Australian cricket team has beaten the host team Sri Lanka by 125 runs with one day remaining at hand. They got this test match victory after a long time under the guidance of Michael Clarke.
Sri Lana needed 379 runs to win the match. However, it was not an easy chase at Galle International Stadium as it is bowling friendly pitch. In their second innings, Sri Lanka scored 253 runs losing all wickets.
Sri Lanka made very poor start after coming to chase an impossible target on a difficult pitch. Australia could win the match earlier if Mahela Jayawardene and Angelo Mathews did not make strong protest in the 6th wicket partnership.
Mahela Jayawardene scored 105 from 231 balls, including 15 fours and 1 six. It was his 29th Test century and second against Australia. Angelo Mathews supported him playing a passionate 95-run innings from 191 balls.
Both Mahela Jayawardene and Angelo Mathews added 142 in the sixth wicket partnership. It broke their previous record of 96 created 19 years ago. When they came to bat Sri Lanka was 5 for 68.
When they were on the crease, Sri Lankan team and supporters remained their hope of getting a miracle victory.
After the departure of these two players, no one could stand on the crease for long time.
Fast bowler Ryan Harris played the key role in this victory with taking 5 wickets for 62. It was his second haul of five wickets in an innings. He was backed by Mitchell Johnson and Shane Watson who took two wickets each. Debutant bowler, Nathan Lyon, claimed just one wicket in the second innings and finished his first test with 6 for 107.
Australia is leading the series 1-0. There are two more test matches left to be played. However, Sri Lanka should try hard to make their come back and level the series. On the other hand, Australia should want to win the test series with one match left at hand.
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