In Perth, the hosts needed Stoinis rapid-fire stroke to complete their aim with 21 balls to spare after being hammered by New Zealand on the first day.
Blistering Knock by Marcus Stoinis 50 of just 17 balls (Fastest Fifty of WC T20 2022)
Stoinis reached 50 in 17 balls, the quickest for an Australian in a T20I. On Friday in Melbourne, the hosts will face longtime foes England. Australia had one victory and one defeat from their first two Super 12 games. Once I got in, the plan was simply to keep going,” said Perth-born man-of-the-match Stoinis, 33.
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To be honest, I was a little worried today since I was at home in Perth with a lot of family and friends, but I’m glad we put on a little of a clinic today. The Australians appeared to be in trouble at 89-3, but Stoinis came out firing, smashing four fours and six sixes. Skipper Aaron Finch, who batted for a labored 31 runs, appeared to be a bystander in Stoinis’ undefeated 69-run stand.
Sri Lanka to 157-6 in their 20 Overs Innings
Charith Asalanka had hit an undefeated 38 to help Sri Lanka to 157-6, a score that appeared competitive until Stoinis came to devastating effect. We have to give Stoinis credit for the manner he came in and performed,” Sri Lanka coach Chris Silverwood said. He demonstrated his dominance by making life extremely tough for us.”
Sri Lankan speed bowler Binura Fernando exited the field in the first over of Australia’s chase, adding to the island nation’s already extensive injury list at this event. However, the Australian openers were kept in check by the fast bowlers, and spinner Mahesh Theekshana claimed the key wicket of David Warner on his first ball when the left-hander threw out a catch to the fielder at cover.
Mitchell Marsh’s Partnership with Skipper resales some pressure from Australia
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Mitchell Marsh took stock before attempting to break clear with a four and six off Wanindu Hasaranga, but his overaggression landed him at long-off for 17. Glenn Maxwell responded with fours and sixes before surviving a terrible bouncer from Lahiru Kumara —
The ball clipped his throat, but with physio assistance, The Australian got back on his feet carefully.
Ashen Bandara dropped Finch but quickly made amends with a brilliant catch at the boundary rope, allowing Maxwell to be dismissed for 23. The jubilation, though, was short-lived as Stoinis bludgeoned Sri Lanka out of the game. Sri Lanka, who advanced from the first round, has also won one and lost one game in the Super 12. They will play New Zealand next.
Asalanka stands from the Sri Lanka Batting line up till the last over
Australia chose to bowl first and replaced Covid-hit Adam Zampa in the lineup that lost their opener to New Zealand by 89 runs. Sri Lanka appeared to be in trouble at 120-6 in the 18th over, but left-handed Asalanka’s 25-ball knock contributed to a battling total.
Pathum Nissanka (41) and Dhananjaya de Silva (26) combined for 69 runs to create the groundwork for the score, however, Sri Lanka faltered midway with losing wickets. They lost their sixth wicket in Hasaranga, but Asalanka held her ground and put up an unbroken 37-run partnership with Karunaratne, who scored 14.
In a 20-run final over, the duo smacked Pat Cummins for two fours and a six to finish with a bang.