ICC T20 World Cup

The Australians showed their resilience once again in the manner the side picked itself up from the mat at the Kensington Oval on Sunday. In the process, they did pass on some hope to India who looked completely down and out after their defeat to West Indies.

Seemingly down for the count at 67 for five in the 11th over, Australia, following a remarkable turnaround, outplayed Sri Lanka by a massive 81 runs in a Group `F' Super Eights match of the ICC World Twenty20.

Man of the Match Cameron White (85*) and the left-handed Michael Hussey (39*) orchestrated the Aussie revival with the willow with an unbeaten 101-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Australia finished at a challenging 168 for five.

Then, Dirk Nannes, Shaun Tait and Mitchell Johnson bounced out the Sri Lankans on a typical Barbados surface with pace and lift.

With two victories in as many games and backed by a healthy net run-rate, Australia is virtually through to the semifinals. Sri Lanka, with a win in two games, may have to endure some moments of anxiety against India.

When the Sri Lankans chased, the Australian quicks were on fire. The in-form Mahela Jayawardene could not connect a pull off left-arm speedster Nannes properly and was held in the deep. Kumar Sangakkara fell to the hook trap laid by Tait and soon Sanath Jayasuriya swung across a fullish delivery from Nannes, missed, and was adjudged leg-before.

Tillekaratne Dilshan, waded into Shane Watson but his uppish cut off left-arm quick Johnson was sensationally held by a diving White at point. Sri Lanka was struggling at 48 for four. Australia closed out the match ruthlessly.

Australia gathered a whopping 81 runs in the final six over as White, supported splendidly by Michael Hussey, put his foot on the accelerator.

Perhaps, White's most memorable stroke was an effortless off-drive for a six when Mendis flighted one. And left-arm paceman Chanaka Welegedara was muscled over the sightscreen by the imposing White.

At the other end, the canny Michael Hussey rotated the strike with deft placements – the right-left combination disrupted the line of the bowlers – and the runs began to flow. The smart left-hander can clobber the ball as well and on one occasion got under a low ball for a fierce straight hit for a six off slinger Lasith Malinga.

The Sri Lankans missed the experience and craft of off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan in the second half of the innings. Muralitharan has flown home after aggravating a groin injury.