What
a week the world of cricket is having! This week have witnessed Abdul Razzaq’s
jaw-dropping batting against South Africa at Abu Dhabi, a nail-biting two-run
finish at Dubai and now it has witnessed one of the most astonishing fight
backs in the history of One-day cricket – Angelo Mathews and Lasith Malinga
simply made an impossible task possible against Australia at the Melbourne
Cricket Ground (MCG).
Fortune
favours the brave. When you still believe that you can make it no matter how
tough the circumstances are, you can reach the pinnacle of glory. Mathews and
Malinga simply proved that in MCG tonight.
The
Sri Lankans were given a target of 241 in 50 overs by the Australians in the
first ODI.
But
the Lankan batters were found wanting – Tharanga was run out, Dilshan walked
for the pavilion after being done by Peter Siddle and Sri Lanka’s two most
prolific batsmen, Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara too could not deliver
when it was needed the most. They were down and dusted at 107 for 8.
When
Angelo Mathews and Lasith Malinga came together at the crease the game was
already lost and Michael Clarke and his men were all set to take a 1-0 lead. Suddenly,
Malinga – a novice with the bat – started to play adventurous strokes. He hit Mitchell Johson for a flat batted four
and treated Xavier Dohetry and Hastings with splendid sixes. While Malinga was
in an aggressive mood, Angelo Matthews was calm and composed – gave Malinga the
ideal support and kept one end checked – rotated the strike well by discovering
gaps.
Malinga
and Matthews compiled the highest ninth-wicket partnership in ODI history,
beating a 27-year-old record set by Kapil Dev and Syed Kirmani at the 1983
World Cup, and the 132-run stand left Australia's confidence in tatters. When
just 1 run was needed Malinga was run out – a sudden twist in the tale!
The
tension was enormous when Murali came to bat in his last appearance at the MCG.
Australia who
are the masters of clinching such thrillers, were left bemused as a flick off
the pads from little Murali brought up one the most amazing wins in the history
of ODI cricket.
What
a match! What a finish! The world and Australians witnessed a Sri Lankan side
who played the game in Australian way – never give up until it’s all finished.
Bravo
Sri Lanka!
Thank
You
Faisal
Caesar
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