Picture Credit: Twitter
The ongoing three-match T20I series between Australia and Sri Lanka witnessed a below-par performance from the hosts as visitors outplayed them in the first two games and secured the series. After thrashing Sri Lanka by 10 wickets in the series opener, Australian bowlers showed their brilliance as they restricted the hosts at 124-9 in the first innings.
For Australia, Kane Richardson and Jhye Richardson picked four and three wickets, respectively, while Glenn Maxwell returned with two wickets. Batting first, Sri Lanka had a troublesome start as they were soon reduced to 7-2 in 2.4 overs. Both the Lankan openers, Pathum Nissanka (3 off 6) and Danushka Gunathilaka (4 off 4) were hunted down by Jhye Richardson and Glenn Maxwell within powerplay.
However, middle-order batter Charith Asalanka (39 off 33) and Kusal Mendis (36 off 36) steadied the ship for the hosts as they together stitched a much needed 66-run partnership for the third wicket before Maxwell picked his second wicket of the day by spoiling Asalanka's plan. Joined by Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Mendis was playing a responsible innings for his side but seems luck was not in his favour as he got out in a bizarre fashion.
It all happened in 14.1 overs when Sri Lanka was looking in a steady position with 90-4 on board, but Mendis in his attempt to strike Richardson's short delivery, could not control his bat from hitting the stumps. Notably, this was the 20th occasion that a player has been out hit wicket in men’s T20I cricket.
Watch the dismissal here:
Chasing a meagre target, Australian batters Aaron Finch (24 off 13), David Warner (21 off 10) and Matthew Wade (26 off 26) made valuable contributions in the second innings to ensure comprehensive victory for the visitors and secured the series.