After being inserted, the Lankans lost a wicket early but Asalanka and Perera with a 50-run stand not only steadied the ship but also laid the foundation for a good total. However, once Asalanka fell, there was a small procession and Lanka found themselves in trouble at 94 for 5. A good partnership though between Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Dasun Shanaka has taken their side to a decent total.

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Australia should fancy themselves to chase this down. If they play the spinners well, they should well be on course to a comfortable win. Sri Lanka on the other hand, know it is their spinners who will have to play the key role. There is a little turn in the wicket but will it ease up, will the dew come in play? We will find out shortly.

Mitchell Starc is up for a chat, he says that he had some stripe on his leg but he is happy to get some overs. Says that they have done well to restrict Sr Lanka and will hope to chase it out.

Josh Hazlewood strides to deliver but Bhanuka Rajapaksa backs away as there is some issue with the sight screen.

Most of the bowlers did a decent job for the Aussies. Zampa, Starc and Hazlewood were right on the money. Cummins came back well towards the end but it was the 5th bowler that went for a lot of runs. The combination of Maxwell and Stoinis went for over 50 in the 4 overs they bowled. Still though they will be pretty pleased with where they are in the game.

So 154 is what Lanka have got to! Really not sure if they will be pleased with that score, especially after the start they got. It is still a fighting total though but one has to believe, the Aussies will be the happier side heading into the break.

Josh Hazlewood to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Top delivery to end the innings! Hazlewood hurls a yorker as Bhanuka Rajapaksa makes room on the off side. Rajapaksa digs it out to cover. A single taken! Sri Lanka finish with 154/6.

Josh Hazlewood to Chamika Karunaratne, Another full ball, well outside off. Chamika Karunaratne reaches out and drives it to deep cover for a run.

Josh Hazlewood to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Leg bye! Full ball, in the slot, around leg. Bhanuka Rajapaksa misses his flick and gets hit low on his pad. The ball rolls away to the leg side for a leg bye!

Josh Hazlewood to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wide! A wayward delivery from Josh Hazlewood! He bowls it short, but way down leg. Bhanuka Rajapaksa misses his slog. Wide called by the umpire.

Josh Hazlewood to Chamika Karunaratne, Full ball, outside off. Chamika Karunaratne reaches out and drags it to long off for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Leg bye! Yorker-length ball, down leg. Bhanuka Rajapaksa misses his flick. The ball rolls away to the leg side after brushing his pads. A leg bye!

Josh Hazlewood to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, ! That is a lovely shot! Full ball, around leg. Bhanuka Rajapaksa makes room on the off side and carves it through covers. Pat Cummins at sweeper cover runs to his left and puts in a dive to stop the ball but the ball wins as it ricochets off his hand.

Josh Hazlewood to bowl the final over. 

Mitchell Starc to Chamika Karunaratne, Good running! Full toss, outside off. Chamika Karunaratne slices it to wide of deep cover and scampers back for the second run. 9 runs from the penultimate over!

Mitchell Starc to Chamika Karunaratne, Full ball, outside off. Chamika Karunaratne squeezes it out to extra cover.

Mitchell Starc to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Leg bye! A low full toss, angling in from middle. Bhanuka Rajapaksa misses his flick yet again and gets hit on the pad. The ball rolls away to the leg side and the batters sneak in a leg bye.

Mitchell Starc to Chamika Karunaratne, Yorker-length ball, outside off. Chamika Karunaratne pushes it to mid off and takes off for a run.

Mitchell Starc to Chamika Karunaratne, ! What a way to get off the mark! Full ball, outside off. Chamika Karunaratne reaches out and lofts it over mid off to collect a boundary.

Mitchell Starc to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Leg bye! A low full toss, darted on the pads. Bhanuka Rajapaksa misses the flick and gets hit low on the pads. The ball rolls away for a leg bye!

Mitchell Starc to bowl the penultimate over.

Pat Cummins to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Single to end the over! A short ball, on middle. Bhanuka Rajapaksa tries to pull but it takes the gloves and rolls towards short fine leg for a single.

Pat Cummins to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, A slower short ball, outside off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa swings and misses.

Chamika Karunaratne walks out.

Pat Cummins to Dasun Shanaka, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Australia continue to chip away and Sri Lanka now lose their skipper, Dasun Shanaka! Another slower ball, into the pitch, outside off. Dasun Shanaka looks to heave it away but he only manages a top edge. The ball goes high into the night sky behind the sticks. Matthew Wade settles under it and takes a good catch.

Pat Cummins to Dasun Shanaka, ! CRUNCHED! Full ball, outside off. Dasun Shanaka stays back, clears his front leg and pierces the gap between extra cover and mid off to collect a boundary.

Pat Cummins to Dasun Shanaka, Top delivery! A yorker, around off. Dasun Shanaka jams it out towards backward point.

Marcus Stoinis to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, ! THUMPED! Just the over Sri Lanka needed! A full ball, outside off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa hammers it over long off for a biggie. 

Pat Cummins to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Slower ball, into the pitch, down leg. Bhanuka Rajapaksa tucks it behind square on the leg side for a single.

Pat Cummins to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wide! Cummins bowls it slower but spills this one down leg. Bhanuka Rajapaksa skips down and misses his nudge. Wided!

Marcus Stoinis to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Slower, full and way outside off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa hits it to deep cover for a single. Brilliant over for Sri Lanka, 17 coming of it.

Marcus Stoinis to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, WIDE! Marcus Stoinis has to reload again! A short ball, banged on middle. Bhanuka Rajapaksa watches it sail over. 

Marcus Stoinis to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, A length ball, way outside off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa throws the kitchen sink at it but fails to connect. 

Marcus Stoinis (2-0-18-0) is back on.

Marcus Stoinis to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, ! Sri Lanka are clearly targeting the Aussies fifth bowler! A short of a length, on middle. Bhanuka Rajapaksa pulls it to mid-wicket for a boundary.

Marcus Stoinis to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, ! Improvisation from Bhanuka Rajapaksa! A low full toss, outside off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa slips as he tries to sweep but does well to connect it and clear square leg for a boundary. 

Marcus Stoinis to Dasun Shanaka, Full and on middle, flicked to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Pat Cummins to Dasun Shanaka, A slower length ball, on off. Dasun Shanaka pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Pat Cummins to Dasun Shanaka, WIDE! Tries the short ball again, on middle. It is way over Dasun Shanaka and the umpire calls it a wide.

