ABOC-Cricinfo

Ricky Ponting power Australia to victory

Australia won the 2nd ODI against Sri Lanka

Ricky Ponting splintered an remarkable 90 not out to push Australia to an straightforward eight-wicket success over Sri Lanka in the 2nd one-day international on Sunday.

Ricky Ponting hit (1 six) and (8* 4) in his 106-ball knock and captain Michael Clarke completed an unbeaten 58 because Australia surpassed Sri Lanka's total of 208 with further than 11 overs to extra for a 2-0 lead in the 5^th match series.

The double act had also scored half-centuries in their team's 7-wicket win in the previous match.

Fast bowler Doug Bollinger led Australia's closely controlled attack with three wickets to restrict Sri Lanka to a self-effacing total before Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke ensured success with their 107-run position.

Michael Clarke, playing his 200th one-day international, strike (2*6) and four boundaries in his 67-ball knock.

Ricky Ponting also additional 94 for the second wicket with in-form opener Shane Watson 43 runs after the early dismissal of Brad Haddin.

Shane Watson, who becomes the first batsman to complete 1,000 runs in one-dayers this year, was bowled by paceman Lasith Malinga after striking (1*6) and (4*4) in his 51-ball knock.

Doug Bollinger was earlier excellently backed by pace bowlers Mitchell Johnson and Brett Lee, who bagged two wickets apiece.

Former captain Kumar Sangakkara top-scored for Sri Lanka with an unwearied 52, hitting just 1*6 and 1*4 in his 85-ball knock. He additional 63 for the fifth wicket with Angelo Mathews (35).

Lower-order batsman Nuwan Kulasekara helped Sri Lanka cross the 200-mark with a quick 31-ball 34.

Kumar Sangakkara cut down just when he looked like stepping up the run-rate, caught by Mitchell Johnson at long-on while attempt a gigantic shot off spinner David Hussey in the 37th over.

Australia gained the higher hand when they summary Sri Lanka to 77-4, with Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Doug Bollinger and left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty attractive one wicket each.

Captain Tillakaratne Dilshan (24), Mahela Jayawardena (17) and Upul Tharanga (13) all get starts, but nothing could play a big bang.