls it away towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Lahiru Kumara to David Warner. WIDE! Short ball but down the leg side. Davey looks to pull but misses.
Lahiru Kumara to David Warner. WOW! Warner is having the luck of his life. The ball hits the stumps but this time the bails refuse to go down. Good length ball on the pads, Warner looks to pull but the ball hits him on his body and rolls over towards the stump. Warner tries to stop the ball with his bat but he is too late. The ball hits the stumps and makes a loud noise but the bails neither flash up or go down.
Lahiru Kumara to David Warner. Direct hit and that would have been close. On the pads, Warner flicks it towards deep mid-wicket and calls for two. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.
Lahiru Kumara to bowl his final over. His figures so far read 3-0-32-1.
Shehan Jayasuriya to David Warner. Tossed up on off, Davey strokes it to long on and keeps the strike. 33 runs more needed.
Shehan Jayasuriya to Ashton Turner. Follows the mammoth six with a calm single down to long off.
Shehan Jayasuriya to Ashton Turner. SIX! That is a monster! Floated on middle and leg, ,Turner picks it early and smashes it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. The sound the ball made off the bat was sweet as a brownie.
Shehan Jayasuriya to David Warner. Flighted outside off, Warner squeezes it towards point for a single.
Shehan Jayasuriya to Ashton Turner. Short outside off, Turner cuts it to deep point for a single.
Shehan Jayasuriya to David Warner. Floated on middle and leg, Warner strokes it towards mid on for one.
Shehan Jayasuriya comes back on. 1-0-13-0 are his figures so far.
Lasith Malinga to Ashton Turner. Full on off, Turner starts his innings with a solid front foot defense.
Ashton Turner walks out to bat for the first time in this series.
Lasith Malinga to Ben McDermott. OUT! LBW! Malinga strikes. The young McDermott does not have a good comeback! Full and quick on middle and leg. McDermott gets beaten for the pace. He looks to play it but the ball comes quicker and hits him on his pad. The Sri Lankan players put in an appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Ben has a word with his partner and after a lengthy chat McDermott walks away. Luck is not with Ben as Ball Tracker later on shows the ball would have missed the leg stump. 44 runs more needed.
Lasith Malinga to David Warner. Slower ball which is on a good length area. Warner tucks it towards square leg and gets to the other end.
Lasith Malinga to David Warner. IN THE AIR BUT FOUR! Back of a length ball outside off, Warner makes room and slashes it uppishly but wide of the diving point fielder for a boundary.
Lasith Malinga to David Warner. Full outside off, Warner makes room and lofts it over extra cover for a brace.
Lasith Malinga to Ben McDermott. Slower ball which is very full on middle, McDermott flicks it towards square leg for a single.
Lasith Malinga the skipper brings himself on.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ben McDermott. Floated on off, McDermott nudges it to long off and keeps the strike. 52 runs more needed off 48 balls.
Lakshan Sandakan to David Warner. Flighted on off, Warner milks it to long off for a single.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ben McDermott. McDermott works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ben McDermott. Floated on middle, McDermott flicks it towards mid-wicket for a couple.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ben McDermott. Tossed up on off, Ben drives it uppishly but short and wide of cover.
Lakshan Sandakan to Ben McDermott. Floated on off, McDermott pushes it to cover.
Nuwan Pradeep to David Warner. On the pads, Warner looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
Nuwan Pradeep to David Warner. A short one on off, Warner evades it. Wide signaled.
Ben McDermott comes out to bat at number 4.
Nuwan Pradeep to Steven Smith. OUT! That is a very, very good catch. Smith will feel hard done there as he had hit that really nicely. Short and on middle, Smith whips it but does not get the desired elevation. It goes towards deep square leg where Sandakan is placed. He is a few yards ahead of the fence, he realizes early that it is going over his head to tracks back and takes a tumbling catch above his head. Smith was looking good in his short stay. Sri Lanka need to keep taking wickets if they are to get back into the game. 57 more needed.
Nuwan Pradeep to Steven Smith. Slower one on middle, Smith looks to flick but is early in the shot. A leading edge is induced down towards long on for two.
Nuwan Pradeep to Steven Smith. Shortish and on the body, the batter looks to pull but misses to get hit on the body.
Nuwan Pradeep to Steven Smith. Fuller and on off, this is driven to mid off.
Nuwan Pradeep comes back on. 2-0-11-0 are his figures so far.
Nuwan Pradeep to David Warner. Shorter and on the body, this is pulled towards deep square leg for one.
Lakshan Sandakan to David Warner. Gives this air on off, Davey milks it to long off and keeps the strike.
Lakshan Sandakan to Steven Smith. Floated on middle, Smith flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Lakshan Sandakan to Steven Smith. Flatter outside off, Steven drives it to the man at cover.
Lakshan Sandakan to Steven Smith. Flighted on middle, Smith flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple.
Lakshan Sandakan to Steven Smith. FOUR! Smith has come out with an aggressive approach. Just the second ball he is facing and he has shown excellent footwork. Floated on off, Smith comes down the track and lofts it over mid off. The ball bounces just in front of the ropes and goes away.