Pat Cummins to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, A slower ball, Short in length and on off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa waits and then guides it to third man for a single.

Pat Cummins to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, A short ball, on middle, 143 clicks. Bhanuka Rajapaksa tries to ramp it away but misses it.

Pat Cummins to Dasun Shanaka, On a length, on off. Dasun Shanaka works it on the off side for a single.

Pat Cummins to Dasun Shanaka, In the air and safe again! A full ball, outside off. Dasun Shanaka looks to clear the long off rope but hits it off the bottom of his bat and to the vacant long off region for a brace. 

Pat Cummins (2-0-21-1) comes back to bowl.

Pat Cummins to Dasun Shanaka, A length ball, on middle, tucked to mid-wicket.

Josh Hazlewood to Dasun Shanaka, Angles it on the pads, flicked to deep square leg for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Dasun Shanaka, A length ball, on off, tapped to point.

Josh Hazlewood to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, In the air and safe! A short ball, on middle. Bhanuka Rajapaksa looks to pull but mistimes it and hits it towards short fine leg for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, ! Crunched! Welcome boundary and also 100 up for Sri Lanka! A full ball, outside off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa smashes it to covers for a boundary.

Josh Hazlewood to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, On the pads. Bhanuka Rajapaksa flicks it uppishly and wide of deep square leg for a couple.

Josh Hazlewood to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, A length ball, on off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa nudges it to mid-wicket.

Josh Hazlewood is back into the attack.

Adam Zampa to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, A googly, fuller in length, around off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa drives it to long off for a run. That ends a very fine spell from Adam Zampa! He finishes with figures of (4-0-12-2).

Adam Zampa to Dasun Shanaka, Loopy ball, darted on the pads. Dasun Shanaka flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Adam Zampa to Dasun Shanaka, Make that four in a row! Swing and a miss! Tossed up, outside off. Dasun Shanaka looks to sweep but he misses.

Adam Zampa to Dasun Shanaka, Three dots in a row! Another flatter ball, on middle and leg. Dasun Shanaka tucks it to mid-wicket.

Adam Zampa to Dasun Shanaka, Flatter ball, on off. Dasun Shanaka stays back and punches it back to the bowler.

Adam Zampa to Dasun Shanaka, Tossed up, around off. Dasun Shanaka hits it straight back to the bowler.

Mitchell Starc to Dasun Shanaka, A single to end the over! Length ball, on leg. Dasun Shanaka clips it to mid-wicket for a single.

Mitchell Starc to Dasun Shanaka, Short ball, on off. Dasun Shanaka dabs it to cover.

Mitchell Starc to Dasun Shanaka, Oh, dear! That could have been the sixth wicket had Mitchell Marsh hit the stumps at the striker's end. Good-length ball, on off. Dasun Shanaka pushes it to cover and takes off for a run. Bhanuka Rajapaksa is not interested and he sends him back. Marsh misses his shy at the striker's end Dasun Shanaka survives!

Mitchell Starc to Wanindu Hasaranga, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Sri Lanka lose a review and they are in deep trouble now! Good-length ball, outside off, moving away after landing. Wanindu Hasaranga looks to play another expansive drive but it takes the bottom edge and goes to Matthew Wade behind the sticks who makes no mistake. Hasaranga opts for a review as he thinks he has not hit that! The Ultra Edge confirms that there was bat involved and he walks back.

The skipper, Dasun Shanaka walks out.

Mitchell Starc to Dasun Shanaka, Good-length ball, on off. Dasun Shanaka blocks it out.

Review time! Wanindu Hasaranga has taken a review for caught behind. Ultra Edge shows a spike as the ball passes the bat. The on-field decision stays and Sri Lanka lose their review. 

Mitchell Starc to Wanindu Hasaranga, ! Streaky way to get off the mark but Wanindu Hasaranga will not mind that! Good-length ball, outside off, shaping away late. Hasaranga looks to drive on the up but it goes off the outside edge between the keeper and the gully fielder for a boundary.

Adam Zampa to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Well bowled! Another googly, around off, turning away late. Bhanuka Rajapaksa looks to defend but the ball spins past his outside edge. Just 2 runs and wicket from the over!

Wanindu Hasaranga is the new man in.

Adam Zampa to Avishka Fernando, ! CAUGHT! Adam Zampa strikes yet again and Sri Lanka lose their fourth wicket now! Zampa hurls a loopy ball, fuller in length, on off. Avishka Fernando looks to slog-sweep but he only manages a top edge and the ball lobs up in the air towards extra cover. Steven Smith there settles under it and takes a good catch.

Adam Zampa to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, This is flatter, on a length, around off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa stays back and guides it to short third man for a run.

Adam Zampa to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, BEATEN! A googly, around off, turning away sharply. Bhanuka Rajapaksa looks to drive on the up but the ball zips past his outside edge.

Adam Zampa to Avishka Fernando, Tossed up, on middle. Avishka Fernando shimmies down and tucks it to the leg side for a single.

Adam Zampa to Avishka Fernando, Flatter ball, on middle. Avishka Fernando skips down and pushes it back to the bowler.

Mitchell Starc to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Top over from Mitchell Starc! He serves a pin-point yorker, around off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa digs it out watchfully.

Mitchell Starc to Avishka Fernando, Starc bangs it into the deck, around leg. Avishka Fernando looks to pull but he miscues it to square leg. A single taken.

Mitchell Starc to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Yorker-length ball, on middle. Bhanuka Rajapaksa jams it out to mid on and takes a run. David Warner runs to his right from mid on and keeps it to one.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa is in the middle now.

Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, ! BOWLED! What a delivery from Mitchell Starc and he has the last laugh! Starc hurls a pacy yorker, around off. Kusal Perera looks to dig it out but he misses. The ball crashes onto his middle stump! Excellent comeback from Starc to get rid of the dangerous Perera!

Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, ! WOW! Kusal Perera has picked the bones out of that! Starc errs in length and bowls it full, around middle. Perera stays back and sends it sailing way, way over long on for a biggie!

Mitchell Starc to Avishka Fernando, Starc starts with a length ball, around off. Avishka Fernando steers it to third man for a single.

Mitchell Starc is back on. Went for 6 runs in his first over.

DRINKS! Sri Lanka have started really well and would be happier of the two sides going into the break! Charith Asalanka has got out just at the stroke of Drinks break but he has laid a solid foundation for the batters to follow! Australia would look to chip in with wickets and stop the run-flow! Avishka Fernando walks out to bat.

