Warner century seals Australia's dominance
For the fifth time in the series Sri Lanka batted first and a vaguely familiar match played out as Australia ran down the hosts' 195 in the 43rd over, zipping up the series 4-1
For the fifth time in the series Sri Lanka batted first and a vaguely familiar match played out as Australia ran down the hosts' 195 in the 43rd over, zipping up the series 4-1
Commentator: Nikhil Kalro
9.30pm Wide grins on the Australia players' faces, and with that we'll sign off from the ODI series. Thanks for your feedback, time and opinions. The T20s aren't far away. See you then.
9.10pm Clinical chase from Australia to finish out the series positively, led by captain David Warner who returned to form with a superb century, his seventh in ODIs, and the first by an Australian in Sri Lanka in this format. Dilruwan injected some excitement into the match with two early wickets, but Bailey and Warner first stabilised the innings, before getting into their own. A comfortable chase in the end as Australia close out the series with an almost flawless performance.
Presentation time.
George Bailey is the Man of the Series: "It's been a challenging series, at different stages, the batters and bowled shave found it hard. To finish the series 4-1 is satisfying. Just watching the Tests, we knew we have to come to the ODIs with different plans. Was always going to be challenging to hit the ball straight. 220-230 has been a really good score in this series. A guy like Davey Warner today, once he got going, was really good.
David Warner is the Man of the Match: "Always good to get a milestone, but credit to our bowlers for setting the tone. Not the ideal start with the ball. Challenge to face that new ball. Partnerships key, we've done that well in this series. Well done to George Bailey, he's been our rock, and allowed our batters to bat around him. Always pleasing to win a series, we knew we were going to get the same wickets as the Tests.
Dinesh Chandimal: "We're disappointed with the way we have batted through the series. We got a good start today but couldn't get to the 260, 270 mark. They have to learn, if you get a good start you have to bat longer and make it easier for the others. We'll learn from these mistakes and come back stronger. One series you are going to win, other series' you are going to lose. I'm enjoying my captaincy."
Sri: "Other than Smith, Warner, Shaun Marsh, Starc and, possibly, Bailey, who in this squad deserves to go to India? Not many, I'd think." Zampa jumps to mind
Just 6 to win
Australia stand-in captain David Warner has said his century in the fifth ODI against Sri Lanka came as a "sigh of relief" as it was his first score over 20 in the five-match series
Plays of the Day from the final ODI between Sri Lanka and Australia, in Pallekele
Having already conceded the series to Australia, Sri Lanka need their top order to fire and go in with a clear strategy if they hope to win the fifth and final ODI in Pallekele
For the fifth time in the series Sri Lanka batted first and a vaguely familiar match played out as Australia ran down the hosts' 195 in the 43rd over, zipping up the series 4-1