The Australian Cricket Team crushed Sri Lanka by 9 wickets in the 2nd T20I played at Gabba, Brisbane played on Wednesday.
Sri Lankan captain Lasith Malinga won the toss and decided to bat first. It was not a ideal start as Kusal Mendis was run out without a substantial opening partnership .The left-handed Gunathilaka played with positive intent and created pressure on Australian bowlers with innovative stroke play. Billy Stanlake struck by dismissing Gunathilaka for 21 off 22 balls. At the end of 6 overs, Sri Lanka were 36 for 2.
After the power play overs, Avishka Fernando and Kusal Perera tried to steady the innings taking singles and hitting occasional boundaries. The Australian bowlers kept it tight and did not allow the Sri Lankan batsmen to score runs easily. Whenever there was a little partnership going on, the Australian bowlers kept picking wickets at regular intervals. Kusal Perera was only Sri Lankan batsman to play with good intent. Australia restricted Sri Lanka to 117 for 9 in 20 overs. For Australia, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Adam Zampa and Billy Stanlake took 2 wickets each.
Chasing 118 runs to win, the hosts lost an early wicket of Australian captain Aaron Finch down the leg off Lasith Malinga’s bowling. David Warner and Steve Smith did not have any problems against Sri Lankan bowlers to keep the scorecard ticking with ease hitting boundaries. At the end of 6 overs, Australia were well placed at 58 for 1.
After the power play overs, Warner and Smith continued to make the batting look easy on a decent pitch. Warner reached his 2nd successive fifty off just 30 balls while Steve Smith too completed his 50 off 32 balls. The experienced duo helped Australia reach the target in just 13 overs. Smith and Warner added unbeaten 117 runs for the 2nd wicket.
Australia 118 for 1 in 13 overs ( Warner 60*, Smith 53*, Lasith Malinga 1/23) beat Sri Lanka 117 for 9 in 20 overs ( Kusal Perera 27, Adam Zampa 2/20, Pat Cummins 2/29) by 9 wickets.
Australia seal the T20I series with this comprehensive win. The third and final T20I match will be played at MCG on 1st November.
