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Aussies set big target for gutsy Sri Lanka

by Pete Smith , 4 years ago

3 minute read

Australia continued momentum from their Twenty20 series clean sweep to set Sri Lanka a tough victory target in their one-day international.

RACHAEL HAYNES of Australia bats during the International Twenty20 series between Australia and New Zealand at North Sydney Oval in Sydney, Australia.
RACHAEL HAYNES of Australia bats during the International Twenty20 series between Australia and New Zealand at North Sydney Oval in Sydney, Australia. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Half centuries to Rachael Haynes, Meg Lanning and Ash Gardner lifted Australia to a challenging 8-281 in the opening one-day international of their three-match series against Sri Lanka at Allan Border Field in Brisbane.

The visitors fought back with the ball in the back half of the innings, with Australia well placed at 2-143 at the midway point.

Captain Lanning looked in imperious touch to top-score with a superb 73 off 66 balls for her fourth consecutive ODI half century as Australia reached 1-138, but her dismissal kick-started Sri Lanka's fightback.

Opener Alyssa Healy was unable to follow up her midweek record-breaking Twenty20 century to be caught and bowled for 8.

Sri Lanka were able to put the brakes on Australia's charge during the middle overs, aided by a double breakthrough. Firstly Lanning fell, and then Haynes for 56 following a 126-run second-wicket stand.

There was a rare failure for Ellyse Perry, with the all-rounder bringing up her 3000th ODI run before being narrowly run out after attempting a quick single.

Mooney followed up last weekend's T20 century with a confident 66, only to be stumped as Australia looked to build the run rate late in the innings. Ash Gardner fell for just 7.

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