Australia dismissed for 74; second lowest ODI score

Nuwan Kulasekara claimed five wickets to rip through Australia’s top order and help Sri Lanka dismiss the hosts for a humiliating 74 in the third limited—overs international on Friday.

Australia, boasting the return of regular captain Michael Clarke, and test stars David Warner and Matthew Wade, crumbled in the face of Kulasekara (5—22) after winning the toss and electing to bat first.

Once Angelo Mathews (1—10) had Warner caught in the second over, Kulasekara removed opening partner Phil Hughes, David Hussey, George Bailey, Clarke and Moises Henriques in succession to leave the hosts reeling on 30—6.

Tailender Mitchell Starc top scored with an unbeaten 22, rescuing Australia from an even more dismal score, having been 40—9.

Warner made just 4 runs before offering a catch to Eranga at mid—on and Hughes had 3 when he became Kulasekara’s first victim with an edge to slip three overs later.

Clarke, a prolific scorer in test cricket this Australian summer, made 9 runs before losing his middle stump and Henriques (2) joined him in the dressing room two balls later with Australia facing a humbling total.

Lasith Malinga chimed in shortly after to remove test wicketkeeper Wade for 8 runs and dismissed Clint McKay for a duck.

Starc and spinner Xavier Doherty shared a gritty 34—run partnership for the last wicket before Eranga had Dohery caught by Jeevan Mendis for 15 to end the innings.


(AP)