by The Professor » Tue Mar 08, 2016 8:53 am
On this day in 2015 Glenn Maxwell's century led Australia to a 64 run win over Sri Lanka.
Australia, batting first, had a lot to thank Maxwell for but the early work was done by a combination of Steve Smith and Michael Clarke who got a combined total of 140. Shane Watson also contributed a quick fire 67 to take Australia to their total of 376.
It did not start brightly. Both Australia openers were out for 41 runs. This then brought together Smith and Clarke who built steadily, not wanting to give their wicket up. Boundaries were at a premium and the pair did a lot of running. As is often the case with partnerships like this, they both went within a couple of runs of each other. This gave Maxwell the stage.
Where Smith and Clarke's innings were tight on runs, Maxwell was lavish. He reached a 26 ball half century ably supported by Shane Watson. He did not slow down after that, hitting three fours in one over. He survived a tricky dropped catch and reached a 51 ball century. He and Watson had taken the total to 376.
Lahiru Thirmanne fell early in the Sri Lanka chase.
It was not all one way for Australia. Kumar Sangakkara also bagged a century, making him the first player to claim three back to back hundreds in World Cup cricket. He was aided by Tillakaratne Dilshan who got 62. Dilshan led a blessed life, however, after being dropped on 46 on his way to his half century. The pair lasted until the 16th over when Dilshan got out lbw. Mahela Jayawardene helped Sangakarra to his century which he reached off 100 balls. Sangakarra ended up caught by James Faulkner.
As Sri Lanka went on they tried to keep up the run rate but the talent of the batsmen depreciated and they ended up getting out sooner. The final nail in the coffin was the dismissal of Angelo Matthews, which left 283-5 - needing 91. Sri Lanka ended the game on 312.
"It has been said of the unseen army of the dead, on their everlasting march, that when they are passing a rural cricket ground the Englishman falls out of the ranks for a moment to look over the gate and smile."