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Klinger shines as Australia pick up consolation win

22 February 2017

Michael Klinger and spinner Adam Zampa shine as Australia claimed a consolation 41-run victory in the third Twenty20 international against Sri Lanka. The 24-year-old leg-spinner triggered a Sri Lankan collapse - five wickets falling for just 23 runs midway through the innings - from which they were unable to recover.

James Faulkner also chipped in with three wickets as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 146. That came after half-centuries from openers Aaron Finch and Michael Klinger who had built the platform for Australia to post 187-6 from their 20 overs in the final match of the three-game series.

Klinger had to wait the best part of two decades to make his international debut, but he had to wait just three innings to bring up his first half-century for Australia. After knocks of 38 and 43 in the opening two matches, the third T20I and the final match of the home summer on Australian soil allowed the 36-year-old to finally have his moment in the sun, as he brought up his maiden fifty off 36 balls.

He added another 12 to that tally before being run out on 62 off 43 deliveries in the 19th over. Australia aren’t scheduled to play another T20I until next February and the form that team will take is a mystery, but nothing will take this night at Adelaide Oval away from Klinger.

Michael Klinger is sponsored by Tockington Manor School.

Join Michael Klinger for the 2017 summer with a Gloucestershire Cricket membership. Click here for more information.

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