Dilshan sinks Australia

As I've mentioned in the past, this current VB Series between Australia, Sri Lanka and South Africa(who didn't make the finals) has failed to impress. It has shown the odd, sparing sign of brilliance and exceptional individual moments, but the matches themselves has been lifeless. Until now.

What a shame I missed today's first final between Australia and South Africa. Australia choked; so often hungry for a fight - and invariably cool, calm and brilliant in any one-day final - their batting imploded today. Perhaps even more shocking than the 22-run loss is the five run-outs they suffered and four of those to Tillakaratne Dilshan. What a mess, and what a start to these finals!

My colleage Peter English was there, and summarises it perfectly:

Sri Lanka head to Sydney for Sunday's second final with a 1-0 lead and need to win only one of the following two games for an upset series victory. Australia led the group phase by 13 points, but that was not respected today as they were ambushed by a careful batting performance that carried a deadly sting in the tail. It was followed by a stunning display in the field that made their opponents' running between wickets look like the acts of social games. It could be their most costly showing of the season.

What an utter disaster, and what brilliance from Sri Lanka. As Scott recently wrote at my other blog, "[Sri Lanka] have to win the toss and bat first." They did just that. But while their implosion will hit the headlines in Australia tomorrow, I still can't get over seeing an Australian side allowing themselves five run-outs in an innings. I certainly can't remember the last time it happened (by Australia); it's positively English in the 1990s! These finals are alive and kicking. Roll on Sunday.

Will Luke writes for Cricinfo.com, edits The Corridor of Uncertainty and runs several other blogs.