Cricket Classics - Part XXi : Dasun Shanaka’s Miracle – Sri Lanka vs Australia, 3rd T20I, 2022

Hello, fellow Sports Enthusiasts,

Cricket is not just a sport between two teams; it's a battle of skills, strategy, and capitalizing on clutch moments. Although the game has transformed over the decades, it has never failed to impress or leave us with unforgettable moments.

So, through this series, I will present some of the most iconic cricket matches that have made fans jump out of their seats. Let's remember those legendary games once a week. I am with another iconic match.

Made by leonardo.ai

---

After 2015, Sri Lankan cricket did not have a very good period. Without many senior players and poor and irresponsible performances from the newbies, the team degraded more than we imagined. We dropped in all the rankings, missing direct qualification in the ICC Tournaments.

Anyway, we had some golden days from time to time, especially under the captaincy of Dasun Shanaka. Today, I will talk about that kind of match, especially where the captain provided us with a miraculous finish.

Australia toured Sri Lanka in 2022 for a full limited-overs series, including three T20Is and 5 ODIs.

---

ss

---

The Sri Lanka team was led by Dasun Shanaka, with a collection of some good players like Nissanka, Wanindu, Theekshana, etc. Aaron Finch captained the visitors. They had already won the series 2-0 with dominant performances in the first two matches. So, Sri Lanka was under huge pressure, and they almost lost the third one as well, unless for the masterclass effort from the captain.

The date was June 11, 2022, at Pallekale Stadium. Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat. Finch and Warner got a decent start with 43 43-run partnership in the powerplay. From there, they managed a healthy strike rate, and SL ballers also controlled the inning.

ss

At the end of the 15th over, Aussies were 117/4. Marcus Stoinis took charge in the last 5 overs, banging his muscles,s scoring 39 off 23 balls. They managed 59 runs in the last 05 overs, taking the total up to 176/5.

Sri Lanka openers Nissanka and Gunathilaka couldn't have the perfect start. They were a bit slow, considering the required run rate. Anyhow, they made 49/1 in the powerplay. From there, trying to accelerate, Sri Lanka lost regular wickets, making it harder to chase.

---

In the last 5 overs, Sri Lanka needed 77 runs with 4 wickets remaining. Dasun Shanaka and Chamika Karunarathna were in the middle, without a successful swing of the bat. Particularly, Shanaka had scored just 6 runs in his first 12 balls. Two quiet overs were bowled by the Aussies.

Hazlewood took the 18th over, where everything began. Sri Lanka needed 58 off 17 balls; a near-impossible task. Dasun Shanaka was on the strike. Two big sixes, and two fours; resulting 22-run over. Hopes were alive once again.

Jhye Richardson got the 19th, and Shanaka started with a six. It was followed by two fours by the two batters. Another good over for Sri Lanka, taking 19 runs.

---

---

Kane Richardson had to defend 19 runs in the final over. The first two balls were wides, and then two singles. 15 needed from 4. Shanaka displayed the fireworks. 4,4, and a 6. Shanaka finished it off in style with a ball and 4 wickets to spare. He scored 54 runs off just 25 balls, including 5 sixes and 4 boundaries.

He awarded as the man of the match, for the historical inning, and for delivering a memorable win.

See you at the next episode!! You can always suggest a match to discuss in the next episode.

src - espncricinfo

Thank you.
Best Regards!