Kulasekara claims 5 wickets as Australia out for humiliating 74 in 3rd ODI against Sri Lanka

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

BRISBANE, Australia — Nuwan Kulasekara claimed five wickets to rip through Australia’s top order and help Sri Lanka dismiss the hosts for a humiliating 74 in the third limited-overs international Friday.

Australia, boasting the return of regular captain Michael Clarke, and test stars David Warner and Matthew Wade, crumbled in the face of Kulasekara (5-22) after winning the toss and electing to bat first.

Once Angelo Mathews (1-10) had Warner caught in the second over, Kulasekara removed opening partner Phil Hughes, David Hussey, George Bailey, Clarke and Moises Henriques in succession to leave the hosts reeling on 30-6.

Tailender Mitchell Starc top scored with an unbeaten 22, rescuing Australia from an even more dismal score, having been 40-9.

Warner made just 4 runs before offering a catch to Eranga at mid-on and Hughes had 3 when he became Kulasekara’s first victim with an edge to slip three overs later.

Hussey was ruled caught behind for 4 after Sri Lanka appealed to the TV umpire and Bailey followed lbw the next ball without scoring.

Clarke, a prolific scorer in test cricket this Australian summer, made 9 runs before losing his middle stump and Henriques (2) joined him in the dressing room two balls later with Australia facing a humbling total.

Lasith Malinga chimed in shortly after to remove test wicketkeeper Wade for 8 runs and dismissed Clint McKay for a duck.

Starc and spinner Xavier Doherty shared a gritty 34-run partnership for the last wicket before Eranga had Dohery caught by Jeevan Mendis for 15 to end the innings.

01:25ET 18-01-13