White smashes Sri Lanka

Mon, 10 May 2010

DEC Bushrangers captain Cameron White smashed 85 not out as Australia secured a spot in the ICC World Twenty20 with an 81-run victory over Sri Lanka.

Coming in with the Aussies in trouble at 4-30, White took control and clubbed six 4s and six 6s in his innings that lasted 49 balls. With the help of Michael Hussey (39 not out off 26), the 26-year-old steered Australia to 5-168 off its 20 overs.

Sri Lanka was no match in the run-chase, with Victorian quick Dirk Nannes capturing two early wickets, while Mitchell Johnson took 3-15 and Steve Smith 2-15. Only three Sri Lankan batsman reached double figures, with Tillakaratne Dilshan the best with 20.

The win secures Australia a place in the semi-finals and meets hosts West Indies in the next round of the Super Eights.