AUSTRALIA WON THE FIRST FINAL

The first match in the best of three ‘Tri Series’ was won by Australia narrowly:
Australia defeated Sri Lanka narrowly by 15 runs in the first match of the Commonwealth Bank sponsored best of three ‘tri series’ match played under lights today at the Wooloongabba stadium in Brisbane.
Australia having won the toss chose to bat first on a placid wicket which was said contain full of runs and ideal for batting. David Warner opened with wicket keeper Wade and put on a century partnership which laid the foundation for a huge score.
 David Warner flayed the Sri Lankan attack, not only went on to score a whirlwind 163 batted from the first ball of their innings to be out only in the last ball in the 50th over when he was clean bowled by Dhammika Prasad. He was named ‘Player of the match’ This was the highest score made by any batsman at this ground in an ODI match. His inning was compiled in 157 balls and contained 13 fours and 2 huge sixes. At the end of the innings, Australia had made a huge 321 runs for the loss of 5 wickets.
For Sri Lanka it was not an easy task. Skipper Mahela Jayawardena,Tilleketana Dilshan. Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanne and Farveez Maharoof failed to make huge scores. Sangakkara made 40 odd and at that stage Sri Lanka were 144 for the loss of 6 wickets.
A century partnership between Nuwan Kulasekera and Upul Tharanga brought back signs of a Sri Lankan victory. Kulasekara in particular scored a scintillating knock of 73 runs in just 43 balls with 7 fours and 3 massive sixes which brought back life into the game which was drifting towards Australia.Dhammika Prasad joined Upul Tharanga and the pair scored runs freely until Tharanga was caught in the deep going for a big hit. He made 60 runs in 67 balls that contained only 3 fours. Dhammika Prasad who remained unbeaten on 31 with 2 fours and a huge six hit over cover off the bowling of Brett Lee.
When both tailenders Rangana Herath and Lasith Malinga were out chasing runs Sri Lanka innings folded for 306 runs in 49.2 overs. Australia was declared winners by a narrow margin of 15 runs in an exciting end giving Micheal CLarke and his team mates a scare and anxious moments.
The second final in the best three ‘tri series’ tournament is scheduled to be played at the Adelaide Oval on next Tuesday the 6th March.
THE FULL SCORECARD IS APPENDED BELOW: