SL vs AUS, 2nd T20I: Australia maintain their nerve to beat Sri Lanka by 3 wickets

2nd T20I: Australia have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in opposition to Sri Lanka within the three-match T20I sequence. Matthew Wade’s run-a-ball 26 helped Australia beat Sri Lanka after a collapse.

Australia and Sri Lanka gamers greeting one another after the match. (Courtesy: AP)

HIGHLIGHTSAustralia have taken an unassailable 2-0Wanindu Hasaranga took 4 wicketsKane Richardson returned with 4 wickets

Australia held their nerve to beat Sri Lanka by three wickets within the second T20I on the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday. With the win, the T20 World champions have taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in opposition to Sri Lanka.

Australia had been in all kinds of bother whereas chasing a below-par goal of 125, because of Wanindu Hasaranga’s four-wicket haul. The Aaron Finch-led aspect, who had crushed Sri Lanka a day earlier than, had been diminished to 99/7 inside 12 overs. However, Matthew Wade’s run-a-ball 26 not out took the Down Under aspect residence with 13 balls remaining.

RICHARDSON-MAXWELL TRIGGERED COLLAPSE

Sri Lanka suffered an early collapse after being put into bat first. Jhye Richardson and Glenn Maxwell struck early to dent Sri Lanka’s top-order. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Danushka Gunathilaka, who had been the notable run scorers within the earlier match, returned to the dugout cheaply.

Charith Asalanka and Kusal Mendis tried to rebuild the innings however their keep was lower quick. Sri Lanka had been restricted to 124/9, with Kane Richardson returning with 4/30, whereas Jhye and Maxwell took three and two wickets every.

LANKAN THREAT TO AUSSIES

Finch and David Warner, who had each scored fifties within the first T20I, didn’t go large. The likes of Mitchell Marsh and Steve Smith had been dismissed in fast succession as Sri Lankan bowlers continued to make inroads in a low-scoring sport. It was Wade, the Player of the Match, and Jhye who fought again and secured the sequence for Australia.