Crazy crowd scenes rock Australia's cricket ODI win: 'Pretty special'

The cricket world has lauded the incredible scenes in Colombo after Australia won the fifth and final ODI series against Sri Lanka, having lost the series 3-2, after a rousing reception from the home crowd.

Sri Lanka had clinched the five-match series in the fourth game, but the loss narrowed the final score to 3-2.

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Finch nominated Sri Lanka's ability to build bigger partnerships as the difference.

After bowling Sri Lanka out for 160 on Friday, Australia were reeling at 3-19 in the sixth over, after losing Finch (0) David Warner (10) and debutant Josh Inglis (5).

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey (45 not out off 65 balls) paced Australia's chase on a wicket offering extravagant turn, frustrating the bowlers with a series of sweeps as his team reached their target with 10.3 overs to spare.

However, it was the scenes after the match that had the cricket world buzzing.

Following the victory Australia was awarded a stunning reception from the Colombo crowd.

Australia decided to do a lao of honour as the Sri Lankan crowd chanted: 'Australia' in scenes that resonated in the cricket world.

Australia lose ODI series against Sri Lanka

Australia struggled early in their innings against the prodigious turn from offspinner Maheesh Theekshana (2-26 off 10), but the middle order showed more composure on a turning wicket than in the past, a pleasing sign before next year's World Cup in India.

Marnus Labuschagne (31 off 58) and Mitch Marsh (24 off 50) started the recovery, adding 31.

Carey and Labuschagne put on 51 for the fifth wicket, notching just one boundary in their partnership, skilfully manoeuvring the ball into gaps rather than playing risky shots.

Australia went 94 balls without a boundary and when Glenn Maxwell (16 off 17) was cleaned up by a superb delivery from impressive 19-year-old spinner Dunith Wellalage (3-42 off 10), they still needed 40.

But Carey and Cameron Green (25 not out off 26) steered Australia to victory with a breezy partnership, the latter ending the game with a six.

"We understand where our shortcomings come. That's no secret that we tend to struggle a little bit more in these conditions when they are turning big," Finch said

"The confidence in the group to get over the line in a tight run chase, albeit (only) 160, was still really important.

"Alex Carey played a really crucial knock there.

"Looking forward, we understand we've still got to continue to improve in these conditions but these were quite extreme compared to what we might face in India.

"I'm not sure I've seen the ball spin from ball one quite like it did today, so the fact that they (Carey and Green) weathered some really good bowling, particularly Theekshana, who was on fire, was really impressive."

with AAP

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