Warner guides Australia to 137-3

SYDNEY (AFP) –

David Warner of Australia attempts his switch hit during the Twenty20 International match between Australia and Sri Lanka at ANZ Stadium in Sydney on January 26, 2013. Warner reached 137 for three in the match.

Big-hitting opener David Warner played a lone hand as Australia reached 137 for three in the first T20 international against Sri Lanka at Sydney Olympic Stadium on Saturday.

Warner scored 90 off just 62 balls, blasting five fours and three huge sixes on a difficult batting wicket.

Adam Voges was the next highest scorer with 25, while Nuwan Kulasekara was the pick of the bowlers with 1-21 from his four overs.

After Australian skipper George Bailey won the toss and decided to bat, the home side got away to a slow start.

Sri Lanka struck in just the second over when debutant Kushal Perera took a spectacular diving catch at cover to dismiss Aaron Finch off Kulasekara’s bowling.

While Warner was seemingly untroubled at one end, Sean Marsh struggled to get the bowling away.

The pressure eventually told when Marsh hit the ball straight to Tillakaratne Dilshan at point and took off for a run only to be sent back by Warner.

Dilshan’s underarm throw from side on clipped the stumps with Marsh still metres out of his crease.

Sri Lanka continued to keep the Australian scoring under control with some tight bowling by the seamers.

Bailey released the pressure somewhat with a huge straight six off Thisara Perera, but two balls later he tamely hit a catch straight to Dilshan at point.

Warner was keeping the Australian innings afloat and brought up his 50 off just 37 balls when he bludgeoned a four through the covers.

Voges offered good support but he also found it hard to score quickly and it was only Warner’s big hitting that allowed Australia to post a competitive total.