On Thursday, Sri Lankan fast bowler Chamika Karunaratne led an inspired Sri Lankan attack to a dramatic 26-run victory over Australia in the rain-affected second one-day international.
As Sri Lanka rebounded back from their initial setback in the five-match series in Pallekele, Australia were bowled out for 189 in 37.1 overs after chasing a rain-revised target of 216 in 43 overs.
Karunaratne bowled 3-47, including 28 for Steve Smith and 30 for Glenn Maxwell, and was ably supported by fellow fast Dushmantha Chameera, who bowled the final batsman to send the rowdy home fans to their feet.
Dhananjaya de Silva, Dunith Wellalage, and Chameera all claimed two wickets.
De Silva also scored 34 runs with the bat and added 61 runs for the third wicket with Kusal Mendis (36), guiding Sri Lanka to 220 for nine before rain forced the innings to be called off late.
Pat Cummins had 4-35 on the board, but his work was in fruitless.
De Silva dismissed Australia’s openers Aaron Finch (14), and David Warner (37), as the tourists struggled in their difficult chase on an ostensibly difficult track to bat on.
Before Karunaratne broke through, Smith and Travis Head sought to rebuild the innings, scoring 31 runs.
Wellalage’s two wickets of Head (23) and Marnus Labuchagne (18) in his two overs put the game out of reach for Karunaratne.
In his brief stay at the wicket, Maxwell fought back to disturb the bowlers, but he eventually mistimed a drive and was caught at cover by Karunaratne. He got 30 out of 25 balls.
As the wheels came off the Australian chase, wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey was run out for 15.
