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Australia defeated Sri Lanka in the first T20I of the ongoing five-match series at Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday.
Chasing a revised total of 142 from 19 overs, the visitors had a terrible start as they lost two wickets – Danushka Gunathilaka (1) and Avishka Fernando (6) – for just 21 in 3.3 overs. Then, Charith Asalanka and Pathum Nissanka partnered to bring the team out of trouble.
The duo added a crucial stand of 43 runs for the third wicket before Adam Zampa dismissed Nissanka (36). Two balls later in the same over, Zampa sent back Asalanka (16) as well to reduce the tourists at 64/4.
The wicket of Asalanka opened flood gates as Sri Lanka could only manage to reach 122/9 in 19 overs, losing the contest by 20 runs (DLS method).
Zampa and Josh Hazlewood were the pick of the bowlers for the hosts. While Zampa bagged three scalps for 18 in his quota of 4 overs, Hazlewood took four wickets for 12 runs in 4 overs.
Earlier, Australia posted 149/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Opener Ben McDermott and all-rounder Marcus Stoinis were the only major run-scorers for the home team.
McDermott justified his place in the playing XI by top-scoring for his team with 53 off 41 balls, including three sixes. Similarly, Stoinis chipped in with 30 from 17 deliveries. For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga bagged three wickets while conceded 38 runs in his quota of 4 overs.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
Adam Zampa has been awarded the Player of the Match for his 3-18 (4) #AUSvSL pic.twitter.com/9ySSmbNCPN
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) February 11, 2022
Australia go 1-0 up 👏
Sri Lanka fall short by 20 runs (by DLS method), courtesy of brilliant spells of bowling from Josh Hazlewood and Adam Zampa.
Watch the rest of the #AUSvSL series live on https://t.co/CPDKNxoJ9v (in select regions) 📺
📝 https://t.co/vlbrWjxQTJ pic.twitter.com/N2hEXbCNwn
— ICC (@ICC) February 11, 2022
Australia have now played 10 men's T20Is against Sri Lanka at home.
AUS results in:
First 5 matches – L L L L L
Next 5 matches – W W W W W#AUSvSL— Kausthub Gudipati (@kaustats) February 11, 2022
Best bowling figures for an Australian pace bowler in T20 internationals:
5/27 – James Faulkner vs PAK, Mar 2016
4/8 – Billy Stanlake vs PAK, Jul 2018
4/12 – JOSH HAZLEWOOD vs SL, TODAY#AUSvSL— Nic Savage (@nic_savage1) February 11, 2022
Josh Hazlewood has taken 15 Powerplay wickets in T20Is since the start of 2021. No bowler has taken more in that phase in that timeframe. #AusvSL
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) February 11, 2022
Josh Hazlewood blew SL away with outstanding figures of 4-12 from his 4 overs #AUSvSL pic.twitter.com/j9q9lHGxQJ
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) February 11, 2022
Brilliant spell bowled by Adam Zampa in the First T20I match against Sri Lanka. His bowling figure (4-0-18-3). Well bowled Adam Zampa. #AUSvSL
— CricketMAN2 (@ImTanujSingh) February 11, 2022
Adam Zampa is definitely a top player to have in your team in T20
Squeezes middle overs and picks wickets too
But not really in high demand in IPL
Why?
Because teams don't want to lock an overseas spot for a specialist spinner
Still feel with 10 teams should be picked #IPLAuction— Achraj Revoo (@Achraj31) February 11, 2022
Josh Hazlewood against Sri Lanka in the first T20i: 4-0-12-4. Outstanding bowling performance by Josh, he's showing his class and capabilities just a day before Mega Auction.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 11, 2022
