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Is Sri Lanka WC 2022 Dark Horse After Aus Series Win?

Sri Lanka ended their 30-year long wait and finally registered a series win against Australia after clinching a crucial victory in the fourth One Day International (ODI). Dasun Shanaka’s men went 3-1 up in the ongoing five-match ODI series, after winning the latest match by a narrow 4-run margin.

The hosts registered their first bilateral win since 2010, riding on Charith Asalanka’s century in the first innings. They managed to stay on the track despite losing quick wickets in the powerplay as Asalanka and Dhananjaya de Silva stitched up a match winning partnership of 101 runs.

A major area of concern for the hosts while batting was their inability to show any signs of coordination while running through the wickets as three runouts saw them manage just 258 runs. Australia’s pace attack of Mitchell Marsh, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins shone for the tourists while Matthew Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschange and Glenn Maxwell returned expensive figures.

Spin Quartet wins it for Sri Lanka

Despite managing just 259 runs, The hosts went on to hold their nerve and defend the total by banking on their spin quartet. The Sri Lankan bowling unit saw various players put their hand up on numerous occasions whenever the hosts seemed to be in a difficult situation.  Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Chamika Karunaratne and Dhananjaya de Silva stepped up at the right time while 19-year-old Dunith Wallelage also grabbed the limelight for his fearless outing.

ALSO READ: Is Bhuvneshwar Kumar A Certainty In WC Squad After SA Series? 

However, it wasn’t a smooth sailing for Sri Lanka as the hosts were in a spot of bother when the skipper decided to bowl the final over. Shanaka tasked himself with the responsibility of defending 19 runs in the final over, only to concede 14 runs from the first five balls. However, a long strategic talk with Lasith Malinga saw Shanaka claim a wicket on the last ball as Kuhnemann hit the ball straight to Asalanka.

The Sri Lankan team will gain a lot of confidence and positive momentum after this historic win under their kitty. With one more match to go, the hosts will be eager to put a final nail in the coffin and end this series with a win. Given their solid performances in the ongoing tour against Australia, the hosts have made a strong statement in front of all their opponents. Sri Lanka have announced their ability to compete with the best in white ball cricket and could well to be the dark horse in the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup which is scheduled to take place next year.

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