Sri Lanka crushed by Aussies

Aussies run riot in field in Barbados

By Rachel Griffiths   Last updated: 9th May 2010  

Sri Lanka crushed by Aussies

White: Impressive knock

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Australia thrashed Sri Lanka by a massive 81 runs in their World Twenty20 Super Eight showdown after dismissing their opponents for a paltry 87.

The outcome, and the resulting change in net run-rate, all but assures a semi-final berth for the victors in Barbados.

Sri Lanka made a strong start to the clash, restricting the Aussies to 30 for four, but an impressive knock of 85 not out from Cameron White helped lift them to 168 for five.

Dominant

Australia were dominant in the field, however, with Tillakaratne Dilshan's 20 the best of just three double-figure totals.

Dirk Nannes, one of the tournament's standout performers, did not take long to strike, dismissing opener Mahela Jayawardene for 16.

Only two more runs were added before Shaun Tait claimed the crucial wicket of captain Kumar Sangakkara, who went for two after gloving an attempted hook.

Sanath Jayasuriya also failed to make any real impact and had added just five in 14 deliveries when Nannes trapped him clean in front of the stumps.

Dilshan steadied Sri Lanka's innings with a notable six and two boundaries in his 20 but was next to go as Mitchell Johnson claimed his first success to leave the scores at 48 for four.

Australia were by now brimming with confidence and Angelo Mathews was removed for just eight soon after, sending Johnson to Mike Hussey in the covers.

Chamara Kapugedera managed 12 as Sri Lanka tried to add some respectability to their total, but was bowled having edged his side to 73.

Only 14 more runs were added in the next four wickets before Australia closed out the game in emphatic style, running out Suraj Randiv before Dinesh Chandimal fell for 19.

Ajantha Mendis and Lasith Malinga then managed just one run apiece before falling to Michael Clarke and Johnson respectively to complete a dismal innings.

Earlier, Australia built their innings around White's notable 49-ball contribution, which included six fours and as many sixes.

Mathews had got things underway by bowling Shane Watson in the first over of the day, while fourteen runs came in the second.

Number three Brad Haddin did not last long, however, falling for a quick 15 in Mathews' next over as Sanath Jayasuriya grabbed a neat catch.

Heat

Randiv turned up the heat by dismissing David Warner (nine) and David Hussey (nought) in the same over to leave the Aussies on 30 for four.

The match then reached a pivotal point as White offered a half-chance off Randiv but a leaping Mendis missed the catch, leaving him free to continue his batting assault.

Clarke was the off-spinner's third victim moments later but White, aided by Hussey, delivered some destructive hitting in the late stages to bolster Australia's total.