Twitter reactions: Bowlers shine in Sri Lanka’s thrilling win over Australia

In a thrilling contest, Sri Lankan bowlers put up a defining show to power the home side to a series-levelling 26-run win over Australia in the second ODI. The visitors could only manage to reach 189 in pursuit of a rain-revised target of 216.

Australia lost their last five wickets for just 19 runs thanks to inspirational bowling by Chamika Karunaratne and Dushmantha Chameera. Karunaratne picked up a three-wicket haul while conceding 47 runs in seven overs. Similarly, Chameera bagged two scalps for 19 runs in 6.1 overs. Youngster Dunith Wellalage also shined with the ball, taking a couple of wickets while giving away 25 runs in five overs.

David Warner (37), Glenn Maxwell (30) and Steve Smith (30) did make some handy contributions but weren’t enough to take the tourists over the finish line.

Earlier, Pat Cummins‘ scintillating 4-wicket haul performance guided Australia to restrict Sri Lanka at 220/9 in 47.4 overs. Kusal Mendis (36), Dhananjaya de Silva (34) and Dasun Shanaka (34) chipped in with valuable knocks to ensure hosts breached the 200-run mark.

Cummins picked up a 4-fer for 35 in 8.4 overs, while Maxwell bagged two scalps for 35 in his quota of 10 overs. Debutant Matthew Kuhnemann had a good time with the ball, taking two wickets while conceding only 48 runs in 10 overs.

Here is how Twitter reacted:

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Player of the Match – Chamika Karunaratne 🔥🔥🔥#SLvAUS #CheerForLions pic.twitter.com/LiCSggCv4Y

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) June 16, 2022

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What a finish!

Sri Lanka’s bowlers were outstanding as they defended 215 #SLvAUS

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) June 16, 2022

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Massive massive win not only for @OfficialSLC but for all Sri Lankans .. what joy .. Well done lads .. now that was a very good team performance and needed to come from within 👏👏👏Proud .. very proud #SlVaus

— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) June 16, 2022

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Hard fought win from the boys at Pallekele💪
Proud of the way our bowlers rallied around to defend a low score. We should keep this attitude going forward.

Loved seeing the smiles of the crowd❤️ #SLvAUS

— Lasith Malinga (@ninety9sl) June 16, 2022

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Sri Lanka tie the series 1-1 after an incredible fightback to win the second #SLvAUS ODI 👏 pic.twitter.com/bHTqhWIBiZ

— ICC (@ICC) June 17, 2022

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wao what a show from this young @OfficialSLC side beat Australia by 26 runs in 2nd ODI.. Chamika Karunaratne took 3 wickets + important run out of Alex Carey at crucial time. Aus last 5 wickets went down on only 19 runs #AUSvSL #SLvsAUS pic.twitter.com/KeAdhwXrOD

— Shakeel Khan Khattak (@ShakeelktkKhan) June 16, 2022

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Chamika Karunaratne has the knack of taking crucial wickets.

— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) June 16, 2022

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Questions about Chamika Karunaratne’s place in the team have been answered for the time being. He’s just made things happen every time he’s been given the opportunity. #SLvAUS

— Estelle Vasudevan (@Estelle_Vasude1) June 16, 2022

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Dunith took Smith’s and agar’s wicket in the 1st odi, head’s and marnus’s wicket in his 2nd odi.. this young boy has a bright future..#SLvAUS

— Rukaiya Riyaz (@rukaiyariyaz) June 17, 2022

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Dasun isn’t fighting for his place in the team. He is irreplaceable atm. He is trying to take the best decision for the team. He underbowled Chamika in the past. But, I don’t think he will do it anymore. Yes, I agree thier roles are conflicted. Got to define it right. #SLvAUS

— 🇱🇰✊🏽 The Lucky One ✊🏽🇱🇰 (@lakshithadasan3) June 17, 2022