Stoinis brilliance secures Aussies victory

A Marcus Stoinis masterclass has helped Australia defeat Sri Lanka in their T20 World Cup clash at Perth Stadium.

Stoinis belted the fasted international T20 by an Australian and the second fastest 50 in T20 World Cup history off just 17 balls to help the home side to a seven-wicket victory chasing the target of 158 in the 17th over.

Skipper Aaron Finch finished on 31 carrying his bat through the innings but did nothing to stop the critics who are calling for him to be dropped.

After the match Finch gave Stoinis glowing praise telling reporters "it was a pretty special innings."

"When you walk out to bat and have that presence, it is half the battle in T20 cricket and when you have the strength and the skill that he's got, it's a pretty good combo.

"I'm very happy … obviously my innings was poor, I just couldn't hit the ball, but I thought the way we approached it with the bat was fine."

Earlier, the Aussie bowlers share the spoils as Sri Lanka reached 6/157. Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Mitchelll Starc, Ashton Agar and Glenn Maxwell all claiming a wicket each.

Agar is expected to make way for Adam Zampa to return for the upcoming clash against England after missing with COVID.

Australia are back in action on Friday night when they play England at the MCG.

IMAGE: FILE