DUBAI: Opener David Warner’s impressive 65-run inning helped Australia to a seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka on Thursday in the Twenty20 World Cup at Dubai International Stadium.
Chasing 155 for victory in the Super 12 contest, Australia depended on a quickfire 70-run opening stand between Warner and skipper Aaron Finch, who made 37, to achieve their target in 17 overs.
Leg-spinner Adam Zampa returned impressive figures of 2-12 to help restrict Sri Lanka to 154-6. Zampa returned figures of 2-12 to check Sri Lanka’s brisk start after Charith Asalanka and Kusal Perera put on 63 for the second wicket.
Pat Cummins struck first with the wicket of Pathum Nissanka in the third over of the innings, but new man Asalanka soon hit bat back with three straight boundaries off the fast bowler.
left-handed Asalanka kept up the charge and took on Glenn Maxwell’s spin as Sri Lanka managed 64 runs off the first six overs of powerplay. The left-handed pair took on the bowlers before Zampa broke through with his leg spin googly to get Asalanka.
Mitchell Starc bowled Perera with a scorching yorker in the next over. Zampa took down Avishka Fernando and Starc sent back Wanindu Hasaranga for four as Sri Lanka slipped to 94-5 in the 13th over.
Rajapaksa stood firm to see off Zampa’s fourth over before launching an attack as he smashed Marcus Stoinis for two fours and a six in a 17-run over.
The left-handed Rajapaksa and skipper Dasun Shanaka put together 40 runs off 32 balls before the captain walked back for 12 off Cummins. Rajapaksa hit four fours and one six in his 26-ball knock.
