Bowlers propel Sri Lanka blunt Australia in rain-affected second ODI

PALLAKELE: Pacer Chamika Karunaratne led the offense as Sri Lankan bowlers stunned Australia to a 26-run victory in the second rain-affected ODI, here on Thursday.

Sri Lanka bounced back from their opening setback in the five-match ODI series as Australia were eliminated by 189 in 37. 1 overs while chasing a rain-revised target of 216 runs in 43 overs.

Right-arm bowler Karunatne received the Man of the Match award when he sent three Australian batsmen to the pavilion, including Steve Smith, for 28, and the dangerous Glenn Maxwell for 30. Dunith Wellalage and Dushmantha Chameera, on the other hand, took two wickets each .

Silva’s all-rounder Dhananjaya also contributed two crucial wickets as he was able to shake off the two leadoff batsmen, Aaron Finch and David Warner. He also minted 34 at the bat and scored 61 runs for the third wicket with Kusal Mendis.

Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka played a humble 34 followed by 20 from Wellalage to lead Sri Lanka to 220 for nine when rain forced play to be stopped and then ended the innings.

Australian fast pitcher Pat Cummin impressed with his 4-35 figures, but his efforts were in vain.

Australia, on the other hand, failed to impress with the bat and lost wickets at regular intervals.

Smith and Maxwell attempted to unsettle the Sri Lankan bowlers during their brief strokes before both fell victim to Karunaratne.

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