In a Dead rubber match of the 2007-08 CB series, SriLanka defeated Australia by a victory margin of 13 Runs. India and Australia have already sealed a place in the Finals and this match turned out to be a Consolation Win for Australia. Earlier, Srilanka won the loss and elected to Bat, struggled after an early loss of the opener Diluwara Perara for 5 trapped infront of the Wicket by Lee. Jayasuriya, playing his Last game in Australia played some aggressive strokes and the Six of Lee delivery was a notable one. But Bracken accounted for Jayasuriya when he was on 23. After a Middle order batting collapse, Skipper Jayawardena and T.Dilshan restored the Lankan innings before Jayawardena fell for 50 Runs.
T.Dilshan and Chamara Silva added some useful runs at the end and SriLanka were all out for 221 in 50 overs. After a Dream Start by the Veteran Keeper Adam Gilchrist who scored 50 off 35 deliveries, Australians were very much in the Victory course. All of the sudden it changed when Hopes was dismissed on 28 by Muralitharan, when the team scoreboard read 107. It was the beginning of the end for Australia as their middle order collapsed by loosing 5 wickets for 8 Runs.
Australia were reduced to 142 for 7 before Hogg and LEE accomplished a recovery Job. After some recovery, Hogg fell prey to a beautiful delivery from Murali. Australian were further reduced to 173 for 9. But a brave last wicket Partnership of 35 Runs between Bracken and Lee helped Australia to reach the brim of victory before Sanath Jayasuriya ended the Australian hopes by Castling Brett Lee in his First and Last delivery of the Match. Australia were bowled out for 208 in 48.1 Overs with a equire target of 14 runs in 11 Balls. Adam Gilchrist was declared Man of the Match for his Blitzkrieg 83 of 50 Balls.
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