Hazlewood, Finch, Warner bully hosts as Australia win by 10 wickets

COLOMBO: Australia blew out hosts Sri Lanka for a comprehensive 10-wicket victory as sprinter Josh Hazlewood headlined the bowl followed by a stellar show from the opening pair of Aaron Finch and David Warner in the first T20 here on Tuesday .

Sri Lanka failed to post a challenging total after a flourishing start as the team managed 128 runs in 20th. Fast bowlers Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc wreaked havoc on Sri Lanka’s batting with an excellent display of pace bowling. Hazlewood broke into the middle order in the 14th, sending three batters into the pavilion.

Sri Lanka lost nine wickets to just 28 runs in the last eight overs of their innings.

Australia, on the other hand, faced no irritants in their pursuit as the initial pairing of Finch and Warner carried their team across the finish line without losing a wicket.

Australian captain Finch was not left out with 61 from 40 balls, hitting four massive sixes and as many fours, while Warner scored an unbeaten 70 runs from 44 balls, including 9 bounds.

Hazlewood was awarded Man of the Match for his phenomenal fast bowling display when he grabbed 4 wickets for just 16 runs. Left arm pacemaker Starc, on the other hand, also took three crucial wickets for 26 runs.

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