Australia eye series whitewash against Sri Lanka

Overview

Australia v Sri Lanka, fifth T20IMelbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
20 February, 17:10 local

The five-match T20I series has been thoroughly dominated by Australia. Winning the first four of the five matches of the series, the Australians have shown how difficult it is to beat them at home. Throughout the series, their bowlers have been outstanding. In the first three matches, Hazlewood struck early to dent the Sri Lankan batting line-up, and whenever required, it was Adam Zampa who did the rest in the middle overs. After winning the first three T20Is and securing the series, Australia decided to experiment with their line-up and tried out new players in the fourth T20I. The strategy worked as Jhye Richardson impressed with bowling figures of 2/20 in the contest.

Despite the fact that the series has gone entirely in Australia's favour, the hosts have struggled in various departments. Captain Aaron Finch's form has been a major source of concern. He has been struggling with timing the ball, forcing him to move positions in the batting order. But this strategy hasn't worked out. With Ashton Agar opening the innings with Ben McDermott and skipper Aaron Finch at number three, other batters like Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, and Marcus Stoinis have been pushed down the order. The top-order has failed to deliver in the last two T20Is, and it has been the middle-order that has delivered at the right time and fulfilled the task for Australia.

Sri Lankans, on the other side, will be disappointed with their performance in the series. Although they have shown immense character, it has only been the bowlers who have been right up to the task. Sri Lanka's over-reliance on Pathum Nissanka has cost them victories. The openers haven't been consistent but whenever Sri Lanka have gotten off to a good start, they've struggled to keep the momentum going. In the middle overs, Sri Lanka have lost wickets and the misery has continued in the death overs, owing to their inability to put up a solid total or chase it down.

Going into the final T20I, Sri Lanka will have to overcome their batting woes in order to avoid a clean sweep.

Remember the last time

In the fourth T20I at the MCG, Australia defeated Sri Lanka by six wickets to go 4-0 up. Australia after winning the toss asked Sri Lanka to bat first but the visitors only managed to put 139 runs on the board at the end of 20 overs. The Sri Lankan top-order contributed but owing to a batting collapse, they missed the opportunity to put up a big total on the board.

Chasing the total, Australia lost early wickets but Josh Inglis and Glenn Maxwell starred with the bat. Maxwell scored an unbeaten 48 off 39 deliveries and Inglis' fiery innings of 40 in 20 balls helped Australia chase down the target with 11 balls to spare.

What they said

Aaron Finch (Australia captain): “Our bowlers got shuffled around a bit. Agar is bowling beautifully. His variations in pace has been wonderful. He is contributing with the bat and is a great fielder. We need a strong 6 and 7 if we need to win the WC. We saw Wade did that for us against Pakistan in the WC and then against SA in the WC as well. Josh is hard to bowl to as he can hit you anywhere on the field. Maxi has been playing very well. He was able to sit back and support Inglis. Played a mature role to get us over the line.”

**Dasun Shanaka (Sri Lanka captain): “**A few positives but not enough runs on the board. The spinners bowled well. We are lacking a little in the batting department. It is always a nice feeling at Melbourne. Unfortunately, we couldn't get a win for our supporters here.”