SL VS AUS T20I

That is it then from this game and Group 1 is shaping up nicely with 4 teams getting a win under their belt. Action in the 2022 Men's T20 World Cup will continue on Wednesday, the 26th of October with a doubleheader. The first game of the day will be played between Ireland and England and will begin at 9.30 am IST (4 am GMT). This game will be followed by a clash between New Zealand and Afghanistan at 1.30 pm IST (8 am GMT) as both games will be played at the MCG in Melbourne. You can join us for the early build-up for both of those games. Cheers!

Aaron Finch, the captain of Australia says that he is very happy with their performance but admits that his inning was poor. Mentions that their approach with the bat was fine as it was important for them to get through the new ball with the wicket offering assistance to the fast bowlers. Adds that it would have been nice if he could have kicked on earlier and made the chase easier. Claims that it is a tough wicket with extra bounce and the long boundaries make it difficult to score freely but says that it is nice to get the two points. He then credits Marcus Stoinis for a special inning and says that to come out with that kind of intent is the big thing. Ends by saying that is it a great event playing England anywhere in the world and they are looking forward to it.

Dasun Shanaka, the Sri Lankan skipper says that they started and finished well. Reckons that they were 15-20 runs short in their batting effort. Feels that the fast bowlers were not prepared well since they were coming off injuries. Adds that it was tough with the new ball and feels that Australia batted really well at the end.

Marcus Stoinis (59* off 18 deliveries) is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his match-winning effort. He says that he was asked to have a look at the fast bowlers because there was a bit of help for them in the pitch and then he could go after the spinners. Mentions that once he got in, he wanted to get to the target quickly. Claims that he was a bit nervous but he is glad that they could get over the line. Admits that he is mentally fresh and has had some time off with a side strain and he feels good to be a part of the side. Adds that the pitch is doing a bit and it is a good ground for cricket, overall a beautiful wicket. Ends by saying that they wrapped this game and now look forward to playing England at the MCG. Ends by saying that England are a good team and he looks forward to playing them.

The Presentation ceremony...

Earlier in the night, Sri Lanka were off to a decent start having sent in to bat first. With the innings going rather smoothly till the 10th over, a mini collapse meant Sri Lanka lost their way a bit. Some lusty strikes by Chamika Karunaratne and Charith Asalanka helped Sri Lanka reach a respectable total. Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Ashton Agar all kept things tight and picked up wickets as well, ensuring the break of momentum but a few of the bowlers did go the distance in the final few overs. In reply, Australia found themselves chasing the game a bit but with the batting prowess they possess in the middle order, a couple of batters were able to get those boundaries which really broke the back of the chase.

For Australia, David Warner and Mitchell Marsh both got out after getting a start. Glenn Maxwell then joined a struggling Aaron Finch in the middle and helped Australia swing the momentum in their favour but Maxwell too couldn't go on to get a big score. Finch kept on struggling all the way through but managed to stay at the crease. Post the arrival of Marcus Stoinis, he took matters in his own hands and finished the chase without breaking a sweat as he hit the Lankan spinners to all parts of the ground..

Sri Lanka began decently in their defense of 157. Wanindu Hasaranga was introduced in the attack to keep it tight but he ended up being the most expensive bowler in the park tonight. Sri Lanka tried everything and the likes of Lahiru Kumara and Maheesh Theekshana, apart from his last over bowled well but they were unable to stop the onslaught by Marcus Stoinis and were comfortably defeated in the end. They will now look to bounce back in the next game.

Fastest 50 for AUS in T20Is Marcus Stoinis vs SL - 17 deliveries, Perth 2022 David Warner vs WI- 18 deliveries, Sydney 2010 Glenn Maxwell vs PAK -18 deliveries, Mirpur 2014 Glenn Maxwell vs SL - 18 deliveries, Premedasa 2016 David Warner vs SA - 19 deliveries, Melbourne 2009

A massive performance with the bat from Australia and they bring up a huge win thanks to some unreal batting by Marcus Stoinis. The hosts have very much got that net run-rate on the way up from where it was and have given themselves a big chance now to make a comeback in the tournament.

Aaron Finch brings up the winning runs for Australia! Lahiru Kumara serves this full and outside the off pole, Aaron Finch reaches for it and lofts the ball over the mid off fielder and takes a couple of runs. Australia reach the target with 21 balls to spare and win the contest by 7 wickets!

WIDE! Lahiru Kumara gets his radar off as he fires this down leg side. The keeper does well diving to his left and the steal a run. The umpire calls this one wide.

Fastest 50 in T20 World Cup Yuvraj Singh vs ENG - 12 deliveries, Durban 2007 Stephan Myburgh vs IRE- 17 deliveries, Sylhet 2014 Marcus Stoinis vs SL- 17 deliveries, Perth 2022 Glenn Maxwell vs PAK -18 deliveries, Mirpur 2014 KL Rahul vs SCOT - 18 deliveries, Dubai 2021

SIX! Marcus Stoinis is playing a dream inning here! Lahiru Kumara bowls this on a length and outside the off pole, Marcus Stoinis stays on his backfoot and pulls this over deep mid-wicket for a biggie! Australia are now just one hit away from victory.

WIDE! Bowls this short and just outside off, Marcus Stoinis gets across the line to pull this but the ball is too high and is called wide.

Lahiru Kumara begins with a full delivery in line with the stumps, Aaron Finch gets an inside edge towards fine leg and takes a single.

SIX! FIFTY! What a fabulous knock this has been from Marcus Stoinis and he brings up the fastest fifty by an Australian in T20Is. This is a real gift from Maheesh Theekshana, a high full toss on middle and leg. Stoinis just uses his raw strenth and heaves it straight back over the bowler's head for a maximum. 20 off that over and the game is all but over now for Sri Lanka.