Adam Zampa to Avishka Fernando, Shorter, flatter and on middle. Avishka Fernando turns it to long on for a single. 

Adam Zampa to Avishka Fernando, Tossed up, full and on middle. Defended.

Adam Zampa to Charith Asalanka, ! TAKEN! Asalanka was batting so nicely but now he has to depart for a well-made 35! A googly from Zampa, it was full and outside off. Charith Asalanka tries to slog sweep it and connects it well. He hits it flat and straight towards deep square leg where Steven Smith runs forward and takes a good low catch. Australia will look to build on this now.

Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, Very full, outside off. Perera works it to the mid-wicket region for one more.

Adam Zampa to Charith Asalanka, A full ball, on middle. Asalanka dances in his crease and then pushes it softly down to long off for a single.

Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, A full ball, way outside off. Perera drags it to deep square leg for a single.

Marcus Stoinis to Kusal Perera, Yorker now, on middle. Perera squeezes it out to square leg for a single. 11 coming of the over. 

Marcus Stoinis to Kusal Perera, ! Consecutive boundaries! A full ball, width on offer, outside off. Perera carves it through point and the ball races away to the fence.

Marcus Stoinis to Kusal Perera, ! He really hit that with some venom! A full ball, outside off. Perera slaps it through covers and wide of long off for a boundary. Welcome boundary. 

Marcus Stoinis to Charith Asalanka, A length ball, outside off. Asalanka steps across and slaps it to extra cover for a single.

Marcus Stoinis to Charith Asalanka, Bangs a short one now, with good pace and on off. Charith Asalanka tries to pull but misses.

Marcus Stoinis to Kusal Perera, Very full, on middle. Perera pushes it to mid off for a single. 50-stand between these two batters.

Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, Just four singles of the over then. Good start from Zampa! A full ball, on middle. Perera flicks it to long on for one run.

Adam Zampa to Charith Asalanka, Another single! Full and on middle. Asalanka lunges and tucks it to the mid-wicket region and takes a single.

Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, A loopy ball, on middle. Perera prods and flicks it to square leg for a single.

Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, Full on middle. Kusal Perera reverse sweeps it but straight to short third man.

Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, Appeal for LBW but not given! That one spun sharply! A tossed up ball, full on middle, it lands and spins away sharply. Perera looks to defend but misses and gets hit on the pads. 

Adam Zampa comes into the attack now.

Adam Zampa to Charith Asalanka, A short ball, on off. Asalanka pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Marcus Stoinis to Kusal Perera, Nicely bowled to end the over! Stoinis looks for the yorker and serves one around off. Perera jams it out back to the bowler.

Marcus Stoinis to Charith Asalanka, Short ball, on middle. Asalanka pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

Marcus Stoinis to Charith Asalanka, Nicely driven but just for two! A full ball, outside off. Asalanka drives it to the left of deep cover for just two runs as the fielder cuts it off. 

Marcus Stoinis to Kusal Perera, Slower again, on a length, outside off. Perera pushes it to deep cover for a single.

Marcus Stoinis to Kusal Perera, Two taken! This was a slower ball, on a length, outside off. Perera lifts it to wide long off for a brace.

Marcus Stoinis comes into the attack.

Marcus Stoinis to Charith Asalanka, A full ball, slanting outside off. Asalanka smashes it to deep cover who carries it on a bounce. One.

Pat Cummins to Charith Asalanka, A single to end the Powerplay and it is a good one for Lanka! A slower one on middle, this is worked to square leg for one. Sri Lanka are 53 for 1.

Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera, Angled into the pads, Perera works it through square leg for one.

Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera, ! Top edge and a boundary! Luck favoring Lanka at the moment and 50 up for them! Shorter and on off, Perera looks to pull but this flies off the top edge, towards third man who was just got in. Boundary. Lanka won't mind how they come as long as they do.

Pat Cummins to Charith Asalanka, Well fielded! Fuller, another slower one. Charith Asalanka swings hard, this goes more off the inner half towards mid on. The fielder there dives to his left and makes a good stop. Just the one.

Pat Cummins to Charith Asalanka, Slashes but misses! Shorter and angling away. Stays low. Asalanka throws his bat at it but misses.

Pat Cummins to Charith Asalanka, A nicely bowled slower one on off, Charith Asalanka plays it onto the ground.

Josh Hazlewood to Charith Asalanka, A single to end! Sri Lanka moving along nicely! Length and on off, this is guided down to third man for one.

Josh Hazlewood to Charith Asalanka, ! Not timed but gets the result he needed! Length and on middle, Charith Asalanka stands tall and slaps it over the bowler's head. It does not go off the middle. Warner from mid off hares after it, slides but does not stop it.

Josh Hazlewood to Charith Asalanka, Make that 4 in a row! Hits the deck hard, lands it on off, good length. Charith Asalanka hangs back and defends.

Josh Hazlewood to Charith Asalanka, That one stays a touch low! Outside off, Charith Asalanka looks to guide it down to third man but this one stays low and he is beaten. Three dots in a row. Pressure building.

Josh Hazlewood to Charith Asalanka, Outstanding fielding! That though was timed brilliantly! Fuller and on off, Asalanka times it but towards extra cover who makes a really good stop.

Josh Hazlewood is back on. He replaces Pat Cummins.

Josh Hazlewood to Charith Asalanka, Good length and on off, Asalanka guides it to point.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Perera, Two dots in a row to end but another huge over. On middle, Perera plays it back to the bowler.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Perera, On middle, Perera takes a watchful approach as he blocks it out.

Glenn Maxwell to Charith Asalanka, A quick run now! On off, Charith Asalanka pushes it towards mid off and takes one.

Glenn Maxwell to Charith Asalanka, FIVE WIDES! Glenn Maxwell is feeling the pressure here! He slips this one down the leg side. Charith Asalanka looks to sweep but misses. Wade fails to collect it and it races away. Bonus runs. Lanka off to a flier.

Glenn Maxwell to Charith Asalanka, ! Nicely timed! Charith Asalanka has come out all guns blazing! On middle, he plays the sweep, controls it really well and hits it through square leg for a boundary.

Glenn Maxwell to Charith Asalanka, Drags his length back and bowls it on middle, defended.

