Twitter Reactions: Charith Asalanka's stunning ton brings ODI series victory for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka recorded a historic series victory against Australia by beating them in a nail-biting encounter in the fourth ODI of the five-match series at the R.Premadasa Stadium. The visitors did look in control for the most part of the game however, some inspiring performances from Sri Lanka’s young and upcoming cricketers ensured the hosts secured a series win after a long time against the Men in Yellow.

Earlier in the game, Australia opted to bowl first after winning the toss and they managed to get the early wicket of Niroshan Dickwella for just one run. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis could not repeat their heroics from the previous game and were undone quickly to leave the hosts in a spot of bother at 34 for 3 in the 10th over. Dhananjaya de Silva and Charith Asalanka came to the rescue with an excellent partnership of 101 for the fourth wicket.

However, Marsh managed to dismiss De Silva for a well-made 61-ball 60 while Asalanka continued to keep the innings going from the other end. Skipper Dasun Shanaka did not last long and was removed for just four runs through a runout. Asalanka went past the half-century mark with good support from youngster Dunith Wellalage (19) and the duo put on 57 for the sixth wicket. Chamika Karunaratne perished for seven and it was down to Wanindu Hasaranga (21*) and Asalanka to take Sri Lanka to a decent total.

Pat Cummins got the big wicket of Asalanka, who came up with a sensational knock of 110 off 106 deliveries that included 10 fours and a six. Despite Hasaranga’s quick runs towards the end, Sri Lanka were bundled out for 258 in 49 overs. Kuhnemann, Cummins, and Mitchell Marsh all picked up two wickets each for the Australian side.

David Warner’s 99 goes in vain as Sri Lanka clinch the ODI series

In reply, the Australian openers did not have the best of starts as Chamika Karunaratne got the big wicket of Aaron Finch early for a duck. Mitchell Marsh and David Warner stitched a 63-run partnership for the second wicket until the former perished for 26. Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey could not convert their good starts and were dismissed quickly to leave the visitors at 4 for 131.

However, in-form Travis Head joined hands with Warner for a crucial 58-run partnership. De Silva dismissed Head for 27 while Maxwell was dismissed early for just one run. Warner was the only one to get going and he was unfortunate to miss out on a century by just one run. Cameron Green (13) and Pat Cummins (35) did keep the visitors in the hunt for a period of time until the spinners came in and strangled them.

With 19 needed off the final over, skipper Dasun Shanaka put his hand up to bowl the final over, and he conceded three boundaries in the first five deliveries. However, he held his nerve on the final delivery and got the wicket of Kuhnemann to record a memorable series victory.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to Sri Lanka’s victory:

https://twitter.com/realdpthakur17/status/1539301868806889472