Dilshan's awesome 106 run ensured Sri Lanka achieved their 272 run target with ease and 34 balls to spare in the second final at Adelaide Oval. The Sri Lankans cruised to 2-274 from 44.2 overs in reply to Australia's 6-271 which featured tons to Michael Clarke and David Warner. Mahela Jayawardene and Dilshan produced an excellent opening stand of 179 runs laying the foundation for chasing Australian target of 272 runs Adelaide. With this win Sri Lanka have equalized the series and the winner will be decided on Thursday in the third final at Adelaide. Sri Lanka didn't have a single weakness and just played better as a whole. Superb batting by Dilshan secured their win with ease. The crowd reached around 15000 and lots more are expected for the third and last final.
Sri Lanka Secure Finals Spot
Sri Lanka - 238 Australia - 229
The MCG played host to the final group stage game between Australia and Sri Lanka. The home team’s spot in the finals was secure, but Sri Lanka needed a win to edge out India for the last finals position. Australia made just the one change from the team that beat India, with James Pattinson making his comeback to cricket replacing fellow quick Brett Lee.
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat, but that’s where their luck stopped, with Mahela Jayawardene being run out by Dave Hussey in the opening overs. James Pattinson then made his comeback worthwhile, picking up the dangerous Dilshan with a gem of a delivery. Sri Lanka got back on track through Sangakkara and Chandimal, whose partnership reached 123 before Sangakkara was caught in the deep, Pattinson claiming the wicket. At 3/186, Chandimal looked to increase the run rate but his shot wasn’t executed and was caught by Clint McKay.
The match lit up in the 43rd over as Dan Christian came back into the attack. He picked up two wickets in as many balls to set up a hat trick opportunity, Kulasekara the new batsmen at the crease. Christian steamed in and bowled a straight and full ball that was followed by a huge shout for LBW as it struck Kulasekara on the pads. Umpire Rod Tucker took his time but sure enough the finger went up and Christian had an international hatrick!
The tourists never recovered, bowled out for 238 with Dan Christian claiming 5 wickets and James Pattinson 4.
Australia looked shaky at the start of their run chase, with three wickets falling in the first 5 overs. Shane Watson (65) and Mike Hussey (29) looked set to steer Australia home but just when you thought they looked most comfortable at the crease, Malinga took Shane Watson’s middle stump out of the ground. Australia never really recovered besides a resilient Dave Hussey who took the match into the final over, before holing out in the deep for a fighting 64.