Kumar Sangakkara scored his 10,000th ODI run

Image courtesy of: Pixabay

Sri Lanka stunned Australia and the local fans by defeating them in the sixth match of the Commonwealth Bank series at Sydney.

Sri Lanka, who had yet to get a win in the series, put their losses behind them as they fought extremely hard to conquer the hosts.

Sri Lankan Captain, Mahela Jayawardene, said: “When those two catches went down, I wondered if this was again one of those days, but we pulled it back really well. Our bowlers are capable of adapting to different conditions.”

Australia, who won the toss and decided to bat may have wanted to re-think that decision as the Sri Lankan bowlers tore through their batting lineup. The only decent score made was provided by David Hussey, who made 58 of Australia’s 158 runs.

With a rain disruption during Australia’s inning, the match was reduced to 41 overs per side.

Sri Lankan pace bowlers, Farveez Maharoof and Thisara Perera both shared two wickets apiece as they, with the support of the rest of the bowlers, toppled Australia.

Perera, who was given the Man of the Match award for his bowling and his causing of two run-outs, said: “I am really happy to play in Sydney, this is my second match here. I am really happy.”

Sri Lanka’s openers, Captain Jayawardene and Tillakaratne Dilshan started off in brisk fashion as they tried to finish the game off as quickly as possible. Jayawardene scored an exceptional 61 and Dilshan remained undefeated on 45.

Kumar Sangakkara, needing only ten runs in this match to get his 10,000th ODI run, managed to do so and the win only made it extra special for him.

Australia’s Brett Lee and Clint McKay had one wicket each in the dismal team effort.

Australian Captain, Ricky Ponting, who was filling in temporarily for Michael Clarke, who has a hamstring injury, said: “Full credit to Sri Lanka, they bowled and fielded really well, and played their shots in the chase.”

Captain Jayawardene was extremely happy with the win since the team also picked up the extra bonus point. “We needed a start, I have done opening before, and thankfully it worked today. We knew we had to win today, the bonus point was the icing on the cake.”

Sri Lanka hope to use this dominant victory as momentum when they face off against India on the 21st of February at Brisbane.