David Warner, Adam Zampa, and Aaron Finch star as dominant Australia thrashed Sri Lanka by 7 wickets here in Dubai to make it two in two wins in the ongoing T20 World Cup. They now level England with 4 points, which is sitting atop in Group 1, and are only behind in the NRR.
Opting to bowl, Aaron Finch led side had a little scare at the start as Kusal Perera (35) and Charith Asalanka (35) provided a solid foundation to the Islanders who were at 78/1 in the tenth over.
However, the introduction of Adam Zampa helped Australia fight back as the right arm leg break provided the much-needed breakthrough by dismissing dangerously looking Charith Asalanka. In the next over, Mitchell Starc removed well set Kusal Perera that resulted in a collapse as lost 4 wickets for just 19 runs and was eventually reduced to 94/5. However, a late cameo from Bhanuka Rajapaksha helped them post a competitive total of 154/6.
Adam Zampa was adjudged man of the match for his game-changing spell of 2-12 in his four overs.
Player of the Match is Adam Zampa! 🙌#T20WorldCup #Australia https://t.co/GBNPivFHrM
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 28, 2021
Coming to chase, Aaron Finch & David Warner were off to a flying start and added 70 runs for the first wicket in 7 overs. Aaron Finch slammed a quickfire 37 off 23 balls and also achieved a milestone of scoring 2500 runs in Men’s T20Is.
Wanindu Hasaranga provided the first breakthrough to Sri Lanka as he removed dangerously-looking Aaron Finch in the seventh over. He strikes again in his second over and removed Glenn Maxwell cheaply at 5, picking up his second for tonight.
Hasaranga the man delivering the goods for Sri Lanka again 🚚
The dangerous Maxwell now departs, with the spinner celebrating his second scalp.
#T20WorldCup | #AUSvSL | https://t.co/dkIIjDEJLc pic.twitter.com/DSqCsdlWQu— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) October 28, 2021
However, David Warner, who had a point to prove continued his onslaught and slammed his 19th T20I fifty. He played a crucial knock of 65 at the top and almost guided his side home.
Man on a mission today. 31-ball fifty for David Warner #AUS #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/afNFzwHKCn
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 28, 2021
Warner had been off-color for a long time now and this knock would have certainly brought some relief to him as well as Australia’s dressing room.
David Warner yesterday: "I actually think people talking about my form is quite funny. I laugh at the matter.”
David Warner today: pic.twitter.com/dNfh6INGAs
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 28, 2021
In the end, Marcus Stoinis (16* off 7) and Steve Smith (28* off 26) guided Australia home with 7 wickets in hand and 18 balls to spare.
Two in two for Australia ✌️
#T20WorldCup | #AUSvSL | https://t.co/dkIIjDEJLc pic.twitter.com/Xv8KlB4f0I— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) October 28, 2021
