Sri Lanka vs Australia, 12th Match, Group A at London, Jun 17 2013 - Ball by Ball Commentary

This tournament keeps throwing up super matches and although this one was one-sided for most parts, it did come alive during the last hour. Thanks for your comments and feedback, this is Devashish Fuloria signing off. Ciao ciao.

Presentation

"It would have been nice to get over the line in the end, " says George Bailey. "Our goal was to do it in the 29 overs, but we never got going. There was no value in the result as such, semis was our main aim. Michael Clarke is still improving and there is still a big series ahead. There are plenty of positives around and it was good to see the last two fight it out."

"We knew it was going to be tough, defending 253," says Angelo Mathews. "Thirimanne and Jayawardene batted well to get us to that score. I have never seen a crowd like this in the Oval before, and it was good to have the support. Our first target was the semis. Will enjoy tonight and see how it goes after that."

Mahela Jayawardene is the Man of the Match: "It felt really good (to get to 11000), but winning this was the icing on the cake. We are playing hard and passionate cricket, but we need to enjoy the cricket. That has been the mantra of our success in the past and hope it continues in the future. Seniors have a responsibility and it is our job to help Angi out, that makes us a happy camp. We are looking forward to another tough match in the semi-final."

Sri Lankan supporters have found their voice after being put to an agonising wait by the last Australian pair. You wonder how crucial those wickets would have been now - Voges, Wade.. all throwing it away. The batting looked easy while the last pair were there. But Sri Lanka did well to hang in there. Kulasekara was amazing at the start of the innings, but there was no doubt the team was feeling the pinch towards the end as all of us were too. In the end it took a moment of brilliance by Dilshan to settle the nerves. Sri Lanka are now headed to Cardiff to play India in the semi-final, New Zealand and Australia are out.

BJ: "As a Kiwi, obviously I'm upset that it didn't finish in our favour. As a cricket fan though, that was highly entertaining and at the end of the day the right team (imo) has made it to the semis. Well done Sri Lanka."

Vijay: "Air New Zealand NZ253 taking off from Gate 20... players to board in 10 minutes"

Tharindu: "Its like all that delay made the stage for that great moment, that superb catch of Dilshan..."

Night Watcher: "And who says ODI cricket has lost it's edge...Good for Sri Lanka!!! Even better for Cricket!!!"

Jono: "Sorry Kiwi's, dont hold it against us in the Bledisloe"

Michael: "The Aussies get this and we might forget that whole underarm thing.... might."

Roger S: "My good friend HNN and I are under the watchful eye of our serious manager (CG), but we can't stop looking at this game go down to the wire! Just lose the wicket Australia, we don't want to get fired!"

Sanga: "Guys, this is not a practice match for ashes..."

28 runs, 10 overs, 1 wicket .. The clock is ticking, and it's testing my nerves.. This was supposed to finish half an hour ago..

Calvin the Kiwi: "Please please please let Sangakarra somehow forget that Malinga still has an over up his sleeve!!!"

Tharindu: "As a Sri Lankan fan, this is like watching GameOfThrones, watching everything goes well until events change to break our hearts."

Jiffry: "The Lankan Lions are on the hunt... go get them boys... lets see those stumps go flying out..."