What a finish. I never thought I would be saying these words, but Australia could have choked here. They last won a game in July. They had the Sri Lankan batsmen playing without using their brains, and had 132 to defend with those last two wickets remaining. Then Sri Lanka took the Powerplay and set the cat among the pigeons. They batted incredibly since then, a mix of slogs, and classical hitting. Mathews's aerial drives, after charging down to fast bowlers, were ones for the albums. Don't forget the contribution from the other half of the Josephian Mafia: Thisara Perera bowled splendidly to take five wickets. He did what the Aussie bowlers didn't do: move the old ball off the straight. And finally, what a week it has been for the good-old 50-over cricket. There is life in the old dog yet. Do read Brydon Coverdale's Bulletin. Until Sydney, then, cheers
Angelo Mathews is MoM He says, "I am still catching my breath All credit must go to Lasith. Batting was so easy then."
Sanga: "Angelo and Lasith were unbelievable. He is the greatest asset we have had over the last year. He can bowl, he can bat, total champion. He is still 21, 22."
Michael Clarke "Tough day in the office. 8 for 107. I honestly don't know how we lost this game. I thought we could have done better with the bat, but from 8 for 107... Having said that, full credit must go to Sri Lanka. Mathews played a fantastic innings, and we just couldnt' stop Malinga. Mohali didn't come to my mind, certainly not. I tried to bowl almost everyone. Steven Smith hurt his back, so couldn't bring him back. In tried everything. Have you any tips?"
Mark Nicholas says, "Bowl yourself more often."
What an image. Murali leaping six feet high in the air, and Watson in the same frame looking to the heavens. Sums up the emotions.
Australia have been blown away here by this partnership. They are stunned. Not sure they quite know what hit them. Malinga can't stop grinning. Out come Sanga, Mahela, the rest of the team. Champaka Ramanayake, too, Malinga's mentor, but with the ball, mind you.
"The way Lasith batted was excellent," says Angelo.
"We were eight down, we knew there was no point hanging around," says Lasith.
"Mitchell was bowling really well, so I kept strike against him," says Angelo.