Glenn Maxwell to Charith Asalanka, ! BANG! What a shot that is! Welcome into the attack, Maxwell. This is on middle, Asalanka brings out the slog sweep and he nails it, it sails over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Glenn Maxwell comes into the attack.

Pat Cummins to Charith Asalanka, A single to end! A wicket in it but 14 runs from it! Outside off, Asalanka looks to guide it down to third man but it goes more off the top edge to that region for one.

Pat Cummins to Charith Asalanka, Good length and on off, drags his length back does Cummins. Defended.

Pat Cummins to Charith Asalanka, ! Up and over! That is a lovely shot. He did not look to hit the ball hard. Watched it closely, it was a low full toss on off. Did not lose his shape and just lofts it nonchalantly over mid off for back-to-back boundaries. He is off to a very good start.

Pat Cummins to Charith Asalanka, NO BALL AND ! Charith Asalanka continues from where he left off in the last game! He needs no sighters. This is short and on middle, Asalanka pulls it over square leg for a boundary. Also, Cummins has overstepped, a Free-Hit coming up.

Charith Asalanka walks out to bat.

Pat Cummins to Pathum Nissanka, ! TAKEN! Cummins strikes back! Early wicket for Australia, just what they would have wanted. Cummins goes slightly fuller and on off, Nissanka looks to loft it over mid off. Does not get the timing on it, it is more off the bottom. The fielder, Warner moves back and takes a simple catch.

Pat Cummins to Pathum Nissanka, ! That is a lovely shot! Angled into the pads, Nissanka plays a picture-perfect pick-up shot, somewhat like Mahela Jayawardene used to, it goes over square leg and a boundary results.

Pat Cummins comes to bowl now.

Pat Cummins to Pathum Nissanka, On the fuller side and on middle, Nissanka works it to mid on.

Josh Hazlewood to Kusal Perera, ! Fails to end it well and Sri Lanka bag their first boundary! Shorter and on middle, Perera pulls, not off the middle but finds the gap in the mid-wicket region. Boundary.

Josh Hazlewood to Kusal Perera, Good length and on off, Perera guides it to point. Just the single from the over, can he end it well?

Josh Hazlewood to Pathum Nissanka, Really good running! On middle, Nissanka works it towards mid on, he takes off and completes the run easily.

Josh Hazlewood to Pathum Nissanka, Another one on a length and around off, Nissanka guides it to point. Really good start by Hazlewood.

Josh Hazlewood to Pathum Nissanka, Good stop! Angled into the pads this time, Nissanka flicks but the fielder at square leg dives to his right and stops it.

Who will bowl from the other end? Josh Hazlewood it is.

Josh Hazlewood to Pathum Nissanka, Good length and on off, Nissanka defends it to mid off.

Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, A dot to end! On middle, Perera works it to mid-wicket. 6 from the first over then.

Mitchell Starc to Pathum Nissanka, Well fielded yet again! Already around 6 runs saved in the field by the Aussies! Starc drags his length back and bowls it on off, Nissanka guides it towards point. The fielder dives to his right and saves at least two for his side. A single in the end.

Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, Well fielded! Good shot too! Perera finally times one. He just lets the ball come to him and strokes it towards cover. The fielder at cover dives to his left and makes a half stop. Single taken.

Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, WIDE! Down the leg side, Starc was probably looking for the magic ball, he tries to swing it from around middle and leg towards off but it slips down the leg side as there is no swing. Wided.

Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, BEATEN! This is fuller and outside off, moves away further. Perera goes hard at it but is beaten.

Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, Leading edge but two! Swing for Starc again! This is fuller, it starts on middle and then shapes away. Perera looks to work it against the movement which is on the leg side. It goes off the leading edge down to third man for two.

Mitchell Starc to Pathum Nissanka, Good start from Starc and Nissanka! Starc lands it on a length, gets it to move back in a little from around off. Nissanka plays it towards mid off and gets to the other end. Sri Lanka and Pathum are underway.

The players of both the teams are out for their respective national anthems! First, it will be the anthem of Sri Lanka, followed by the anthem of Australia! We are done with the national anthems now and it is game time! The players of Australia spread out on the field. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera are the opening batters for Sri Lanka. Mitchell Starc will start with the ball.

Hello and a very warm welcome to yet another exciting encounter of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021! The Sri Lankans look a completely different team to what they were before arriving to the UAE. Their players have stepped up to the occasion and are still to be beaten in this tournament. They though face their toughest test so far as they face the mighty Aussies. Both sides will be confident heading into the fixture and both have momentum but the Aussies are big favourites to win this one. Can t

Dasun Shanaka, the skipper of Sri Lanka, says that they would have bowled first as well. Says that it is a good contest and the players are prepared. Informs that Maheesh Theekshana comes in for Binura Fernando. Adds that spinners are crucial in this game and he is very happy to lead this side.

Aaron Finch, the skipper of Australia, says it looks like a good wicket and it won't change a lot, it is not as hot as it usually is and he would look to chase well later on. Adds it was a good bowling performance in the last game. States in such tournaments you just need to get the points anyhow and it does not matter how. Informs that they are unchanged going into this game.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Kusal Perera (WK), Pathum Nissanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana (In for Binura Fernando), Lahiru Kumara.

Australia (Unchanged Playing XI) - Aaron Finch (C), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steven Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.

TOSS UPDATE - Aaron Finch and Dasun Shanaka are out in the middle for the all-important toss. The coin goes up and lands in favour of the former. Australia have elected to BOWL first.

....MATCH DAY....

PITCH REPORT - Alan Wilkins says that this is the same pitch as India vs Pakistan match. Dale Steyn adds that length is the key on pitches of UAE, when the lengths are dragged back it is difficult to score. Tells that whoever wins the toss will decide to chase.

Australia too, will rely on their bowling. Their batting lineup is strong but not in form. We saw the quality in the bowling department in the last game and it won’t come as a surprise if we do see another good performance by them against a not-so-reliable Lanka batting. Stay tuned for toss and further updates.

What will be Sri Lanka’s mantra for a win in this game? Spin? Has to be spin. Australians have been quite vulnerable against the turning ball. They would dearly hope, Wanindu Hasaranga can get back to his best in this game and they would love Maheesh Theekshana to be available as his mystery can cause a few problems.

After being inserted, the Lankans lost a wicket early but Asalanka and Perera with a 50-run stand not only steadied the ship but also laid the foundation for a good total. However, once Asalanka fell, there was a small procession and Lanka found themselves in trouble at 94 for 5. A good partnership though between Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Dasun Shanaka has taken their side to a decent total.

