T20: SL beat Aus

26 January 2013 12:26 pm Views - 3862

Angelo Mathews steered Sri Lanka to a five-wicket victory against Australia in the 1st Twenty20 international at Sydney Cricket Ground on Saturday.

Chasing a target of 138, Thisara Perera smashed two consecutive sixes off Ben Laughlin in the 19th as Sri Lanka romped home with seven balls to spare and take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

Skipper Mathews remained unbeaten on a top score of 35 off 27 balls which contained three boundaries and a six as Sri Lanka finished with 139 for 5 in 18.5 overs.

It was the fourth consecutive win by top-ranked Sri Lanka against Australia in T20 internationals.

Perera made 19 off 12 balls with two sixes adding a 35 off just 21 balls during their unbroken sixth wicket stand.

Sri Lanka nearly squandered a flying start given by openers Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kushal Perera who put on 46 runs in just seven overs when they collapsed to 69 for 4 in the 11th over.

Lahiru Thirimanne (20) appeared to throw it away after a fifth wicket partnership of 35 with Mathews.

But all-rounder Mathews who went for plenty when he bowled, atoned for it by keeping his nerve during the frantic run-chase ably assisted by Thisara Perera.

Ben Laughlin was the most expensive going for 46 in 3.5 overs while Mitchell Starc took one for a miserly 19.

Spinners Xavier Doherty (2-21) and Glenn Maxwell (2-15) kept Australia in the hunt after David Warner's sterling knock of 90 not out had helped them make 137 for 3 in 20 oves.

Warner was later adjudged player of the match.