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ICC Men's T20 World Cup Sri Lanka, Dubai International Cricket Stadium Sri Lanka 154-6 (20 runs): Asalanka 35 25 (25), Perera35 (27); Zampa 2--12 Australia 155-3 (17 runs): Warner 65 (42), Finch37 (23); Hasaranga 2--22 Australia won by seven wickets Scorecard
Australia's 100% record at the Men's T20 World Cup was maintained with a dominating seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka.
Opening batter David Warner scored a fluent 65 runs from 42 balls to secure victory. He needed only 25 to fall in the 15th against Australia.
Steve Smith finished the job with an unbeaten 28 and Marcus Stoinis with three runs to spare.
Although Sri Lanka's 154-6 looked strong on slow pitches, their bowlers were not as good as openers Warner (who made 37) and Aaron Finch (who made 70). This helped Australia to their victory.
Australia and England will meet in Dubai at 15:00 BST on Saturday. This is when the perfect record of one team must end.
Warner finds his groove
Warner was already under pressure prior to this game. Sunrisers Hyderabad dropped Warner in the Indian Premier League. He made only one run in Australia's warm-up matches, and only 14 in Saturday's win over South Africa.
The wicketkeeper Kusal Perera made a stunning catch on 18 and Warner was left with no choice but to save his life.
He scored his first boundary with a reverse sweep, which set the tone for his innings. He was a master of picking the gaps and refusing to allow any bowler to settle, which is quite different from how Adam Zampa, Sri Lanka's leg-spinner, played.
Charith Asalanka had made Sri Lanka 78-1 in 10 overs, but they were unable to capitalize on that platform. Zampa was the player of the match and took 2-12 of four fantastic overs.
Sri Lanka's bowlers had something to defend with a quick unbeaten 33 from 26 balls by Bhanuka Rajapaksa.
They failed to create any pressure, as Warner and Finch were able to release their arms through wayward bowling. This allowed them to form a seven-over partnership that effectively ended the contest.
Success in the UAE is all about chasing your dreams
The team chasing has won nine of the 10 Super 12 games.
Only Afghanistan was able to defend the total, having posted 190 runs before being bowled out by Scotland for 60.
The dew that settles in evenings makes it difficult to grip the ball, which gave the advantage to the team batting first. This was the subject of much of the pre-tournament conversation.
This World Cup seems to offer something different in a format that is increasingly popular. Scores of 140-150 seem more competitive, as spin plays an increasing role.
It works only if you have your bowlers backing you up. Sri Lanka didn't quite do it right. Just ask Dushmantha Chamela...
"Australia are one to watch out for" - What they said
Captain of Sri Lanka, Dasun Shanaka: "We got a good start but we couldn't capitalize in the middle phase and we were 25-30 runs short."
Aaron Finch, Australia captain: "That was an excellent performance. They started off well and Adam Zampa, in particular, dragged it back to the middle for us. This allowed Mitchell Starc to make an impact.
"It felt as if they were going at 15 runs per over during the powerplay. The ball was flying a little bit, but it was a good wicket. It was great to chase that down."
Stuart Law, a former Australia cricketer, on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra: "You cannot ever count Australia out in a contest. While I don't believe this puts them above England or Pakistan, who are both looking hot, they are one to watch for right now.