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Australia should fancy themselves to chase this down. If they play the spinners well, they should well be on course to a comfortable win. Sri Lanka on the other hand, know it is their spinners who will have to play the key role. There is a little turn in the wicket but will it ease up, will the dew come in play? We will find out shortly.

Mitchell Starc is up for a chat, he says that he had some stripe on his leg but he is happy to get some overs. Says that they have done well to restrict Sr Lanka and will hope to chase it out.

Josh Hazlewood strides to deliver but Bhanuka Rajapaksa backs away as there is some issue with the sight screen.

Most of the bowlers did a decent job for the Aussies. Zampa, Starc and Hazlewood were right on the money. Cummins came back well towards the end but it was the 5th bowler that went for a lot of runs. The combination of Maxwell and Stoinis went for over 50 in the 4 overs they bowled. Still though they will be pretty pleased with where they are in the game.

So 154 is what Lanka have got to! Really not sure if they will be pleased with that score, especially after the start they got. It is still a fighting total though but one has to believe, the Aussies will be the happier side heading into the break.

Josh Hazlewood to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Top delivery to end the innings! Hazlewood hurls a yorker as Bhanuka Rajapaksa makes room on the off side. Rajapaksa digs it out to cover. A single taken! Sri Lanka finish with 154/6.

Josh Hazlewood to Chamika Karunaratne, Another full ball, well outside off. Chamika Karunaratne reaches out and drives it to deep cover for a run.

Josh Hazlewood to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Leg bye! Full ball, in the slot, around leg. Bhanuka Rajapaksa misses his flick and gets hit low on his pad. The ball rolls away to the leg side for a leg bye!

Josh Hazlewood to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wide! A wayward delivery from Josh Hazlewood! He bowls it short, but way down leg. Bhanuka Rajapaksa misses his slog. Wide called by the umpire.

Josh Hazlewood to Chamika Karunaratne, Full ball, outside off. Chamika Karunaratne reaches out and drags it to long off for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Leg bye! Yorker-length ball, down leg. Bhanuka Rajapaksa misses his flick. The ball rolls away to the leg side after brushing his pads. A leg bye!

Josh Hazlewood to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, ! That is a lovely shot! Full ball, around leg. Bhanuka Rajapaksa makes room on the off side and carves it through covers. Pat Cummins at sweeper cover runs to his left and puts in a dive to stop the ball but the ball wins as it ricochets off his hand.

Josh Hazlewood to bowl the final over. 

Mitchell Starc to Chamika Karunaratne, Good running! Full toss, outside off. Chamika Karunaratne slices it to wide of deep cover and scampers back for the second run. 9 runs from the penultimate over!

Mitchell Starc to Chamika Karunaratne, Full ball, outside off. Chamika Karunaratne squeezes it out to extra cover.

Mitchell Starc to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Leg bye! A low full toss, angling in from middle. Bhanuka Rajapaksa misses his flick yet again and gets hit on the pad. The ball rolls away to the leg side and the batters sneak in a leg bye.

Mitchell Starc to Chamika Karunaratne, Yorker-length ball, outside off. Chamika Karunaratne pushes it to mid off and takes off for a run.

Mitchell Starc to Chamika Karunaratne, ! What a way to get off the mark! Full ball, outside off. Chamika Karunaratne reaches out and lofts it over mid off to collect a boundary.

Mitchell Starc to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Leg bye! A low full toss, darted on the pads. Bhanuka Rajapaksa misses the flick and gets hit low on the pads. The ball rolls away for a leg bye!

Mitchell Starc to bowl the penultimate over.

Pat Cummins to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Single to end the over! A short ball, on middle. Bhanuka Rajapaksa tries to pull but it takes the gloves and rolls towards short fine leg for a single.

Pat Cummins to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, A slower short ball, outside off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa swings and misses.

Chamika Karunaratne walks out.

Pat Cummins to Dasun Shanaka, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Australia continue to chip away and Sri Lanka now lose their skipper, Dasun Shanaka! Another slower ball, into the pitch, outside off. Dasun Shanaka looks to heave it away but he only manages a top edge. The ball goes high into the night sky behind the sticks. Matthew Wade settles under it and takes a good catch.

Pat Cummins to Dasun Shanaka, ! CRUNCHED! Full ball, outside off. Dasun Shanaka stays back, clears his front leg and pierces the gap between extra cover and mid off to collect a boundary.

Pat Cummins to Dasun Shanaka, Top delivery! A yorker, around off. Dasun Shanaka jams it out towards backward point.

Marcus Stoinis to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, ! THUMPED! Just the over Sri Lanka needed! A full ball, outside off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa hammers it over long off for a biggie. 

Pat Cummins to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Slower ball, into the pitch, down leg. Bhanuka Rajapaksa tucks it behind square on the leg side for a single.

Pat Cummins to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wide! Cummins bowls it slower but spills this one down leg. Bhanuka Rajapaksa skips down and misses his nudge. Wided!

Marcus Stoinis to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Slower, full and way outside off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa hits it to deep cover for a single. Brilliant over for Sri Lanka, 17 coming of it.

Marcus Stoinis to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, WIDE! Marcus Stoinis has to reload again! A short ball, banged on middle. Bhanuka Rajapaksa watches it sail over. 

Marcus Stoinis to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, A length ball, way outside off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa throws the kitchen sink at it but fails to connect. 

Marcus Stoinis (2-0-18-0) is back on.

Marcus Stoinis to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, ! Sri Lanka are clearly targeting the Aussies fifth bowler! A short of a length, on middle. Bhanuka Rajapaksa pulls it to mid-wicket for a boundary.

Marcus Stoinis to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, ! Improvisation from Bhanuka Rajapaksa! A low full toss, outside off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa slips as he tries to sweep but does well to connect it and clear square leg for a boundary. 

Marcus Stoinis to Dasun Shanaka, Full and on middle, flicked to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Pat Cummins to Dasun Shanaka, A slower length ball, on off. Dasun Shanaka pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Pat Cummins to Dasun Shanaka, WIDE! Tries the short ball again, on middle. It is way over Dasun Shanaka and the umpire calls it a wide.

Pat Cummins to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, A slower ball, Short in length and on off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa waits and then guides it to third man for a single.