Lakshan Sandakan to David Warner. Floated on off, Warner milks it towards long off for a single.
Lahiru Kumara to Steven Smith. FOUR! What a way to get off the mark! Just class, top class from this guy. He gets a short ball first up and it is on the body, Smith swivels and just gently pulls it through backward square leg. It races away to the fence.
Steven Smith walks out at number 3.
Lahiru Kumara to Aaron Finch. OUT! In the air... taken! Sri Lanka finally hold onto one. Finch goes after playing a decent knock. End of a good opening stand for Australia. Fuller and on middle, Finch once again looks to stand tall and loft it over the long on fence. His bat turns in his hands. He does not get the timing right and it goes towards long on where Jayasuriya runs to his right and takes it nicely. 74 needed in 67.
Lahiru Kumara to David Warner. Outside edge but a single! Shortish and outside off, Warner looks to cut but gets an outside edge down to fine third man for one.
Lahiru Kumara to David Warner. Shorter on middle, Warner ducks under it. It is called a wide again.
Lahiru Kumara to Aaron Finch. Shorter and on off, Finch pushes it through covers for one for a single.
Lahiru Kumara to Aaron Finch. This is angled into the batter, this is worked to mid-wicket.
Lahiru Kumara to Aaron Finch. A short one but down the leg side, Finch ducks and it is wided.
Lahiru Kumara to Aaron Finch. SIX! Welcome back into the attack! That is an unbelievable shot. Stand and deliver stuff! Full and on off, Finch just lofts it with absolute ease over the long off fence for a biggie.
Lahiru Kumara is back into the attack. 2-0-18-0 are his figures so far.
Lakshan Sandakan to Aaron Finch. Flatter on off, Finch punches it towards mid off and keeps the strike.
Lakshan Sandakan to David Warner. On the pads, Warner flicks it towards mid-wicket for another run.
Lakshan Sandakan to Aaron Finch. Tossed up around off, Finch waits and late cuts it towards short third man. Warner calls for a quick single and gets it.
Lakshan Sandakan to David Warner. Short outside off, Warner punches it to deep cover-point for a single.
Lakshan Sandakan to Aaron Finch. Tossed up on middle, Finch comes down the track and takes it as a full toss. He milks it to long on for one.
Lakshan Sandakan to David Warner. Sandakan starts with a drag down. Warner pulls it and luckily for Lakshan there is a man at deep mid-wicket so just a single.
Lakshan Sandakan comes on now. Spin from both the ends.
Shehan Jayasuriya to David Warner. Shortish and on the body, Warner pulls it but it goes off the glove down towards short fine leg for a single. 13 from the over. A huge one for Australia. Releases all the pressure.
Shehan Jayasuriya to Aaron Finch. On the pads again, Finch goes back and works it fine on the leg side for another single.
Shehan Jayasuriya to Aaron Finch. Another couple! On the pads, this is worked towards backward square leg for two.
Shehan Jayasuriya to Aaron Finch. Now a couple! Shorter and outside off, this is played late through point for two.
Shehan Jayasuriya to Aaron Finch. SIX! That goes a long way! Finch loves playing against the off spinner, he lines him up this time and powers it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.
Shehan Jayasuriya to David Warner. Fires it on the stumps, Warner plays a risky shot as he cuts it off the stumps through point for one.
Spin time! Shehan Jayasuriya comes onto bowl now.
Nuwan Pradeep to Aaron Finch. Shorter in length and on off, this is pushed to covers. End of the Powerplay. A sedate one for Australia. Sri Lanka could have easily had two wickets in it. Australia are 40 for 0 after it. They need another 103 in 84.
Nuwan Pradeep to David Warner. One more single! Fuller and on off, this is pushed to the man at covers for one.
Nuwan Pradeep to David Warner. A couple now! Shorter and on the body, this is pulled through backward square leg for two.
Nuwan Pradeep to David Warner. WIDE! Down the leg side, the batter swings but misses it completely.
Nuwan Pradeep to Aaron Finch. One more leg bye! A yorker this time, it is tailing back in from middle. Finch looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. A huge shout but not given. A leg bye is taken as the ball rolls towards short third man. That was going down leg.
Nuwan Pradeep to David Warner. An inside edge saves Warner there! It is a lovely dipping slower ball on middle, it is a low full toss in the end. Warner looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. The bowler appeals as the ball rolls on the leg side but not given. A leg bye taken.
Nuwan Pradeep to David Warner. Fuller and outside off, Warner strokes it towards cover but for no runs.
Lahiru Kumara to Aaron Finch. This is angled into the pads, Finch looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.
Lahiru Kumara to David Warner. The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. They pick up a single.
Lahiru Kumara to Aaron Finch. In the air... dropped! A tough, tough chance this. It was travelling and was a little away from the fielder. Fuller and on off, Finch crunches it towards cover. Oshada Fernando gets two hands to it diving to his right but the ball bursts through and goes towards mid off for one. Actually, looking at the replays that should have been taken. A life for both the openers, can't win games if you keep dropping such catches.
