Australia set SL 322 to win first tri-nations final

Brisbane: Opener David Warner plundered 163 to help Australia to an imposing 321 for six before he was bowled on the last ball of the innings Sunday in the first Tri-series final against Sri Lanka. Warner hit 13 boundaries and two sixes and faced 157 balls before he was bowled by Dammika Prasad, who had put down a sharp chance that was smashed back at him two balls earlier. The 25-year-old Warner was impressive right through the innings, posting his maiden ODI hundred and sharing a 136-run opening stand with Matthew Wade (64) and 50 for the second wicket with Shane Watson (21). Skipper Michael Clarke, who returned from injury and elected to bat after winning the toss, scored 37 from 25 balls in a 64-run sixth-wicket stand with Warner after dropping himself down the order to give big hitters Dan Christian (10) and David Hussey (1) a chance in the batting power play. Mike Hussey hit two sixes and was unbeaten on 19 from 10 balls at the end. The innings was twice halted briefly due to drizzling rain and there was more precipitation in the forecast. [caption id=“attachment_233473” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“David Warner’s 163 is the highest ODI score at the Gabba”]  [/caption]After winning their last three matches against Australia, the Sri Lankans face a difficult chase. Warner had a reputation as a big hitter with a rapid strike rate, but had underachieved in his first 18 ODIs, averaging 22.5 with a highest score of 74. He scored two centuries in six test matches — a format few predicted he’d succeed in due to his heavy hitting — and has now produced the goods in ODIs. He is now only the seventh Australian to score 150 in an ODI. Herath took a stunning catch to end the opening stand. Wade hoisted Nuwan Kulasekera high and long into the outfield where Herath leaped and stretched to make a left-handed catch as he tumbled backwards, landing just inside the boundary. Watson miscued an attempted pull from Farveez Maharoof and was caught out with the total at 186 and Warner reached his hundred in the same over after facing 111 balls. Associated Press