SL Defeats Australia, Tops Group B & Books Super 8 Spot in T20 WC

SL Players Strike Ruthlessly

Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to field against Australia. At the outset, that decision proved a costly one as Travis Head (56) and Mitchell Marsh (54) scored for the first wicket with a 104-run stand. However, Sri Lanka countered with quick wickets, with Australia never exactly feeling at ease from then on.
For the Lankan bowlers it was Dushan Hemantha (3/37) and Dushmantha Chameera (3/36) who proved to be at their best. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis drove Sri Lanka’s innings further on track in chasing 182 after the loss of Kusal Perera in the match’s second over when they pushed the attack onto Australia. 

Shanaka Lauds SL's Stellar Show

Sri Lanka’s skipper, Dasun Shanaka felt his team’s output was impressive.
“One of the best performances in recent past. Happy about the way first innings went. We were still very positive after losing Pathirana. Had the confidence. Knew about the wicket as well. Each and everyone showed high body language. Everybody wanted to contribute somehow,” he said.

Marsh: 181 Competitive but SL Too Good

Australia skipper Mitchell Marsh said he felt that Australia's 181 total score was competitive.
“I thought it was a competitive total. We probably left ourselves a few short after the start we had. Well played to SL, they outplayed us tonight. We know that at our best we can make big scores. We just lost our way towards the back end. SL bowled really well towards the back end. We knew we were a few short,” he said.

Points Table: SL Qualifies, Aus on Brink

The loss results in Australia still falling in third with two points from three matches. Australia have now lost to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka, while having beaten Ireland. Australia now has to hope Ireland beat Zimbabwe in Tuesday’s match.
If Zimbabwe beat Ireland, Australia will be eliminated from the tournament.