Lahiru Kumara to Aaron Finch. FOUR! Thrashed! Width on offer and it is put away with ease. Short and wide outside off, Finch slaps it through cover-point and bags a boundary. Releases all the pressure that was building.
Lahiru Kumara to Aaron Finch. Extremely full again and on middle, this is jammed out to the man at mid on for no runs this time.
Lahiru Kumara to David Warner. Very full and on leg pole, this is hit down towards long on for a single.
Lahiru Kumara comes back on. He gets a change of ends.
Nuwan Pradeep to David Warner. On middle, Warner nudges it towards mid on and keeps the strike. 116 more needed off 96.
Nuwan Pradeep to Aaron Finch. On the pads, Finch flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single.
Nuwan Pradeep to David Warner. DROPPED! First time in the series Warner has given the visitors a chance to get him out and the Lankans have refused to take that. Length ball outside off, Warner looks to clear mid off with a flat batted shot. He does not time it well and it goes to the right of mid off. Malinga, the skipper there dives to his right and gets hold of the ball but it pops out of his hand as he hits the ground on his dive. Big chance goes begging here. The batsmen meanwhile take the single. How costly will this prove to be?
Nuwan Pradeep to Aaron Finch. Good shot. Length ball on off, Finch stands tall and punches it through point. Three Sri Lankan fielders go after it. One of them mops it up before the ropes. This is a big ground and they get three with ease.
Nuwan Pradeep to Aaron Finch. Fuller on the stumps, Finch defends it with a straight bat.
Nuwan Pradeep to David Warner. Pradeep starts with a length ball on middle and leg, Warner looks to defend it with soft hands but the ball zips in and hits him on the thigh pad. It rolls towards cover-point. Finch calls for a run and Warner responds. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but misses.
Nuwan Pradeep comes onto bowl now. Just a single over for Lahiru Kumara.
Lasith Malinga to David Warner. Slower ball which is bowled at 116.1 kph. It is around off, Warner taps it towards mid-wicket and keeps the strike with a quick single.
Lasith Malinga to David Warner. Fuller on off, Warner pushes it to cover.
Lasith Malinga to David Warner. That is a ripper. Back of a length ball on middle, the ball straightens and jumps off the surface. Warner initially looks to defend but then decides to move away. Luckily for him it does not kiss the edge of the bat. The ball goes to the keeper on a bounce.
Lasith Malinga to David Warner. Good length ball on off, Warner pushes it to mid on.
Lasith Malinga to David Warner. FOUR! WOW! That is a classic Warner. Half volley outside off. Warner, who is yet to get out in this series says thank you very much and demolishes it through covers for a boundary. If you were unaware of his form then this shot shows he is in tremendous form.
Lasith Malinga to David Warner. Slower ball on top of middle, Warner pushes it towards mid on.
Lahiru Kumara to Aaron Finch. SIX! Stand and deliver stuff! Kumara paid the price for going short and now does so for bowling very full. It is on off, Finch just lifts it nonchalantly over the long on fence for a biggie. 12 from the over, a good one for Australia in the end.
Lahiru Kumara to David Warner. A single now! This is on middle, it is worked on the leg side for one.
Lahiru Kumara to David Warner. FOUR! Crunched! Warner loves anything which is short and he puts it away. Kumara gets carried away here and bangs this one short. Warner spots it early and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary. First of the chase.
Lahiru Kumara to David Warner. Jaffa! Unplayable! Kumara, who is playing his first game of the series, is bowling with fire. This is on a length and around middle, it straightens after pitching. Warner is squared up as he tries to defend it. He gets beaten.
Lahiru Kumara to David Warner. Fuller and on middle, it is pushed towards mid off.
Lahiru Kumara to Aaron Finch. NOT OUT! Umpire's call as it is clipping the top of middle. It always looked high to be honest. This is on middle and the ball skids through. Finch misreads the length and ends up playing it from the crease, He misses, the ball clips the flap of the pads and rolls towards third man. The batters take a leg bye while the bowler puts in a loud appeal. The umpire shakes his head. After a long discussion, it is reviewed. Replays roll in and it shows the on-field call stays. Sri Lanka do not lose their review though.
Review time! Sri Lanka have taken a review for LBW! Aaron Finch is the man in question. Height looks to be an issue here. Let's see what the replays have to say.
Lahiru Kumara to start from the other end.
Lasith Malinga to David Warner. Slower one to end a tight over! Warner guides it to point.
Lasith Malinga to David Warner. Warner is underway now! He works this one on the pads through square leg and comes back for the second.
Lasith Malinga to David Warner. Goes full this time and it is on off, Warner plays it to the right of silly mid off.
Lasith Malinga to Aaron Finch. Australia are underway! A slower one on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.
Lasith Malinga to Aaron Finch. A little too straight this time, Finch hops and works it on the leg side.
Lasith Malinga to Aaron Finch. Some movement first up! This starts around middle and then shapes away. Finch pushes it to mid on. A good start by the veteran.
We are back for the chase. The Sri Lankan players are out on the field. The Australian openers David Warner and Aaron Finch walk out to start the chase for the hosts. Lasith Malinga to start the proceedings with the ball for the visitors.