Twitter Reactions: Australia kicks off ODIs on winning note on back of Glenn Maxwell's heroics

Australia won the first ODI against Sri Lanka, chasing a target of 282 in 42.3 overs.

By Pratheek S

View : 1.6K

3 Min Read

Glenn Maxwell of Australia is congratulated by Dunith Wellalage
info
Glenn Maxwell of Australia is congratulated by Dunith Wellalage (Photo Source: Buddhika Weerasinghe/Getty Images)

Australia began the ODI series against Sri Lanka with a statement win as the visitors chased down a revised target of 282 at Pallekelle International Cricket Stadium on June 14 (Tuesday). The distress grows for Sri Lanka as they lost the T20I series and now failed to defend the target in 44 overs.

All was well in the first innings for Sri Lanka as they started brightly, with their top three batters scoring a fifty each and were at 115 for one in the 2oth over. Danushka Gunathilaka scored 55 runs off 53 balls and Pathum Nissanka scored 56 runs off 68 balls, and then came Kusal Mendis’ crucial 86* off 87 balls. Charith Asalanka, after a decent T20I series with the bat, scored a handy 37 off 42 balls at number five, before their mystery bowler Wanindu Hasaranga did the finishing job scoring 37 off 19 balls. It was all set up for Sri Lanka in the second innings after amassing a total of 300 in 50 overs.

Glenn Maxwell’s heroics take Australia to the finishing line

After what seemed like redemption for the hosts after a series loss in the shortest format, especially after sending Aussie’s number one batter David Warner back to the pavilion in the second over for a three-ball duck by the off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana. things soon looked dim for Dasun Shanaka’s men. Australia were on to the chase straight away after the loss of the first wicket, as captain Aaron Finch contributed with a useful 44 off 41 balls at the top, followed by a handy 53 off 60 balls by Steve Smith. 

But things looked more challenging for the visitors after the game was halted due to the rains for over an hour on the 13th over, and the target was revised. All-rounder Marcus Stoinis stabilized the innings with a quick knock of 44 off 31 balls, but with Finch’s men losing wickets at regular intervals, the match was back in the balance.

Australia, at 228 for 7 in the 36th over, were in a spot of bother, and it was all on Glenn Maxwell to carry them to the finish line. Sri Lanka grew hopeful when they dismissed Ashton Agar, as they were two wickets away from a thrilling victory. Australia needed 28 off 27 balls, and it was Maxwell with a heroic knock of 80* off 51 balls, wrapping up the match with nine balls to spare. Unsurprisingly, he was named the Man of the Match for taking Australia home from the mouth of defeat.

Here is how Twitter reacted to Australia’s win

Get every cricket updates! Follow Us:

googletelegraminstagramwhatsappyoutubethreadstwitter

Download Our App

For a better experience: Download the CricTracker app from the IOS and Google Play Store
AustraliaSri Lanka