Dubai: Australia continued their unbeaten run in the ICC World T20 registering a 7 wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Super 12, Group 1 in Dubai on Thursday.
Chasing 155, Australian openers gave their side a superb start with David Warner finding his usual rhythm again while skipper Aaron Finch got into the grove. The dynamic duo added 70 runs in just 6.5 overs before Finch(37) fell to Winundu Hasaranga.
Glen Maxwell was unable to continue the onslaught as followed his captain to home on a single digit. Steve Smith(28*) joined hands with Warner to close the deficit adding a decisive 50 run stand. Warner played a match-winning 65 off the 42 balls to get the Aussies close victory and although he was dismissed towards the end leaving the job putting the icing on the cake, Marcus Stoinis hammered 7 balls 16 to seal the deal.
Earlier, Sri Lanka scratched their way to 154/6 as Aussie bowlers dominated them throughout the innings. Apart from Kusal Perera(35), Charith Asalanka (35), and Aviska Fernando(33), none were able to see double digits.
The Lankans were going at a steady pace when Perera-Asalanka were at the crease. However, Aussie clinched their way back into the game as Mitchell Starc(2/27) broke the 63-run stand removing Perera which Sri Lanka was unable to recover from. Aussie spinner Adam Zampa(2/12) topped the charts alongside Starc and Pat Cummins(2/34) as Australia dominated throughout the innings.
Brief Scores: Australia 155/3 in 17 overs( David Warner 65, Aaron Finch 37; Wanindu Hasaranga 2/22) beat Sri Lanka 154/6 in 20 overs(Kushal Perera 35, Charith Asalanka 35; Adam Zampa 2/12, Mitchell Starc 2/27) by 7 wickets.
