IndiaPost.com - Australia beat Sri Lanka by 128 runs

SYDNEY: Australia defeated Sri Lanka by 128 runs in the third cricket tri-series one-dayer here. Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden, who returned to the team after missing out the opening match against India because of an injury, provided a rollicking start by putting on 65 runs in 12 overs.

But in the very next over, Sri Lanka's first change bowler Ishara Amerasinghe struck to give his team their first breakthrough by removing a firing Hayden, who hit five fours in his 50-ball knock. Amerasinghe got Hayden caught by Mahela Jayawardene in slips.

Hayden contributed 42 while James Hopes made 34 (20 balls) as the two teams met for the first time after their World Cup final clash. Gilchrist batted cautiously but at the other end of the crease Ponting, returning from a back injury, was sent back to pavilion even before he could settle down. Ponting made just nine off 22 balls before falling prey to a Chaminda Vaas delivery.

Gilchrist also followed his captain when he tried to play across the line and he got trapped leg before wicket by Chamara Kapugedera. The wicketkeeper-batsmen, who is playing the last tournament of his career, left the Australians comfortably placed at 139 for 3 after 31.4 overs.

Next batsman in, Andrew Symonds flopped as he was cheaply dismissed for an individual score of 12 as he flashed to extra cover where Kapugedera took a great head-high catch. Clarke, however flourished against the Sri Lankan bowling attack hitting two fours and one six, which he lofted over long-on off Muttiah Muralitharan early in his innings.

He mostly scored in singles and twos while the Sri Lankan bowling attack was again found wanting in slog overs. Clarke also partnered with Hopes for a quick 63-run sixth wicket stand before the latter fell in the final over of the innings.

The Lankan innings began on a disastrous note with veteran Sanath Jayasuriya being bowled by Brett Lee or seven while his partner Upul Tharanga was dismissed on the next ball to leave the tourists at a precarious 18-2.

Captain Mahela Jayawardene (6), Chamara Silva (7), Tillekratene Dilshan (14) and Chamara Kapugedara (0) fell in quick succession to allow the Aussies take command of the game.