http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 prevail in the thrilling 1st CB series final – Match Update
The Aussies kept their nerves to beat a gallant http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758 by 15 runs in the thrilling first final of the triangular Commonwealth Bank series, played at the Gabba, Brisbane today, March 4, 2012.
After opting to bat first in overcast conditions, the hosts posted an intimidating 321 for six on the board. In reply the Islanders could score only 306 in 49.2 overs.
The belligerent Australian opener, David Warner struck a whirlwind 163 off just 157 balls to steer the home side to a daunting total of 321 runs in their allotted quota of 50 overs. His magnificent knock was laced with 13 muscular boundaries and two lofty
sixes. Warner, who stayed at the crease till the last ball of the Australian innings, shared half century stands with opener http://www.senore.com/Cricket/SR-Watson-c2558. He was bowled out by Dhammika Prasad on the last ball of the Australian
innings at 163, the highest ever individual ODI score at the Gabba.
In reply, the Islanders went off to a quick start as the opening duo of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/TM-Dilshan-c2691 attacked from the outset scoring at a run rate, faster than their opponents had in their innings. But the tourists never looked in a position
to challenge the hosts, before fast bowler http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KMDN-Kulasekara-c1802 came in to bat at No. 8, with the tourists struggling at 144 for 6.
The Sri Lankan opening bowler stunned not only the opposition attack, but also the Lankan dressing room with a pugnacious knock of 73 runs off just 43 balls, to bring the tourists back into the game. Kulasekara entertained the crowd with seven boundaries
and three lofty sixes during his 54-minute stay at the crease, sharing a 104-run stand with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/WU-Tharanga-c2802 off just 70 deliveries.
But http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DJ-Hussey-c1380 struck back in the 42nd over to remove the belligerent Kulasekara and bring the Australians back in control. Dhammika Prasad tried to take the side home with some late hitting but failed as wickets clattered at the other end.
Prasad returned with a 21-ball 31.
http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DA-Warner-c1301 was adjudged as the man of the match. The second final will be played at Adelaide on Tuesday, March 6.
Tags: