2 March 2012 07:20 am
Australia’s Daniel Christian registered his maiden five-wicket haul (including a hat-trick) in the last league match of the tri-series. Lahiru Thirimanne hit a 59-ball 51 before he was clean bowled by James Pattinson while attempting a cheeky shot over towards fine-leg.
Daniel Christian dismissed Thisara Perera, Sachithra Senanayake and Nuwan Kulasekara to take a hat-trick.
Dinesh Chandimal hit a 84-ball 75 before James Pattinson had him caught by Clint McKay at mid-off. Sangakkara hit three fours in his 64-run knock and put up a 123-run stand with Dinesh Chandimal for the third wicket to lead the Sri Lankan fightback.
Chandimal reached his 7th fifty off 47 balls while Sangakkara reached his 68th half-century off 79 deliveries.
Indian cricketers and millions of their fans would be unified in praying for an Australian victory because if the Aussies beat the Sri Lankans, India will be through to the best-of-three finals.
Michael Clarke misses the match due to a stiff back and Shane Watson, who was magnificent with the ball in the match against India, will captain Australia.