Australia Manage 3-Wicket Win Over Sri Lanka In 2nd T20I; Clinch 3-Match Series

Australia have an unassailable lead of 2-0 against hosts Sri Lanka in the 3-match T20I series with a match yet to be played.

Cricket Image for Australia Manage 3-Wicket Win Over Sri Lanka In 2nd T20I; Clinch 3-Match Series (Image Source: AFP)

After losing wickets early on and in the middle, Matthew Wade held one end as Australia chased down a target of 125 in 17.5 overs, winning the 2nd T20I against Sri Lanka by 5 wickets. Wanindu Hasaranga troubled Aussie batters in the middle, but the target, in the end, proved too low to be defended. 

Matthew Wade top-scored for Australia with an unbeaten 26-ball-26 with 2 fours. Openers Aaron Finch & David Warner scored 24 and 21 runs respectively and none of the other batters crossed the 20-run mark. 

For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga brought his team back in the game for a bit as he registered 4 wickets for just 33 runs in his 4 overs. However, none of the other bowlers were able to perform enough to defend such a low target. 

In the first innings, Jhye & Kane Richardson teamed up to restrict Sri Lanka to 124/9 in 20 overs. Kane Richardson picked up 4 wickets while Jhye picked up 3, whereas all-rounder Glenn Maxwell contributed with two wickets. 

Charith Asalanka and Kusal Mendis were the top-scored with 39 runs and 36 runs respectively as none of the other batters crossed the 15-run mark. With this win, Australia have clinched the 3-match T20I series with a match still to be played. 

Earlier, Australian captain Aaron Finch won the toss & opted to bowl first against Sri Lanka in the 2nd T20I. This match was played at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.

Brief Score: 

• Sri Lanka - 124/9 (Asalanka - 39(33), Kane - 4/30)
• Australia - 126/7 in 17.5 overs (Wade - 26(26), Hasaranga - 4/33)