Video: SL qualify for Champions Trophy semis

17 June 2013 09:59 pm - 30 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lanka qualified for the Champions Trophy semi-finals with a 20-run victory over holders Australia in the last league match at the Oval in London on Monday.

Mahela Jayawardene and Lahiru Thirimanne hit aggressive half-centuries as Sri Lanka scored 253-8 in the must-win Champions Trophy match against Australia on Monday.

Jayawardene, who became the eighth batsman to complete 11,000 one-day runs when he reached 62, anchored the middle-order with an unbeaten 84 off 81 balls.

Thirimanne made 57 in the day-night match at the Oval, which Sri Lanka must win to join hosts England in the semi-finals from group A.

Australia need to win in 29.1 overs to make the last four on the basis of a superior run-rate than New Zealand's.

A loss for either side will knock them out of the eight-nation tournament.

India and South Africa are the semi-finalists from group B.

Sri Lanka make a disastrous start, losing two quick wickets by the fourth over after Australia won the toss in overcast conditions and elected to field.

Left-hander Kusal Perera perished off the third ball of the match, leg-before to left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Johnson, who finished with three wickets for 48 runs.

Kumar Sangakkara, who hit a match-winning 134 not out against England at the same venue last week, made three when he cut Clint McKay to Glenn Maxwell at point to make it 20-2.

Tillakaratne Dilshan (34) helped Thirimanne resurrect the innings with a 72-run stand for the third wicket before the opener was snapped up smartly in the slips by Shane Watson off spinner Xavier Doherty.

Thirimanne hit four boundaries in his half-century when he became Johnson's second victim, caught at mid-wicket by the alert Watson.

Skipper Angelo Mathews was bowled by James Faulkner for 12 to reduce Sri Lanka to 159-5 in the 37th over before Dinesh Chandimal (31) put on 65 for the sixth wicket with Jayawardene. (AFP)
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Comments - 30

NP Tuesday, 18 June 2013 03:50 AM

This win shows that still Sri Lanka needs their two most prolific batters (Sanga and Mahela) against the popular myth that they should retire. If they are performing better than the new ones, why should they retire? . Sanga steered the England Match and Mahela steered Aussie match. when it mattered most, they deliver and what a duo. Others should get the best out of them when they are in the team and think there is no reason for them to think about retiring as long as they keep on performing like this. All the best Sri Lanka for the Semi's

jacoob Wednesday, 19 June 2013 03:05 AM

yeah well done lions, even outside the oval.. keep it up !!

kumar Tuesday, 18 June 2013 08:20 AM

How long you are going to tell this story?

willows Tuesday, 18 June 2013 07:29 AM

old is GOLD??

Abdul Tuesday, 18 June 2013 07:20 AM

The Champion Trophy games prove that presence of seniors in the team is still needed and vital.

Dera Tuesday, 18 June 2013 07:08 AM

Once again, Mahela delivers in big tournaments and when it matters the most. Form is temporary, but class is permanent. Mahela, a batsman like no other!!!

Rajiv Tuesday, 18 June 2013 06:16 AM

We will definitely beat India and finals is on the cards. But a polite pleading to Mr. President. Kindly don't go to cheer our boys.

musalman Tuesday, 18 June 2013 05:59 AM

once again proved that old is gold- sensible batting by mahela & good game plan to skid the Aussies commendable .India always had worries playing against SL. Time not to allow any complacency .plan the ame against India. specially to control dawan,raina &Dhoni .bowlers should stick to their basics and Senior Batman plan their game to suit situation would definitely make way for trophy to remain in SL permanently
best wishes for the game against India.
Musalman

manjula Tuesday, 18 June 2013 05:48 AM

Not this time, now our leaders want to hurt indian leaders and last time it was different.

Ela Malli Tuesday, 18 June 2013 05:39 AM

Well Said...Sanga not only Scored 134 against England but also score 68 out of the 138 we almost defended against New Zealand

jacoob Tuesday, 18 June 2013 05:03 AM

how about the game went outside oval-- valiants tried to stage another July 83 or May 2009 ..

ANURA Tuesday, 18 June 2013 04:52 AM

wel done lions

mail_guy Tuesday, 18 June 2013 04:48 AM

Sanga and Mahila have done a pretty good job in the last two matches. It is high time Mathews showed some batting effort.

Sand Man Tuesday, 18 June 2013 04:35 AM

Well done to the boys.

wickie Tuesday, 18 June 2013 12:00 AM

unity showed success at the end via DM Android App

cric kolla Tuesday, 18 June 2013 12:00 AM

well played Lankans! Australia's effort should be commended, while Wades actions should be !condemned! via DM Android App

SAM_SPARROW Tuesday, 18 June 2013 03:49 AM

Please God, MR shouldn't come to watch the semi final.

ttt Tuesday, 18 June 2013 12:00 AM

indians !no worries. we will loose the next match as per our MR son's request. SL team via DM Android App

era Tuesday, 18 June 2013 03:32 AM

Should play Thisara

Saman Tuesday, 18 June 2013 03:32 AM

Drop Mathews and bring in Thisara Perera for the Semi Finals

Gob Tuesday, 18 June 2013 03:07 AM

Eranga is the weak link. India will Target him

Seelawathie Tuesday, 18 June 2013 03:01 AM

Well done boys. Go all the way. Good luck.

Asitha Tuesday, 18 June 2013 02:54 AM

Well done guys...Make us Sri lankans proud by beating India in the Semi Final.

zara Tuesday, 18 June 2013 12:00 AM

congratulations Sri Lanka. but we have to learn more lessons from Australia, about last wicket partnership. via DM Android App

loll Tuesday, 18 June 2013 12:00 AM

Well done srilankas

Rukshan Tuesday, 18 June 2013 02:30 AM

Sri Lanka had no ideas for the last pair. Captain Mathews has to reorganize his thoughts before taking on India.

Menaka Yogendra Tuesday, 18 June 2013 02:24 AM

Congratulations SL team..well done. Now the big blow with India...no worries you can do this! Looking forward for the big battle.

Ratawaisiya Tuesday, 18 June 2013 01:53 AM

Aussies last man stand was nail biting but in the end we made it. Congratulations and hope we we will be in the finals.

sss Tuesday, 18 June 2013 01:32 AM

SL won thanks to Aussies need to score at 9/over

ANTON Tuesday, 18 June 2013 01:27 AM

CONGRATULATIONS, WE DEFEATED THE WORLD CHAMPIONS AND INDIA WILL NOT BE A BIG THREAT FOR US

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Video: SL qualify for Champions Trophy semis

Comments - 30

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