Australia sealed a dominant 10-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first T20I at the Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Tuesday.
Put in to bat, Sri Lanka looked to be in control when they were 100 for 1 in the 12th over. But owing to their dismal batting, the hosts lost their next nine wickets for just 28 to be bundled out for 128 in 19.3 overs.
In reply, captain Aaron Finch (61 not out) and David Warner (70 not out) took just 14 overs to help Australia overhaul Sri Lanka’s paltry total and take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
It was Josh Hazlewood who triggered Sri Lanka’s collapse, striking thrice in the 14th over of the game.
Hazlewood (4/16), one of the successful bowlers for Royal Challengers Bangalore in this year’s IPL, dismissed Kusal Mendis, Bhanuka Rajapaksa and captain Dasun Shanaka in that over after which, the Sri Lankans just couldn’t recover.
His new-ball partner Mitchell Starc, too, returned impressive figures (3/26), making the task all the more harder for Sri Lanka. Thereafter, Finch and Warner’s strokeplay ensured Australia strolled home to victory.
Sri Lanka included both Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga in their XI. Both the spinners were impressive in the IPL, representing Chennai Super Kings and RCB, respectively.
Brief scores: Sri Lanka 128 in 19.3 ovs (C. Asalanka 38; J. Hazlewood 4/16, M. Starc 3/26). Australia 134/0 in 14 ovs (A. Finch 61 n.o., D. Warner 70 n.o.) Australia won by 10 wickets.
(Written with Reuters inputs)
