Australia v Sri Lanka big moments: Maxwell magic; cool Sangakkara; Pup and his successor
VIDEO: The Big Show may have stolen the show at the SCG but there were plenty of other memorable moments from Australia’s win over Sri Lanka to digest.
Cricket World Cup
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cricket World Cup. Followed categories will be added to My News.
WHAT an incredible game!
Almost 700 runs scored, a huge first innings, a thrilling chase and plenty of frayed nerves, especially in the Australian dressingroom as Sri Lanka edged closer and closer.
The Aussies ultimately prevailed courtesy of an amazing batting display from Glenn Maxwell, but he was ably assisted by Shane Watson, Steve Smith and Michael Clarke.
But the highlight reel will not be confined to the host nation.
Kumar Sangakkara will deservedly grab the Sri Lankan headlines again with his third consecutive century, but the performances of Tillakaratne Dilshan and particularly the stricken Dinesh Chandimal can’t be disregarded.
The 25-year-old Chandimal in fact threatened to turn the game on its head, racing to 52 off 24 balls before suffering what looked a significant hamstring injury and being forced to retire.
As the scores would suggest, there were quite a few bowling lowlights to digest. Thisara Perera, Shane Watson and Xavier Doherty will want to forget the game in a hurry.
Here are the (many) moments that mattered
MALINGA THE SLINGA … Lasith Malinga’s action seems to be getting more round-arm by the day, but the veteran paceman is still one of the great danger men of world cricket. When he nabbed Australian master-blaster David Warner in the fifth over, the pro-Sri Lankan crowd came to its feet.
HAMMY HEARTBEAT … When Michael Clarke pulled up short from running a quick single in the 27th over when on 38, there was a hush in lounge rooms around Australia. Physiotherapist Alex Kountouris made the dreaded walk out to the middle, but offered no treatment. Clarke powered on.
THE CAPTAIN AND HIS SUCCESSOR … With Australia in strife at 2-41, Michael Clarke and Steve Smith came together at the crease and set up the game for the hosts on their beloved home ground in Sydney. This was a wicket that was looking tricky, but Smith and Clarke barely made a loose move on their way to posting a partnership of 134. For Smith it was a second straight half century in his new place at No.3. For Clarke it was a classy 68 off 68 under-pressure which will give Australia enormous confidence ahead of the finals.
BIG SHOW THE FREAK SHOW … Maxwell’s century was simply sublime. The timing, class and audacity of Maxwell kept the crowd on the edge of its seat as he played every shot in the book and invented some more. Maxwell’s 100 off 51 balls was his first ever – and incredibly the fastest ever by an Australian and the second quickest by anyone in a World Cup. And the World Cup is only half way through. Look out.
THE RETURN OF WATTO… Shane Watson didn’t have to wait long for his recall after being dumped against Afghanistan last Wednesday. And he made short work of ensuring he won’t be dropped again this tournament with a brilliant backs-to-the-wall 67 from 44 balls against the Sri Lankans. Watson played an exquisite support role for Maxwell in their lights-out 160-run stand. It was the impetus for Australia registering their biggest ever ODI total against Sri Lanka of 9-376. Now that he’s reinvented himself as a No.6, how can Watto be dropped again?
MITCH MURDERED ... Just four overs after knocking over opener Thirimanne for 1 and sparking a wild celebration, Mitchell Johnson was given a rare hiding. Dilshan smashed six consecutive boundaries off the Australian spearhead to make it 24 from the over. It’s not the first time Johnson has been taken to the cleaners this World Cup either. The same happened in Auckland.
PUP DROP ... Dilshan was absolutely flying on 46 not out when he skied one off Xavier Doherty’s second over. The reliable hands of Michael Clarke got themselves underneath, but he spilt the ball running back. As Dilshan and Sangakkara both surged past 50 it looked as though the damage could be extreme.
FAULKNER BACKHAND ... Just as his skipper was starting to get worried, gutsy all-rounder James Faulkner delivered a slower ball out of the hands that trapped Dilshan plum in front for 62. Shane Watson gave the Sri Lankan a spray on his way off for good measure.
PUP STRIKES BACK ... Clarke makes up for his earlier drop with a trademark direct hit run-out of veteran Mahela Jayawardena for just 19. All of a sudden the walls are falling in on Sri Lanka’s chase at 3-188.
FAULKNER AGAIN ... The left-armed completes his set of Sri Lankan danger men. Having removed Dilshan, Faulkner then claims legend Sangakkara for 104. He might have been run-out for a duck himself, but Faulkner is making up for lost time.
KUMAR THE GREAT ... The man Michael Clarke labelled as arguably the best player of all time, blasted a superb century that made him the first cricketer ever to score three consecutive World Cup hundreds. A true master.
CHANDIMAL BREAKS DOWN ... Sri Lanka were on track for the greatest run-chase in World Cup history with a flying Dinesh Chandimal and captain Angelo Mathews at the crease. The pair had put on a quick-fire 80, with Chandimal dictating terms with a dashing 52 from 24 balls. But without notice disaster struck, Chandimal could barely walk after breaking down and he was forced to retire hurt.
WATSON ROARS ... After being absolutely pasted at more than 10 runs an over, Watson followed up the Chandimal injury to dismiss Mathews and virtually end Sri Lankan hopes. Watson roared in celebration. It’s clear this game meant a lot to the under-fire all-rounder after he was axed last week.
WHAT IT MEANS ... Australia can now dictate terms through the finals. A quarter-final looms in Adelaide against one of Pool B’s lesser lights, and should they make a semi-final - it will be in Sydney and not away in Auckland.
‘Not the finished product’: Konstas handed reality check
Australia could challenge more than a century of Test match tradition this year, and selectors are giving boom rookie Sam Konstas no guarantees.
Report Card: Australia forced to confront awkward Maxi question
A competitive Champions Trophy exit was a reasonable return for an undermanned team. But there are plenty of questions to be asked ahead of the 2027 World Cup, writes Ben Horne.