T20 World Cup 2022, Match 19: Australia vs Sri Lanka - Talking points and who said what?

Australia completed a resounding victory over Sri Lanka and opened their account in the T20 World Cup 2022. Chasing a decent total of 158 runs, the Australian batting line-up stuttered a bit, but made a strong comeback and completed a thumping victory by seven wickets. 

Put into bat first, Sri Lanka batters failed to utilise the starts they got as a few of them played rash shots and get out. Charith Asalanka and Pathum Nissanka batted decently for the island nation, but the defending champions maintained the pressure with their bowling and restricted the Lankan Lions to just 157. 

Meanwhile, Australia have opened their account on the points table, but they are still placed below Sri Lanka, England, and New Zealand due to their poor net run rate. The defending champions will now face a tough challenge against England in their next Super 12 stage encounter. 

Here are the talking points:

Marcus Stoinis stuns the Sri Lankan bowling line-up

All-rounder Marcus Stoinis was in his full flow as he smashed 59 runs in just 18 balls with four fours and six maximums to his name. Stoinis did not let any Sri Lankan bowler settle down as he was also adjudged the Player of the Match for his excellent batting. 

Wanindu Hasranga takes a beating:

Sri Lanka's star spinner Wanindu Hasaranga was taken to the cleaners as he gave away 53 runs in just three overs and did not manage to get any wickets either. Stoinis attacked Hasaranga in his third over as he and Finch scored 19 runs from his third over to ensure a victory for the side. 

Losing skipper Dasun Shanaka said:

We started really well and finished well, but we didn't get going in the middle overs. I think we could have missed 15-20 runs. Fast bowlers didn't prepare well, they are coming after injuries. That's the reason behind getting them injured. It was tough with the new ball due to the spongy bounce. Even Finch struggled against the new ball. They played really well in the latter part.

Winning skipper Aaron Finch said:

Very happy. My innings was unusual, poor. I couldn't hit the ball. The way we approached with the bat was fine. It was seaming a long way there, if we could get through that, it was important to set-up the back end of the innings. Would have been nice if I had kicked on earlier. All in all, pretty clinical. They bowled the hard length, it was tough. Such a big ground, hard to stand and deliver. Nice to get the two points. (Stoinis') It was a pretty special innings. To come out with that intent is the main thing. When you walk out to bat and have that presence at the crease, that's half the battle in T20 cricket. When you got the skill that he has got, it's a good combo. (Next game vs England) Always a great event, any format, anywhere, looking forward to it.

Player of the Match, Marcus Stoinis said:

Ronnie (Andrew McDonald) actually said to have a look at the quicks as it was doing a bit and I feel comfortable, then to have a go at the spinners. Once I got in, the plan was to keep going. To be honest, I was really nervous today being at home in Perth, lot of family and friends here. So, I was really nervous going into it, but really happy that we ended on putting up a clinical show there. Mentally I was nice and fresh, I had a bit of time off looking after the side strain, it's been sort of plaguing me on and off for a while now, but so far so good. We played here the other day against England and it was a beautiful wicket. This did look like it was doing a bit more especially with the new ball, but it's a beautiful ground and probably the best ground in Australia if not the world with the technology and lighting going on here and my home crowd, it's a beautiful wicket. We wrapped this game up and look forward to playing England at the MCG (on Friday). They are obviously a very good team, so we will do our homework again, rest up, get on the flight tomorrow and go on from there.