SL vs AUS: Sri Lankan Skipper Dasun Shanaka Calls Chamika Karunaratne 'Born Warrior' After Win Over Australia In 2nd ODI

Sri Lanka skipper Dasun Shanaka praised bowler Chamika Karunaratne and termed him a “natural fighter” after his team’s 26-run victory against Australia in the second ODI of the five-match series. 

Karunaratne’s three-wicket haul, which was followed by two wickets apiece from Dushmantha Chameera, Dhananjaya de Silva, and Dunith Wellalage, enabled Sri Lanka to restrict Australia to 189 and win by 26 runs in the second One-Day International on Thursday at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. 

We Were A Few Runs Short: Dasun Shanaka

Sri Lankan skipper Shanaka felt that opposition bowlers bowled really well up front and his team was a few runs short. However, they had a feeling and the trust that their bowlers would be able to defend.

 “The Australians bowled really well upfront. We were a few runs short. But when we went onto the field, I had a feeling and the trust that our bowlers would defend.

On wickets like this, we knew it would turn. We didn’t take the right options with the bat and we need to come up with the right options in the next game,” said Shanaka in a post-match presentation. 

“Chamika is a born warrior. He delivers whenever I throw the ball to him. Same with Dushmantha as well. Even on the field the attitude and the concentration is top class. At last, I must thank the crowd,” he added. 

Sri Lanka Makes Comeback In The Series

When given the opportunity to bat first, Sri Lanka struggled, scoring only 220 runs for nine wickets after their innings was cut short by 2.2 overs due to rain. 

Pat Cummins was the standout of the Australian bowlers, taking four wickets, while Glenn Maxwell and Matthew Kuhnemann both grabbed two. 

The goal for the second innings was changed to 216 in 43 overs. Australia were never able to match Sri Lanka’s total and were dismissed for 189. Only David Warner and Glenn Maxwell were able to get a 30 and a 30 respectively. 

The one-day international series is presently tied at 1-1. On Sunday, both teams will face off in the third One-Day International at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. 

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