CB Tri-Series: Sri Lanka Takes It To The Final of Finals!

Sri Lankan top order fired yesterday and fired brilliantly to thump Australia by 8 wickets with 34 balls to spare at the second final of the Commonwealth Band Tri-Series one-day international played in the Adelaide Oval. Thus the never-say-die tigers take the fight into the last of the best of three finals to be played in the same venue tomorrow.

Skipper Jayewardene led from the front not allowing Australia to run away to a 300 plus total as in the first final by shrewd fielding placements and bowling options. This was despite two centuries scored by Australia who batted first after winning the toss. He opened his bowling attack with a surprise option of Dilshan—a move that paid great dividends as Dilshan captured one wicket yielding only 40 runs in his 10 overs. Then Jaywardene starred in a match-winning opening partnership of 179 runs with Dilshan who went on to score his second century of the series and earned the Player of the Match award. Sangakkara and Chandimal chipped in nicely seeing the team through.

Sri Lanka overcame a challenging target of 272 runs set by Australia in fifty overs losing six wickets. This became their second highest successful chase ever against Australia. Now the last final is set up for an exciting finish.