Pat Cummins to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, A short ball, on middle, 143 clicks. Bhanuka Rajapaksa tries to ramp it away but misses it.

Pat Cummins to Dasun Shanaka, On a length, on off. Dasun Shanaka works it on the off side for a single.

Pat Cummins to Dasun Shanaka, In the air and safe again! A full ball, outside off. Dasun Shanaka looks to clear the long off rope but hits it off the bottom of his bat and to the vacant long off region for a brace. 

Pat Cummins (2-0-21-1) comes back to bowl.

Pat Cummins to Dasun Shanaka, A length ball, on middle, tucked to mid-wicket.

Josh Hazlewood to Dasun Shanaka, Angles it on the pads, flicked to deep square leg for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Dasun Shanaka, A length ball, on off, tapped to point.

Josh Hazlewood to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, In the air and safe! A short ball, on middle. Bhanuka Rajapaksa looks to pull but mistimes it and hits it towards short fine leg for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, ! Crunched! Welcome boundary and also 100 up for Sri Lanka! A full ball, outside off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa smashes it to covers for a boundary.

Josh Hazlewood to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, On the pads. Bhanuka Rajapaksa flicks it uppishly and wide of deep square leg for a couple.

Josh Hazlewood to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, A length ball, on off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa nudges it to mid-wicket.

Josh Hazlewood is back into the attack.

Adam Zampa to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, A googly, fuller in length, around off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa drives it to long off for a run. That ends a very fine spell from Adam Zampa! He finishes with figures of (4-0-12-2).

Adam Zampa to Dasun Shanaka, Loopy ball, darted on the pads. Dasun Shanaka flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Adam Zampa to Dasun Shanaka, Make that four in a row! Swing and a miss! Tossed up, outside off. Dasun Shanaka looks to sweep but he misses.

Adam Zampa to Dasun Shanaka, Three dots in a row! Another flatter ball, on middle and leg. Dasun Shanaka tucks it to mid-wicket.

Adam Zampa to Dasun Shanaka, Flatter ball, on off. Dasun Shanaka stays back and punches it back to the bowler.

Adam Zampa to Dasun Shanaka, Tossed up, around off. Dasun Shanaka hits it straight back to the bowler.

Mitchell Starc to Dasun Shanaka, A single to end the over! Length ball, on leg. Dasun Shanaka clips it to mid-wicket for a single.

Mitchell Starc to Dasun Shanaka, Short ball, on off. Dasun Shanaka dabs it to cover.

Mitchell Starc to Dasun Shanaka, Oh, dear! That could have been the sixth wicket had Mitchell Marsh hit the stumps at the striker's end. Good-length ball, on off. Dasun Shanaka pushes it to cover and takes off for a run. Bhanuka Rajapaksa is not interested and he sends him back. Marsh misses his shy at the striker's end Dasun Shanaka survives!

Mitchell Starc to Wanindu Hasaranga, ! CAUGHT BEHIND! Sri Lanka lose a review and they are in deep trouble now! Good-length ball, outside off, moving away after landing. Wanindu Hasaranga looks to play another expansive drive but it takes the bottom edge and goes to Matthew Wade behind the sticks who makes no mistake. Hasaranga opts for a review as he thinks he has not hit that! The Ultra Edge confirms that there was bat involved and he walks back.

The skipper, Dasun Shanaka walks out.

Mitchell Starc to Dasun Shanaka, Good-length ball, on off. Dasun Shanaka blocks it out.

Review time! Wanindu Hasaranga has taken a review for caught behind. Ultra Edge shows a spike as the ball passes the bat. The on-field decision stays and Sri Lanka lose their review. 

Mitchell Starc to Wanindu Hasaranga, ! Streaky way to get off the mark but Wanindu Hasaranga will not mind that! Good-length ball, outside off, shaping away late. Hasaranga looks to drive on the up but it goes off the outside edge between the keeper and the gully fielder for a boundary.

Adam Zampa to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Well bowled! Another googly, around off, turning away late. Bhanuka Rajapaksa looks to defend but the ball spins past his outside edge. Just 2 runs and wicket from the over!

Wanindu Hasaranga is the new man in.

Adam Zampa to Avishka Fernando, ! CAUGHT! Adam Zampa strikes yet again and Sri Lanka lose their fourth wicket now! Zampa hurls a loopy ball, fuller in length, on off. Avishka Fernando looks to slog-sweep but he only manages a top edge and the ball lobs up in the air towards extra cover. Steven Smith there settles under it and takes a good catch.

Adam Zampa to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, This is flatter, on a length, around off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa stays back and guides it to short third man for a run.

Adam Zampa to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, BEATEN! A googly, around off, turning away sharply. Bhanuka Rajapaksa looks to drive on the up but the ball zips past his outside edge.

Adam Zampa to Avishka Fernando, Tossed up, on middle. Avishka Fernando shimmies down and tucks it to the leg side for a single.

Adam Zampa to Avishka Fernando, Flatter ball, on middle. Avishka Fernando skips down and pushes it back to the bowler.

Mitchell Starc to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Top over from Mitchell Starc! He serves a pin-point yorker, around off. Bhanuka Rajapaksa digs it out watchfully.

Mitchell Starc to Avishka Fernando, Starc bangs it into the deck, around leg. Avishka Fernando looks to pull but he miscues it to square leg. A single taken.

Mitchell Starc to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Yorker-length ball, on middle. Bhanuka Rajapaksa jams it out to mid on and takes a run. David Warner runs to his right from mid on and keeps it to one.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa is in the middle now.

Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, ! BOWLED! What a delivery from Mitchell Starc and he has the last laugh! Starc hurls a pacy yorker, around off. Kusal Perera looks to dig it out but he misses. The ball crashes onto his middle stump! Excellent comeback from Starc to get rid of the dangerous Perera!

Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, ! WOW! Kusal Perera has picked the bones out of that! Starc errs in length and bowls it full, around middle. Perera stays back and sends it sailing way, way over long on for a biggie!

Mitchell Starc to Avishka Fernando, Starc starts with a length ball, around off. Avishka Fernando steers it to third man for a single.

Mitchell Starc is back on. Went for 6 runs in his first over.

DRINKS! Sri Lanka have started really well and would be happier of the two sides going into the break! Charith Asalanka has got out just at the stroke of Drinks break but he has laid a solid foundation for the batters to follow! Australia would look to chip in with wickets and stop the run-flow! Avishka Fernando walks out to bat.

