"Australia could be out of the T20 World Cup before they even play their final first round group match after a stunning fightback by Sri Lanka in Pallekele. Returning captain Mitch Marsh and a revived Travis Head looked to have set Australia on course for a victory that would have kept their tournament hopes alive as they smashed a century-plus opening stand at more than two-runs-a-ball. But after Head was dismissed the innings collapsed with Australia losing ten wickets for 77 in 69 balls."
"Nevertheless, though dismissed for 181 off the last ball, Australia still set a record chase for Sri Lanka at home, which looked even more daunting after recalled opener Kusal Perera was dismissed early on. But Pathum Nissanka scored a brilliant 52-ball unbeaten 100 as the co-hosts made light of the challenge, winning by eight wickets with two overs to spare. The result put Sri Lanka into the Super Eights. If Zimbabwe beat Ireland on Tuesday (20.30 AEDT) Australia are out of the World Cup."
Sri Lanka completed a dramatic chase at Pallekele, reaching 182 to beat Australia by eight wickets with two overs remaining. Mitch Marsh and Travis Head produced a rapid century-plus opening partnership, but Australia collapsed thereafter, losing ten wickets for 77 in 69 balls and finishing 181 all out. Pathum Nissanka hit an unbeaten 52-ball century to lead Sri Lanka's successful reply after Kusal Perera fell early. Matheesha Pathirana suffered a calf injury and could not continue. The victory secured Sri Lanka a place in the Super Eights and left Australia dependent on other match results and net run rate to progress.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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