Bowlers, Warner inspire win in dead rubber

Australia canter to five-wicket win to claim series 4-1 after Sri Lanka dismissed for just 195

Sri Lanka’s batsmen were once again to blame as the hosts lost their fifth and final ODI to Australia by five wickets at Pallekele to lose the series 4-1, with skipper David Warner’s century being the final nail in the coffin.

World number one Australia had a bit off a wobble during their simple chase of 196, losing opener Matthew Wade — promoted up the order after Aaron Finch injured his right index finger while fielding — in only the fourth over to off-spinner Dilruwan Perera.

The 34-year-old spinner wreaked more havoc with the new ball for Sri Lanka as he dismissed Usman Khawaja in his next over to leave Australia at 25-2.



However, the ship was steadied by Warner, who curbed his natural attacking instincts before stepping on the accelerator later on to make 106 off 126 balls. Warner was well-supported by George Bailey, who made 44 runs off 73 balls.

After opting to bat first, the Sri Lankan openers Dhananjaya de Silva and Danushka Gunathilaka had gotten the hosts off to a rare good start as they put on 73 for the opening stand. But it was all downhill from there on in for the batsmen once James Faulkner dismissed De Silva for 34.



Wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals and Sri Lanka went from 73-0 in the 14th over to 195 all out in the 41st, losing all 10 wickets for just 122 runs. None of the host batsmen were able to cross the thirties and only four made more than 15.

Left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc was once again the chief wrecker for Australia, claiming 3-40 in his nine overs. Off-spinner Travis Head also impressed with figures of 2-22 in five overs.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 5^th, 2016.

Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.