Even though Sri Lanka had failed to make it to the triangular Commonwealth Bank series final, they came up with a stellar performance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground and beat Australia on 13 runs to restore pride and go out on a winning note.In a summer marked by acrimony, it was a sight to see as the Australian players lined up to give Sanath Jayasuriya and Muttiah Muralitharan an ovation as they came in to bat. The Lankans then gave a similar salute to Adam Gilchrist.
"This is going to be my last tour to Australia, I was very happy with reception," said Muralitharan.Jayasuriya, who picked up the last Australian wicket with his first ball of the match, said: "I want to thank the Aussies. It's disappointing that we are not in the finals. We badly needed this win today and it's nice to finish like this."The veteran batsman, who redefined batting at the top of the order, credited Mahela Jayawardene and Tilekeratne Dilshan for their batting in Friday's match. "Mahela and Dilshan batted really well, the bowlers have been bowling well and the fielding also came together," he said.Jayasuriya added that Adam Gilchrist's wicket was the turning point of the match. "Gilchrist batted really well and his wicket was the crucial breakthrough."
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