Twitter Reactions: Sri Lanka ride on all round performances, level series

Published - 24 Aug 2016, 22:35 IST | Updated - 24 Aug 2016, 22:35 IST

2 Min Read

In another amazing contest in the second ODI between Sri Lanka and Australia at Colombo, the hosts managed to secure an astounding win and level the series 1-1 with 3 matches to go. Earlier, Mathews won the toss as he elected to bat first.

Batting first, Sri Lanka were reduced to 12 for 2 with both their openers back into the hut. Mendis and Chandimal then built on a 125 run partnership for the third wicket as they recovered SL from an early slump. In the end, Mathews and Perera took the initiative of slogging as both went on to score brilliant half centuries.

However, Faulkner got a hattrick while Starc took care of the tailenders as the islanders got all out for 288 in the penultimate over. Faulkner, Zampa and Starc, all got 3 wickets apiece. Travis Head was quite expensive as he was swayed away for boundaries by the duo of Chandimal and Mendis.

The Australian innings began with a jolt as Perera sent back Warner and Finch in consecutive overs. While Smith and Bailey got starts, they failed to convert them into big ones. At 118/5, it seemed well over for Australia but Wade didn’t go without a fight, as he scored a scintillating 76 runs to keep hopes alive for the Aussies. In the end, Australia lost by 82 runs.

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Twitter was appalled by the brilliant all round performance put up by Sri Lanka. Right from Kusal Perera, Mendis, Chandimal and Mathews with the bat to Thisara Perera, Aponso and Prasanna with the ball.

Here are some of the Twitter reactions that took place during the course of the game

Amila aponso seems to be bowling hand grenades. Well done to the young man. Well led by @Angelo69Mathews and everyone else contributing
— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) August 24, 2016

I sink SL should play Herath and Aponso together against the Aussies #SLvAUS
— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) August 24, 2016

Selectors to take a call on Tilakaratne Dilshan's future after this match despite Dilshan wants to continue playing #SLvAUS #Cricket
— Azzam Ameen (@AzzamAmeen) August 24, 2016

Great comeback by @Angelo69Mathews and the team, outstanding spell by Aponso. Dambulla here we come. #SLvAUS
— Sanath Jayasuriya (@sanath07) August 24, 2016

It's going to take something special by the Aussies from here… #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/iaI1ZpqhyU
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) August 24, 2016

So funny Aussies being rolled by medium pace….wonder what the excuses will be this time… #slvaus
— Innocent Bystander (@InnoBystander) August 24, 2016

Matthew Wade is just the second Australia wicketkeeper to score a 50 vs SL in SL. #SLvAUS
— Nikhil Mane ??? (@nikhiltait) August 24, 2016

Wade sorting out his Indian Visa for the new year… #slvaus
— Innocent Bystander (@InnoBystander) August 24, 2016

SL looks the better team. Much better performance so far. Still not finished. I can't stay awake after the long trip. ???
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) August 24, 2016

Wade has been brilliant so far, needs support from Moises to keep the run-rate going. #SLvAUS
— Nikhil ? (@CricCrazyNIKS) August 24, 2016

I sink SL should play Herath and Aponso together against the Aussies #SLvAUS
— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) August 24, 2016

Now it is delectable sounding Amila Aponso who has Aus batsmen in a tailspin. How are the Lankans producing so many classy spinners?
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) August 24, 2016

James Faulkner is the first bowler to take a hat-trick in ODIs without dismissing any of the victims for a duck. #SLvAUS
— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) August 24, 2016

Yikes. Sloppy. I sure hope Smith can find somebody back in the dressing room to blame for that shot. #SLvAUS
— Dan Liebke (@LiebCricket) August 24, 2016

Not great game awareness there Smithy ! Australia are shot ducks here #SLvAUS
— Brett Graham (@worldofBG) August 24, 2016

Sense to get Dilruwan on, will trouble Wade and with Bailey does not matter only. #SLvAUS
— Nikhil ? (@CricCrazyNIKS) August 24, 2016

Thisara Perera reminding Australia that they're shit in the subcontinent.
— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) August 24, 2016

We're in same position Lankans were before.
One big partnership and we are up for kill! #SLvAUS
— Jen (@Jenreus) August 24, 2016

Big chase 289 for Aussies.
Starcy what a gun with new and old ball
Congrats @JamesFaulkner44 on Hattrick
Quality spin from Zamps#Slvaus
— Damien Fleming (@bowlologist) August 24, 2016

The highest successful run chase in ODIs in Sri Lanka:
289/4 by SL v Pak (288/8) at Dambulla Aug 2009
Today Australia's target: 289#SLvAus
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) August 24, 2016

Here's why nobody wanted to celebrate Faulkner's hat trick with him. #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/1EGi2TY2CH
— Dan Liebke (@LiebCricket) August 24, 2016

When Kusal got out, Thisara replaced him. Now Thisara gets out and Dilruwan waltzes in. Perera perehara. #SLvAus
— Andrew F Fernando (@andrewffernando) August 24, 2016