Can Meg Lanning's Australia break Belinda Clark-led side's record?

When Meg Lanning urged the need of match-winning hundreds, her two key players - Rachael Haynes and Jess Jonassen - obliged, although in different departments.



Haynes's career-best knock of 118 from 132 balls meant Australia were in control of the second ODI against Sri Lanka despite a hiccup in the middle. Reaching triple figures was a delight to watch both for her teammates and spectators as it marked Haynes's maiden century after playing 117 matches for Australia. Jonassen with the ball, on the other hand, added a feather to her cap, completing 100 wickets in green and gold.



 

Absolutely sensational!

After playing 117 matches in green and gold since her debut in 2009 - Rachael Haynes' teammates know just how much a first ton will mean to her! #WatchMe pic.twitter.com/oMpfpZgJfP



— Australian Women's Cricket Team 🏏 (@AusWomenCricket) October 7, 2019

 



The best side in the world, Australia, are taking no match lightly regardless of who the opponent is. The domination over the past year has helped Lanning's Australia equal the 17 consecutive victories that Belinda Clark's team enjoyed between 1997-1999.



The red-hot favourites no longer have just a few players contributing as now everyone is stepping and maintaining the standard of #WatchMe as and when required. The likes of Lanning and wicket-keeper-batter Alyssa Healy have been among the runs. Moreover, Healy, known for her aggressiveness at the top of the order, has been impressive with back-to-back fifties to her name. With the ball, Georgia Wareham has cemented her place in the XI by getting regular breakthroughs whenever called upon. Alongside Ashleigh Gardner, the off-spinner, Wareham has become one of Lanning's go-to spin options.



On the other hand, Sri Lanka's misery continues. The side was whitewashed in the T20Is and subsequently lost the first two ODIs. Through the tour, the visitors have followed a similar template: their bowling and fielding shows promising signs initially but as the innings unfolds it gets hammered. Senior player Chamari Atapattu has not been able to live up to the expectations after smashing a century in the opening T20I. Although, veteran all-rounder and Sri Lanka skipper Shashikala Siriwardene brings in great amount of experience to the team, the lack of support at the other end adds to the failure of the side.



Australia and Sri Lanka will clash in the third and final ODI at the Allan Border Field in Brisbane on Wednesday (October 9). All focus will be on whether Lanning's side will be able to notch up victory no. 18, or will Sri Lanka finally turn up to break that streak?