Unorthodox Sri Lanka bowler Ajantha Mendis has left Australia in a spin to seal a thrilling eight-run victory in a mesmerising second and final Twenty20 match on Monday.
The unpredictable right-arm spin bowler tore through Australia’s batting line-up to claim an incredible 6-16 off his four overs, the first six-wicket haul in an international T20, as the tourists made 9-149 chasing 158.
The defeat means Australia lose the two-match series 2-0 after a 35-run defeat in Saturday’s opener in Kandy.
While Mendis’ display was imperious, it was an unbelievable piece of cricketing invention which sparked the home team’s victory.
Australia were cruising towards their victory target of 158 after restricting the home team to 9-157, despite the loss of Shane Watson after a quickfire 57 off just 24 balls (five sixes), when Sri Lanka’s vice-captain did the unthinkable.
Hauling in a David Warner (16) shot right on the edge of the boundary the quick-thinking Mathews threw the ball over 20 metres to Mahela Jayawardene as he fell over the rope to complete a remarkable and tide-turning dismissal.
Mathews’ incredible moment of skill and awareness brought the capacity crowd at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium to life as Warner fell just two runs after his opening partner.
Shaun Marsh (0) was then completely bewildered by Mendis, to be stumped by Kumar Sangakkara and 0-70 had become 3-73.
Within a few balls it got worse as Rangana Herath bowled David Hussey (2) and Australia had lost four wickets for four runs to be 4-75.
Mendis then showed he could play a huge role in the five-match one-day series and three Tests on this tour as he dismissed Steve Smith (12), Brad Haddin (0) and Mitchell Johnson (7) – all three batsmen bowled.
Earlier, John Hastings had given Australia hope with a great spell of his own, conceding just 3-14 off his four overs as the hosts were kept to a modest score despite Jayawardene’s 86.
Some lusty hitting by Australian captain Cameron White (39 off 32) almost delivered an unlikely win for Australia but needing 15 off the final over, only six runs could be found.
Australia will have little time to reflect on the loss with a five-match one-day series starting at the same venue on Wednesday.
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