Adam Zampa to Avishka Fernando, Shorter, flatter and on middle. Avishka Fernando turns it to long on for a single. 

Adam Zampa to Avishka Fernando, Tossed up, full and on middle. Defended.

Adam Zampa to Charith Asalanka, ! TAKEN! Asalanka was batting so nicely but now he has to depart for a well-made 35! A googly from Zampa, it was full and outside off. Charith Asalanka tries to slog sweep it and connects it well. He hits it flat and straight towards deep square leg where Steven Smith runs forward and takes a good low catch. Australia will look to build on this now.

Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, Very full, outside off. Perera works it to the mid-wicket region for one more.

Adam Zampa to Charith Asalanka, A full ball, on middle. Asalanka dances in his crease and then pushes it softly down to long off for a single.

Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, A full ball, way outside off. Perera drags it to deep square leg for a single.

Marcus Stoinis to Kusal Perera, Yorker now, on middle. Perera squeezes it out to square leg for a single. 11 coming of the over. 

Marcus Stoinis to Kusal Perera, ! Consecutive boundaries! A full ball, width on offer, outside off. Perera carves it through point and the ball races away to the fence.

Marcus Stoinis to Kusal Perera, ! He really hit that with some venom! A full ball, outside off. Perera slaps it through covers and wide of long off for a boundary. Welcome boundary. 

Marcus Stoinis to Charith Asalanka, A length ball, outside off. Asalanka steps across and slaps it to extra cover for a single.

Marcus Stoinis to Charith Asalanka, Bangs a short one now, with good pace and on off. Charith Asalanka tries to pull but misses.

Marcus Stoinis to Kusal Perera, Very full, on middle. Perera pushes it to mid off for a single. 50-stand between these two batters.

Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, Just four singles of the over then. Good start from Zampa! A full ball, on middle. Perera flicks it to long on for one run.

Adam Zampa to Charith Asalanka, Another single! Full and on middle. Asalanka lunges and tucks it to the mid-wicket region and takes a single.

Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, A loopy ball, on middle. Perera prods and flicks it to square leg for a single.

Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, Full on middle. Kusal Perera reverse sweeps it but straight to short third man.

Adam Zampa to Kusal Perera, Appeal for LBW but not given! That one spun sharply! A tossed up ball, full on middle, it lands and spins away sharply. Perera looks to defend but misses and gets hit on the pads. 

Adam Zampa comes into the attack now.

Adam Zampa to Charith Asalanka, A short ball, on off. Asalanka pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Marcus Stoinis to Kusal Perera, Nicely bowled to end the over! Stoinis looks for the yorker and serves one around off. Perera jams it out back to the bowler.

Marcus Stoinis to Charith Asalanka, Short ball, on middle. Asalanka pulls it through mid-wicket for a single.

Marcus Stoinis to Charith Asalanka, Nicely driven but just for two! A full ball, outside off. Asalanka drives it to the left of deep cover for just two runs as the fielder cuts it off. 

Marcus Stoinis to Kusal Perera, Slower again, on a length, outside off. Perera pushes it to deep cover for a single.

Marcus Stoinis to Kusal Perera, Two taken! This was a slower ball, on a length, outside off. Perera lifts it to wide long off for a brace.

Marcus Stoinis comes into the attack.

Marcus Stoinis to Charith Asalanka, A full ball, slanting outside off. Asalanka smashes it to deep cover who carries it on a bounce. One.

Pat Cummins to Charith Asalanka, A single to end the Powerplay and it is a good one for Lanka! A slower one on middle, this is worked to square leg for one. Sri Lanka are 53 for 1.

Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera, Angled into the pads, Perera works it through square leg for one.

Pat Cummins to Kusal Perera, ! Top edge and a boundary! Luck favoring Lanka at the moment and 50 up for them! Shorter and on off, Perera looks to pull but this flies off the top edge, towards third man who was just got in. Boundary. Lanka won't mind how they come as long as they do.

Pat Cummins to Charith Asalanka, Well fielded! Fuller, another slower one. Charith Asalanka swings hard, this goes more off the inner half towards mid on. The fielder there dives to his left and makes a good stop. Just the one.

Pat Cummins to Charith Asalanka, Slashes but misses! Shorter and angling away. Stays low. Asalanka throws his bat at it but misses.

Pat Cummins to Charith Asalanka, A nicely bowled slower one on off, Charith Asalanka plays it onto the ground.

Josh Hazlewood to Charith Asalanka, A single to end! Sri Lanka moving along nicely! Length and on off, this is guided down to third man for one.

Josh Hazlewood to Charith Asalanka, ! Not timed but gets the result he needed! Length and on middle, Charith Asalanka stands tall and slaps it over the bowler's head. It does not go off the middle. Warner from mid off hares after it, slides but does not stop it.

Josh Hazlewood to Charith Asalanka, Make that 4 in a row! Hits the deck hard, lands it on off, good length. Charith Asalanka hangs back and defends.

Josh Hazlewood to Charith Asalanka, That one stays a touch low! Outside off, Charith Asalanka looks to guide it down to third man but this one stays low and he is beaten. Three dots in a row. Pressure building.

Josh Hazlewood to Charith Asalanka, Outstanding fielding! That though was timed brilliantly! Fuller and on off, Asalanka times it but towards extra cover who makes a really good stop.

Josh Hazlewood is back on. He replaces Pat Cummins.

Josh Hazlewood to Charith Asalanka, Good length and on off, Asalanka guides it to point.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Perera, Two dots in a row to end but another huge over. On middle, Perera plays it back to the bowler.

Glenn Maxwell to Kusal Perera, On middle, Perera takes a watchful approach as he blocks it out.

Glenn Maxwell to Charith Asalanka, A quick run now! On off, Charith Asalanka pushes it towards mid off and takes one.

Glenn Maxwell to Charith Asalanka, FIVE WIDES! Glenn Maxwell is feeling the pressure here! He slips this one down the leg side. Charith Asalanka looks to sweep but misses. Wade fails to collect it and it races away. Bonus runs. Lanka off to a flier.

Glenn Maxwell to Charith Asalanka, ! Nicely timed! Charith Asalanka has come out all guns blazing! On middle, he plays the sweep, controls it really well and hits it through square leg for a boundary.

Glenn Maxwell to Charith Asalanka, Drags his length back and bowls it on middle, defended.

