Aussies overpower Lankan Lions
Though both teams Australia and Sri Lanka have booked a berth in the semifinals still ICC Cricket World Cup Super Eights match at Grenada was one of the most enjoyable world cup matches.
The Lankan skipper Mahela Jaywardene won the toss and elected to bat first. The Lankan lions got off to the worst possible start as they lost three quick wickets of Jayasuriya for 12, Sangakkara for zero and Tharanga for six, which left the score at 29 for three after seven overs.
Mammoth 140-run partnership between captain Jaywardene and Silva helped to bring stability to Lankan innings. Both batsman hit half-centuries before Brad Hogg removed Michael Clarke for 64 and stumped Jaywardene for 72.
After the partnership was broken Lankans lost five wickets for the addition of just 17 runs. Tilekaratne Dilshan was caught by Brad for seven, Tait bowled Arnold for three and Kulasekara scored just one.
Fireworks by lower order batsmen Bandara and Maharoof helped Lankan score past the 200-run mark. Bandara was caught off McGrath's ball at 17, his innings included two sixes whereas Maharoof was Bracken’s victim for 25. All the Aussie bowlers- Tait, McGrath and Hogg managed to pick two Lankan wickets.
Tournament favorite’s Australia had to chase just 227 to win, in reply the Aussies hit 232 for three in 42.4 overs. Defending champions got off to a steady start after Hayden and Gilchrist put up a strong opening stand of 76 runs till former was out on Arnold’s delivery for 41, his partner was declared lbw for 30 in the very next over.
Skipper Ponting and Clarke put on 47 runs for the third wicket before the latter was dismissed by Bandara on 23. Ponting and Symond then put on an unbeaten 106-run partnership from 20 overs to take their side towards a comfortable win. Ricky Ponting and Andrew Symonds remained not out at the score of 66 and 63, respectively.
Brief Score: Australia 232-3 (Ponting 66, Symonds 63) vs. Sri Lanka 226 (Jayawardene 72, Silva 64)
Result: Australia won the match by seven wickets
Man of the Match: Nathan Bracken
To know more about Cricket World Cup 2007, check the following links:
Points Table
Highlights
Match Scorecards
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