Kusal Mendis helps Sri Lanka avoid T20I series whitewash against Australia
Kusal Mendis hit an unbeaten match-winning 69 and skipper Dasun Shanaka blasted 35 as Sri Lanka won the fifth and final T20I against Australia by five wickets on Sunday to prevent a series sweep.
It comes down to the final over but Sri Lanka hold their nerve to win the final T20I by 5 wickets 🎉
Australia take the #AUSvSL series 4-1. pic.twitter.com/673k9ZZN9x
— ICC (@ICC) February 20, 2022
The home side won all four previous games, three of them convincingly, and when skipper Aaron Finch won the toss and batted they were eyeing a big total. But they were exposed early on by some impressive Sri Lankan bowling.
🏆 #NewCoverPic pic.twitter.com/QCo5oyn1LB
— ICC (@ICC) February 20, 2022
Australia struggled to 58 for three off 10 overs before late fireworks from Matthew Wade (43 off 27 balls) and Daniel Sams (18 off 15) ensured a competitive 154 for six.
Australia end up with 154/6; Matthew Wade top-scoring with 43*.
Can Sri Lanka chase it down?
Watch the #AUSvSL match live on https://t.co/CPDKNxpgZ3 (in select regions) 📺 pic.twitter.com/88r2lx5oji
— ICC (@ICC) February 20, 2022
With nothing to lose, Sri Lanka were up to the task.
Mendis and Shanaka shared an 83-run stand to send the game to the wire with nine needed off the last over from Kane Richardson, which they achieved with a ball to spare in a thrilling finale.
A vital knock from Kusal Mendis anchored home the chase for Sri Lanka in the fifth #AUSvSL T20I 👏 pic.twitter.com/bczEnZUv7u
— ICC (@ICC) February 20, 2022