SL win, make it tough for India

Sri Lanka moved to the top of the table in the Commonwealth Bank tri-series beating Australia by three wickets with four balls to spare at the Bellerieve Oval on Friday.

Sri Lanka moved to the top of the table in the Commonwealth Bank tri-series beating Australia by three wickets with four balls to spare at the Bellerieve Oval on Friday.

Captain Mahela Jayawardene (85) and Dinesh Chandimal (80) led Sri Lanka to a record ODI chase at Hobart, overhauling the 281-run target after pulling Australia back in the slog overs and restricting them to 280/6.

Sri Lanka top the table with 15 points — one ahead of the hosts, while India are in third position with 10 points. India will now have to win both their remaining matches if they are to have any chance of qualifying for the finals.

Electing to bat, Australia suffered early blows with both the openers back in the pavilion with just 27 on the board. However, Peter Forrest, took over the No.3 spot vacated by Ricky Ponting, struck a brilliant century (104) to take Australia to 280 for six.

Sri Lanka were quick off the blocks thanks to Jayawardene. He was supported by Chandimal, who jumped to the top spot of run-getters with 306 runs. The Lankans were well on their way to reaching the target, but some panicky hitting towards the end made the contest close. Needing 79 runs at a run a ball, they lost four quick wickets and had to be saved by some late heroics from Thisara Perera.