Sri Lanka struggled to keep up with Australia’s pace and managed just a respectable total of 157 for 6. Then, in the first over, they lost seamer Binura Fernando, severely harming their hopes. With the help of bowlers like Lahiru Kumara and Maheesh Theekshana, they had a chance to hang on.
But if your greatest bowler averages more than 17 in just three overs, you probably won’t win many games, especially if you depend on him as much as Sri Lanka does. Australia defeated Wanindu Hasaranga. They’ll be hoping that this was an anomaly going into the remainder of the tournament.
After losing their key fast bowler, Dushmantha Chameera, who was their most talented left-arm quick, before the tournament due to injury, Sri Lanka has had a terrible time with injuries. Pramod Madushan also missed a few games due to a hamstring strain, so Sri Lanka had to make do with their third, fourth, and fifth choice quicks.
Australia ultimately won easily, largely due to Marcus Stoinis’ incredible exhibition of batting prowess. Australia needed 69 from 46 balls when he came to bat. Then, despite Aaron Finch continuing to stink up the innings with his 31 not out off 42 balls, during which he never appeared to find any rhythm, they scored those 69 runs off just 26 balls.
Stoinis helped his team to a fantastic victory. They were really monstrous there. Australia’s fastest half century is a 17-ball total. In an 18-ball inning, the guy smacked six sixes and four fours.
Before he entered the game, it was a toss-up, but he made Australia’s victory in 16.3 overs look easy.
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