The 5th ODI between Sri Lanka and Australia was a roller coaster ride despite being a low-scoring affair. After losing three wickets inside the Powerplay for 35 runs and a middle-order collapse where they lost four wickets for six runs, Sri Lanka looked like bundling for a lot less than 100. However, a stunning fightback from Chamika Karunaratne not only saved them from embarrassment but also helped Sri Lanka post a challenging total for the touring Aussies. Even the Aussies started the Powerplay by losing three wickets but a calm response from their middle-order ensured that they eventually reached the target. On a sharp-turning pitch, batting seemed like a lottery. We look at some key moments from the fifth and the final SLvsAUS ODI.
Chamika Karunaratne’s counterattack
Chamika Karunarate, who is known more for his bowling than batting, surprised everyone with a stunning counterattack. Coming in at 6/61 amidst a batting collapse, Karunaratne showed great character by upsetting the Aussie bowlers’ rhythm.
Of all the batters who played at least 10 balls in the match, only Karunaratne had a strike rate of 100. To bat at that rate for 75 balls on a raging turner was a lesson for all the other batters. Karunratne’s inning wasn’t just mindless slogging as he picked his bowlers and moments to attack. Such was the magnitude of his knock that he was adjudged the Player of the Match despite ending on the losing side.
Wellalage – The find of the series
Dunith Wellalge was the star for Sri Lanka in the last U-19 Cricket World Cup. A step up to the senior level might be nervy for some, but Wallalge showed none. After being impressive throughout the series, he was at his best in the 5th ODI. The left-arm orthodox bowler was a big reason the Aussies fumbled in their chase.
Wellalage was brought on in the third over and immediately got involved by prizing out the dangerous David Warner. The youngster’s key to success has been his consistency in his line and lengths. With an efficient and economical action, Wellalge gets a good purchase off the surface. A raging turner only benefited him more as he was a constant threat to the Aussies, especially their right-handers. Wellalge ended his debut series as its leading wicket-taker.
Labuschagne’s improved technique
Marnus Labuschagne might not have scored a lot of runs in the series, but his 31-run knock was crucial for Australia in the chase. The most notable part of his knock was the change in his technique.
In the 4th ODI, Labuschagne was trapped LBW after he got into an awkward tangle, with his front foot going way across. However, the quick-learning Aussie made adjustments in his technique to counter spin in the 5th ODI. He tried to be more open at the crease with his feet not going too far across his body. Opening his front hip also allowed him to manoeuvre the ball to the leg side.
Australia might have won the 5th ODI, but Sri Lanka took the series 3-2 as they won their first bilateral ODI series against the Aussies since 1992. The hosts will be pumped with the result and will be waiting to take on the Kangaroos in the Tests. Australia, on the other hand, will be upset with the way they’ve failed to negate the spin threat in the limited-overs format. Things might get more difficult for them in the longer format.