Glenn Maxwell equaled the fastest 50 by an Australian in Twenty20 internationals as the tourists clinched a four-wicket win against Sri Lanka on Friday that secured a 2-0 series victory.
Set a target of 129, Australia won with 13 deliveries remaining to spoil Tillakaratne Dilshan’s farewell from international cricket.
Maxwell continued his brilliant ball-striking form, as he plundered the Sri Lanka bowlers to bring up his half-century in just 18 deliveries, equaling his and David Warner’s previous best.
Photo: AFP
Opting to bat first, the hosts laboured to 128-9 in their 20 overs after a disciplined bowling performance by Australia was backed up by a sharp fielding display.
Spinner Adam Zampa and James Faulkner picked up three wickets each.
There were no fireworks from the 39-year-old Dilshan, who was greeted with a guard of honor on his international swan-song, as the opener fell to John Hastings, cutting a short and wide delivery into the hands of Warner at first slip for 1.
Dhananjaya de Silva top scored for the hosts with a gritty 62, but looked isolated as wickets fell at regular intervals at the other end.
In reply, Australia raced to 93-0 before Maxwell was eventually bowled by Seekkuge Prasanna for 66.
Sri Lanka tried to claw their way into the game, picking up three quick wickets in the space of two overs to reduce Australia to 99-4.
Dilshan then claimed the wickets of Usman Khawaja LBW and Matthew Wade, who was caught by Dinesh Chandimal, to ensure a nervy finish.
However, Travis Head smashed Sachith Pathirana for six to seal the two-match T20 series as Australia ended their tour on a high.
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