Sri Lanka vs Australia 2017: 2nd T20, 5 Talking Points

Modified Feb 19, 2017 19:30 IST

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 19: Moises Henriques of Australia bats during the second International Twenty20 match between Australia and Sri Lanka at Simonds Stadium on February 19, 2017 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) — Moises Henriques slammed a superb half-century for the hosts

#2 Gunaratne stepping up in Mathews' absence

GEELONG, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 19: Asela Gunaratne of Sri Lanka is congratulated by team mates after hitting the winning runs to win the second International Twenty20 match between Australia and Sri Lanka at Simonds Stadium on February 19, 2017 in Geelong, Australia. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images) — Gunaratne has been in terrific touch for the Sri Lankans

Asela Gunaratne has been in great nick for the Sri Lankans. A hundred in the final ODI against the Proteas gave him some momentum and he carried that form to Australia, where he slammed a half-century in the first T20.

Not satisfied with that, the all-rounder single-handedly led Sri Lanka in a chase of 174. With his team in dire straits at 40/5, Gunaratne stepped up and played some outrageous strokes en route to another magnificent half-century.

Gunaratne's form has seen him nail down the finisher's slot in the limited over squads.