New Delhi: The Australian white-ball cricket team were left awe-struck upon receiving an incredible reception at a full house R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo after the fifth and final One-day-International match. The Sri Lankan crowd present inside the stadium chanted 'Australia, Australia' to thank the visitors for touring Sri Lanka at a time when the island nation is dealing with the worst economic crisis of its history.
The Australian cricket team defeated Sri Lanka by four wickets in the final ODI match at the R Premadasa Stadium on Friday. Australia won the T20 series 2-1, but lost the ODI series 2-3. Now, a two-Test series will be played between the two nations in Galle from June 29.
Thousands of Sri Lankan fans wearing traditional colors of Australian jersey came to the R Premadasa Stadium for the final ODI to thank the visiting team for coming to their crisis-hit nation, which Finch felt was quite amazing.
Speaking about the difficulties Sri Lankans have faced in the last few months due to the economic crisis, Aaron Finch said, "The series was hard fought, but credit to Sri Lanka for the way they played, they deserve the win. Pleased with the way we performed. I would like to thank all the fans, they have been amazing. Hope we are able to bring some happiness to the people of the country."
Australia all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, in a video quoted by cricket.com.au, said, "Everyone is dressed in yellow. They had Australian flags. It is very special and the credit goes to all those who are here. It has obviously been such a tough time for the locals. They expected both the teams to entertain them and they have had a great time during the one-day series."