Australia’s limited-overs captain Aaron Finch thanked Sri Lankan fans for turning out in their support in the fifth and final ODI at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Friday (June 24).
The touring side won the final ODI by 4 wickets against Sri Lanka, though the hosts clinched the series 3-2. The Sri Lankan fans were seen wearing yellow jerseys in support of Australia for touring the island nation despite the economic crisis.
Finch said after the game, paying tribute to the hosts' fans, that they are very grateful to be able to tour the county and hope to have brought some smiles to their faces with their game during the white-ball series, which is taking place during the country's worst financial crisis since its independence in 1948.
Aaron Finch told reporters: “We're very grateful that we've been able to tour here. We know the difficulties that Sri Lanka has faced in recent times. Hopefully, over these eight white-ball games, we've been able to provide some joy to people in the country.”
He signed off by saying, “It was outstanding, the Sri Lankan people are wonderful people. The support that they provide is second to none. They are great cricket supporters, it's not just constant noise, they ride the emotions of the game. When Sri Lanka is up and about, that's as loud as anywhere you'll visit in the world.”
Notably, Australia won the T20I series 2-1 before Sri Lanka bounced back to win the ODI series with 3-2 margin. The two teams will now face each other in the two-match Test series from June 29.
(With Reuters Inputs)
