The Australians have a reason to rejoice. Having been at the receiving end of a woeful Test whitewash, the tourists rose to the occasion, sealing the ODI series with a game to spare. Now it is down to the shortest format, as two T20s will be contested to decide the winner. Before things kick off tomorrow, let’s take a look at the T20 numbers between the two sides.
Since 2007
The first ever T20 between Sri Lanka and Australia took place during the 2007 ICC World T20 Championship in South Africa. In the group game at Cape Town, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 101, a total which was comfortably chased down by Australia in 10 overs. Matthew Hayden scored a dauntless 58 in 38 balls while skipper Adam Gilchrist made a quick fire 31 in 25 deliveries. Sri Lanka was captained by Mahela Jayawardene.
Sri Lanka recorded their first ever win over Australia in a T20, in their next meeting, which was during the 2009 T20 World Cup. At Nottingham, Sri Lanka claimed a 6 wicket win over the team led by Ricky Ponting. Australia made 159/9 in their 20 overs while Sri Lanka sealed the win in the penultimate over. Kumar Sangakkara scored 55 (42), TM Dilshan made 53 (32) while Jehan Mubarak slammed a vital 21 run cameo in 12 balls in the end.
Sri Lanka vs Australia Head to Head T20 Record –
- Played – 8
- Sri Lanka – 6
- Australia – 2
Recap of the last decade
During Sri Lanka’s tour of Australia 2010/11, the only T20 played at Perth was claimed by Sri Lanka. In 2011 when Australia travelled to Sri Lanka, both T20s were played at Pallekele, with the home team claiming wins on both occasions.
In Australia during the 2012/13 tour, Sri Lanka sealed the T20 series 2-0, winning the games at Melbourne and Sydney.
In the Lion’s Den
So far, two T20s have been played in Sri Lanka between the two teams. Sri Lanka has won both.
Pallekele International Cricket Stadium
The only two T20s played in Sri Lanka between the two sides was played at this venue during Australia’s tour to Sri Lanka in 2011.
Sri Lanka’s T20 record at Pallekele –
- Played – 10
- Won – 7
- Lost – 1
- Tied – 1
- No Result – 1
RPS
Despite Sri Lanka’s impressive ODI record at the RPS, their T20 record has been quite disappointing.
Sri Lanka’s T20 record at the RPS –
- Played – 10
- Won – 1
- Lost – 9
Sri Lanka and Australia are yet to face each other in a T20 at the venue.
Batting Records
- Most runs – T.M. Dilshan (247 runs in 8 innings) (Avg. 35.28)
- Most runs for Australia – David Warner (177 runs in 7 innings) (Avg. 29.50)
- Most runs in Sri Lanka – T.M. Dilshan (108 runs in 2 innings) (Avg. 108.00)
- Most runs for Australia (in SL) – David Warner (69 runs in 2 innings) (Avg. 34.50)
- Highest individual score – T.M. Dilshan (104* at Pallekele, 2011)
- Highest individual score for Australia – David Warner (90* at Sydney, 2013)
Bowling Records
- Most wickets – Ajantha Mendis (10 wickets in 5 innings) (Avg. 12.90)
- Most wickets for Australia – Brett Lee (8 wickets in 4 innings) (Avg. 17.87)
- Most wickets in Sri Lanka – Ajantha Mendis (6 wickets in 1 inning) (Avg. 2.66)
- Best Bowling – Ajantha Mendis (6 for 16 at Pallekele, 2011)
