Share

Australia crumble at the Gabba

Brisbane - Right-arm pacer Nuwan Kulasekara claimed a career-best five for 22 as Sri Lanka skittled Australia for just 74 runs inside 27 overs in the third one-day internationals in Brisbane on Friday.

Scorecard: Australia v Sri Lanka, 3rd ODI

Kulasekara tormented the right-handers with his in-swinging deliveries while Lasith Malinga (3-14) polished off the tail as Australia collapsed in 26.4 overs with only Mitchell Starc (22 not out) and Xavier Doherty (15) managing double digits.

Number nine Starc took a couple of blows on his helmet but hung on to take Australia past their previous lowest total of 70 that came on two occasions, against England in Birmingham in 1977 and New Zealand at Adelaide in 1986.

Angelo Mathews drew first blood with the seventh delivery when he removed opener David Warner and Australia captain Michael Clarke was soon left to rue his decision to bat first at Gabba as the batting order came unstuck.

Kulasekara was on a hat-trick after removing David Hussey and George Bailey off successive deliveries but Matthew Wade denied him the personal milestone.

That was hardly solace for the hosts as the 30-year-old bowler returned to peg back Clarke's middle stump and push one through Moises Henriques's gate for his first five-wicket haul.

Malinga removed Mitchell Johnson, Wade and Clint McKay while Shaminda Eranga, replacing Ajantha Mendis, dismissed Doherty to end the Australian innings.

The five-match series is level 1-1.

Teams:

Australia:

Michael Clarke (captain), Phillip Hughes, David Warner, George Bailey, David Hussey, Matthew Wade, Moises Henriques, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Clint McKay, Xavier Doherty

Sri Lanka:

Mahela Jayawardene (captain) Tillakaratne Dilshan, Upul Tharanga, Lahiru Thirimanne, Angelo Mathews, Kushal Perera, Jeevan Mendis, Thisara Perera, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Shaminda Eranga

Umpires: Richard Kettleborough (ENG) and Paul Reiffel (AUS)

Match Referee: Javagal Srinath (IND)

Third Umpire: Marais Erasmus (RSA)

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1271 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1469 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE