'Kaspa' seals series for Australia
Saturday, February 28 2004
Michael Kasprowicz made the best of one of limited opportunity in international cricket, by bowling Australia to victory in the fourth One Day International against Sri Lanka. With the win Australia sealed the series with a 3-1 result and one more game to be played.
Sri Lanka, set to chase just 234 for victory, experienced a massive collapse of eight wickets for 50 runs as they crashed to 193 all out. Kasprowicz snared 5 for 45 in his nine overs to inspire the tumble. He began by dismissing Jayasuriya (0) without a team run on the board, then returned to get Sangakkara (101), Chandana (13), Vaas (0) and Lokuarachchi (18).
Earlier Ponting won the toss and chose to bat first, then saw Gilchrist (14), Hayden (15) and Martyn (1) out with 62 on the board. The Australian captain then revived the innings somewhat due an attacking half-century in the midst of a 74-run partnership with Symonds (53). Champion spinner Muralitharan (3/44) eventually accounted for Ponting at 67 off 79 balls, and Symonds 41 runs later - 177/5.
Once more Bevan (14) struggled somewhat until he gave a return catch to Murali after spending 35 balls at the crease. Indeed, it took a cameo of 36 off 32 balls from Michael Clarke to push Australia to their eventual total of 233 all out. Chandana had the best figures for the home side - 3/37.
After the loss of Jayasuriya and Atapattu (19), Jayawardene (25) joined Sangakkara and the two added 63 runs to the cause. Ultimately Sangakkara was the only resistance however, and checked out for 101 from 110 balls, whilst striking fifteen fours.
Australia, the victors by 40 runs, also received the Man of the Match award of their troupes, as Kasprowicz went on to accept.
Match Summary:
Australia innings 233 ao (47.4 overs)
(RT Ponting 67 [79], A Symonds 53 [76], MJ Clarke 36 [32])
(UDU Chandana 3/37 [7.4], M Muralitharan 3/44 [10])
Sri Lanka innings 193 ao (43.4 overs)
(KC Sangakkara 101 [110])
(MS Kasprowicz 5/45 [9], GB Hogg 2/32 [6.4])
Result: Australia won by 40 runs
Series: 3-1 [5] (Aus)
Man of the Match: MS Kasprowicz
Posted by Liam
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