Lanka clinch 26-run win over Aussies

KANDY, June 16: Sri Lanka held on to a narrow 26-run victory defending a modest 220 against Australia in the second of five ODIs, at the Pallekelle International Cricket Stadium.
Chamika Karunaratne (3/47) and Dushmantha Chameera (2/19) wreaked havoc to bowl Australia out for just 189 runs in 37.1 overs.
Australia were made to chase 221 in 43 overs after rain affected play and forced a reduction in overs.
Aside from David Warner (37), Glenn Maxwell (30), and Steve Smith (28), none of the Australian batters got going.
Earlier, Pat Cummins used the slower balls to his advantage while Australia’s spinners combined to contain the hosts, as Sri Lanka struggled to reach 220 for 9 in 47.4 overs before rain interrputed to stop the innings short.
Cummins picked up wickets with the new ball, in the middle overs and also at the death, finishing 4 for 35 from 8.4 overs.
By the 44th over, Sri Lanka were struggling at 199 for 9, before Dushmantha Chameera and Maheesh Theekshana added 21 crucial runs. (Agencies)