There wasn’t much to play for in the final T20I of the five-match series as Australia had already taken an unassailable 4-0 lead. However, Sri Lanka fought well to avoid a whitewash and secure a consolation win in the final match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The Aussies have had their fair share of experimentation during this series but they ended the utilization of Ashton Agar as a pinch-hitter up top. Captain Aaron Finch was back in his usual slot, but his performance alongside Ben McDermott proved to be very disappointing. This was Finch’s sixth single-digit score in the last eight T20I matches.
Ben McDermott attracted plenty of plaudits for his performances in the recently concluded Big Bash League, where he finished as the top run-getter and MVP. However, he has failed to impress since a half-century in the opening match and got out before getting into double digits.
Sri Lanka continued to make inroads with Dushmantha Chameera and Lahiru Kumara with wickets of Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis at regular intervals. It was only when Matthew Wade arrived at the crease that the hosts found some respite. Gujarat Titans player hasn’t been required much in this series, but he smacked a 27-ball 43 with the help of two fours and two sixes to help Australia post a competitive total of 154/6 in 20 overs.
Chasing 155 to win the match, Sri Lanka put their foot on the accelerator quite early. Despite losing the in-form Pathum Nissanka and debutant Kamil Mishra early, they raced to a total of 54 inside the first six overs – their highest powerplay score in the series.
However, the visitors suffered a few stutters and were wobbling at 71 for four at one stage. The onus fell on Kusal Mendis to perform with the bat, and he held his ground. He scored his first T20I half-century since September 2019 and also built a reliable partner in Dasun Shanaka, who went after Australian spinner Adam Zampa.
With nine runs required in the final over, Shanaka’s huge six over deep square leg effectively tilted the match in his side’s favour. Although he fell in the next delivery, Sri Lanka got over the line just in time to end what has been a disappointing series on a high note.
