Australia edge Sri Lanka by five runs

New Zealand Star (IANS) Friday 10th February, 2012

Angelo Matthew's valiant 50 went in vain as Australia scored a five-run victory over Sri Lanka in the third match of the ODI tri-series here Friday.

Sri Lanka looked down and out at 147 for seven while chasing 232 before Matthews took the match to the last over where the visitors needed 18 runs.

But, his courageous 64-run knock brought the end of the match as Sri Lanka were all out for 226 for their second defeat in as many matches. Mitchell Starc, Xavier Doherty and Daniel Christian took two wickets each for Australia.

Sri Lanka were nine down for 180 and it seemed like an easy win for Australia but for the 10th wicket stand of 46 between Matthews and Dhammika Prasad, who remained unbeaten on 15.

Matthews collected 10 runs off the first two balls in the last over bowled by Starc, bringing the WACA crowd and players on either side of the dressing room on the edge of their seats.

The all-rounder got back the strike again with his team needing six off last two balls. But he mis-timed a good length ball and Christian took an easy catch at long-on.

Earlier, Australia posted 231, with skipper Michael Clarke (57) being the top-scorer. Opener David Warner (34) and Christian (33) made valuable contributions.