Glenn Maxwell to Charith Asalanka, ! BANG! What a shot that is! Welcome into the attack, Maxwell. This is on middle, Asalanka brings out the slog sweep and he nails it, it sails over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Glenn Maxwell comes into the attack.

Pat Cummins to Charith Asalanka, A single to end! A wicket in it but 14 runs from it! Outside off, Asalanka looks to guide it down to third man but it goes more off the top edge to that region for one.

Pat Cummins to Charith Asalanka, Good length and on off, drags his length back does Cummins. Defended.

Pat Cummins to Charith Asalanka, ! Up and over! That is a lovely shot. He did not look to hit the ball hard. Watched it closely, it was a low full toss on off. Did not lose his shape and just lofts it nonchalantly over mid off for back-to-back boundaries. He is off to a very good start.

Pat Cummins to Charith Asalanka, NO BALL AND ! Charith Asalanka continues from where he left off in the last game! He needs no sighters. This is short and on middle, Asalanka pulls it over square leg for a boundary. Also, Cummins has overstepped, a Free-Hit coming up.

Charith Asalanka walks out to bat.

Pat Cummins to Pathum Nissanka, ! TAKEN! Cummins strikes back! Early wicket for Australia, just what they would have wanted. Cummins goes slightly fuller and on off, Nissanka looks to loft it over mid off. Does not get the timing on it, it is more off the bottom. The fielder, Warner moves back and takes a simple catch.

Pat Cummins to Pathum Nissanka, ! That is a lovely shot! Angled into the pads, Nissanka plays a picture-perfect pick-up shot, somewhat like Mahela Jayawardene used to, it goes over square leg and a boundary results.

Pat Cummins comes to bowl now.

Pat Cummins to Pathum Nissanka, On the fuller side and on middle, Nissanka works it to mid on.

Josh Hazlewood to Kusal Perera, ! Fails to end it well and Sri Lanka bag their first boundary! Shorter and on middle, Perera pulls, not off the middle but finds the gap in the mid-wicket region. Boundary.

Josh Hazlewood to Kusal Perera, Good length and on off, Perera guides it to point. Just the single from the over, can he end it well?

Josh Hazlewood to Pathum Nissanka, Really good running! On middle, Nissanka works it towards mid on, he takes off and completes the run easily.

Josh Hazlewood to Pathum Nissanka, Another one on a length and around off, Nissanka guides it to point. Really good start by Hazlewood.

Josh Hazlewood to Pathum Nissanka, Good stop! Angled into the pads this time, Nissanka flicks but the fielder at square leg dives to his right and stops it.

Who will bowl from the other end? Josh Hazlewood it is.

Josh Hazlewood to Pathum Nissanka, Good length and on off, Nissanka defends it to mid off.

Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, A dot to end! On middle, Perera works it to mid-wicket. 6 from the first over then.

Mitchell Starc to Pathum Nissanka, Well fielded yet again! Already around 6 runs saved in the field by the Aussies! Starc drags his length back and bowls it on off, Nissanka guides it towards point. The fielder dives to his right and saves at least two for his side. A single in the end.

Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, Well fielded! Good shot too! Perera finally times one. He just lets the ball come to him and strokes it towards cover. The fielder at cover dives to his left and makes a half stop. Single taken.

Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, WIDE! Down the leg side, Starc was probably looking for the magic ball, he tries to swing it from around middle and leg towards off but it slips down the leg side as there is no swing. Wided.

Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, BEATEN! This is fuller and outside off, moves away further. Perera goes hard at it but is beaten.

Mitchell Starc to Kusal Perera, Leading edge but two! Swing for Starc again! This is fuller, it starts on middle and then shapes away. Perera looks to work it against the movement which is on the leg side. It goes off the leading edge down to third man for two.

Mitchell Starc to Pathum Nissanka, Good start from Starc and Nissanka! Starc lands it on a length, gets it to move back in a little from around off. Nissanka plays it towards mid off and gets to the other end. Sri Lanka and Pathum are underway.

The players of both the teams are out for their respective national anthems! First, it will be the anthem of Sri Lanka, followed by the anthem of Australia! We are done with the national anthems now and it is game time! The players of Australia spread out on the field. Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera are the opening batters for Sri Lanka. Mitchell Starc will start with the ball.

Hello and a very warm welcome to yet another exciting encounter of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021! The Sri Lankans look a completely different team to what they were before arriving to the UAE. Their players have stepped up to the occasion and are still to be beaten in this tournament. They though face their toughest test so far as they face the mighty Aussies. Both sides will be confident heading into the fixture and both have momentum but the Aussies are big favourites to win this one. Can t

Dasun Shanaka, the skipper of Sri Lanka, says that they would have bowled first as well. Says that it is a good contest and the players are prepared. Informs that Maheesh Theekshana comes in for Binura Fernando. Adds that spinners are crucial in this game and he is very happy to lead this side.

Aaron Finch, the skipper of Australia, says it looks like a good wicket and it won't change a lot, it is not as hot as it usually is and he would look to chase well later on. Adds it was a good bowling performance in the last game. States in such tournaments you just need to get the points anyhow and it does not matter how. Informs that they are unchanged going into this game.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Kusal Perera (WK), Pathum Nissanka, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Avishka Fernando, Charith Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka (C), Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamika Karunaratne, Dushmantha Chameera, Maheesh Theekshana (In for Binura Fernando), Lahiru Kumara.

Australia (Unchanged Playing XI) - Aaron Finch (C), David Warner, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steven Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (WK), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood.

TOSS UPDATE - Aaron Finch and Dasun Shanaka are out in the middle for the all-important toss. The coin goes up and lands in favour of the former. Australia have elected to BOWL first.

....MATCH DAY....

PITCH REPORT - Alan Wilkins says that this is the same pitch as India vs Pakistan match. Dale Steyn adds that length is the key on pitches of UAE, when the lengths are dragged back it is difficult to score. Tells that whoever wins the toss will decide to chase.

Australia too, will rely on their bowling. Their batting lineup is strong but not in form. We saw the quality in the bowling department in the last game and it won’t come as a surprise if we do see another good performance by them against a not-so-reliable Lanka batting. Stay tuned for toss and further updates.

What will be Sri Lanka’s mantra for a win in this game? Spin? Has to be spin. Australians have been quite vulnerable against the turning ball. They would dearly hope, Wanindu Hasaranga can get back to his best in this game and they would love Maheesh Theekshana to be available as his mystery can cause a few problems.