Australia clinched a thrilling victory in the super over after being tied with Sri Lanka at the end of the stipulated 20 overs each for both sides in the second T20I of the five-match series at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Sunday. 

After Australia posted 164/6 at the end of their 20 overs, Sri Lanka scored 164/8 in their chase. 

In the super over, Sri Lanka could only manage 5/1, which the hosts chased down in three deliveries. 

Josh Hazlewood (3-22) lived up to his Indian Premier League auction price tag in delivering a clutch Super Over that only went for five runs to save the Aussies’ blushes following a fumbling fielding display.

Glenn Maxwell had put down two straightforward catches and Marcus Stoinis conceded 18 off the final over of the match proper, with No.9 Dushmantha Chameera hitting his first ball (the last of the innings) back over the bowler’s head for four to level the scores.

The Australians were saved by Hazlewood’s remarkable Super Over while Maxwell made up for his earlier misses with a run-out and was then at the other end when Stoinis hit the winning runs in their Super Over.

Earlier, Josh Hazlewood struck twice inside in the first powerplay, before Pat Cummins struck in the fifth over. For Australia, Josh Inglis top-scored with a fine 48 as Australia posted a total of 164 for six. 

Australia had earlier lost both their openers Aaron Finch (18) and Ben McDermott (25) for cheap. Glenn Maxwell also failed to impress as he was dismissed on 15. 

Earlier, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl at the SCG. Australia now lead the series 2-0.

--Agencies