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Marcus Stoinis annihilated the Sri Lankan attack en route to the fastest fifty by an Australian as the hosts resurrected their T20 World Cup campaign with a seven-wicket win here on Tuesday.
After Australia sent them in, Charith Asalanka’s 38 not out off 25 balls enabled Sri Lanka put up a battling 157 for six.
Sri Lanka fought hard before being blasted away by Stoinis’ raw might, who finished on 59 off 18 balls as Australia romped home in 16.3 overs. The all-rounder hit a record-breaking half-century in 17 balls. His remarkable innings comprised six sixes and four boundaries.
Despite losing fast bowler Binura Fernando in the first over due to injury, Sri Lanka maintained their lead.
David Warner died cheaply, and skipper Aaron Finch was unable to break free, putting further pressure on the hosts. Finch battled to 24 from his first 35 balls and finished with 31 from 42.
Mitchell Marsh hit a run-a-ball 17 before Glenn Maxwell relieved the load with a pair of sixes and fours in his 12-ball 23. During his brief tenure, Maxwell was hit on the right side of his helmet grill while attempting to lift a rising delivery from Lahiru Kumara.
The all-rounder fell while attempting another huge hit, but substitute Ashen Bandara took a wonderful catch near the deep midwicket boundary to leave Sri Lanka at 89 for three in the 13th over.
While Finch was struggling at the other end, Stoinis came in and unleashed a barrage of sixes and fours to virtually terminate Sri Lanka’s innings.
Stoinis and the other hitters went for star Sri Lanka bowler Wanindu Hasaranga, who had a bad day, allowing 53 runs in three overs.
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