Australia v http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Sri-Lanka-c758: Live match update – ICC World Cup
It has been a gripping affair between Sri Lanka and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 so far, as no team has been able to dominate the match completely at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Thirty overs have been bowled and the home side has racked up 129 runs for the loss of three wickets. The good news for Sri Lanka is that their captain, Kumar Sangakkara, is still at the crease. He needs to bat through the overs and should register a three-figure
score in order to steer his team to a competitive total.
Thilan Samaraweera and the skipper have added 71 runs for the fourth wicket stand and are far from being bogged down. Their approach towards their batting has been measured and they have milked the opposition bowlers in gaps to pick up ones and twos regularly.
Sangakkara, who averages 43 against the Aussies, played another superb knock against his favourite opposition. The left-hander stands unbeaten at 73 off 107 deliveries and is looking well settled for a massive score.
Samaraweera’s priceless support with the bat has enabled Sangakkara to break free and play his shots. The right-hander has played a solid knock and hasn’t allowed the situation to get better of him, amassing 30 runs off 42 balls in a calculated batting display.
Earlier the Sri Lankan openers, Tillakaratne Dilshan and Upul Tharanga, struggled with the bat, as both of them capitulated for single digit scores. A brilliant batting strip at R Premadasa Stadium didn’t prove beneficial for them and the left their team
wobbling at 2 for 31 in 7 overs.
Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene revived their team’s ship, adding 44 runs for the third wicket stand. Mahela stroked the ball nicely and placed the ball in gaps to score his runs.
However, poor judgment of a run brought about the demise of Sri Lanka’s vice-captain, who scored 23 off 25 balls before being run-out.
The Australian bowlers probed and bowled with a lot fire. They didn’t allow the opposition bowlers to score their runs freely and kept things tight to build constant pressure.
Shaun Tait was on fire as he bowled a fast and furious five-over spell, taking 1 for 25 to dismantle the opposition. Meanwhile, Lee’s persistent bowling earned him the crucial wicket of Tharanga.
The Aussies have been sharp in the field, as the fielders have completely supported the bowling attack. Steven Smith took a superb catch to dismiss Upul, while his direct hit from cover-point earned his team the important wicket of Jayawardene.
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