OZ break jinx
Beat SL; rain spoils Day 4 of WI Test
Half-centuries from Aaron Finch and skipper Steve Smith helped Australia pull off a tricky chase to defeat a resilient Sri Lanka by three wickets in the first one-day international in Colombo on Sunday.
Australia, who suffered their first series whitewash against the hosts in the three Tests, chased down 228 in 46.5 overs at the R. Premadasa Stadium to lead the five-match ODI series 1-0.
India stood on the brink of losing their number one status in the world as the fourth day's play in the fourth and penultimate cricket Test against West Indies was abandoned owing to wet outfield on Sunday..
Efforts to get the Queen's Park Oval ready for play were given up in the very first hour of day four as the umpires called it off at 10.25 local time.
The first inspection was scheduled at 10, and the umpires deemed the ground unfit for any cricket for a third day running.
Pacers James Faulkner and Mitchell Starc, who became the fastest to reach 100 wickets in his 52nd match, also played their part with seven wickets between them after Australia elected to bowl first.
Opener Finch, who scored a quickfire 56, gave Australia a brisk start despite the early wicket of David Warner, who was out for eight after a scratchy 17-ball stay at the crease.
Finch took on the Sri Lankan bowlers with ease in the first 10 overs of the mandatory powerplay as he regularly cleared the infield to notch up seven boundaries and two sixes during his 46-ball knock.
Finch, who registered his 12th ODI half-century, fell to
debutant left-arm spinner Amila Aponso after edging the ball to Sri Lankan skipper Angelo Mathews at first slip. On-field umpire Aleem
Dar ruled Finch not out before Sri Lanka successfully reviewed the decision in their favour much to the disappointment of the batsman.