Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka put on a stellar performance, smashing a brilliant 127 to lead his team to a 49-run victory over Australia in the opening ODI in Colombo on Wednesday. Despite battling cramps, Asalanka’s innings ensured Sri Lanka defended a modest total of 214 against a depleted Australian side.
Asalanka’s Heroics
Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka found themselves in deep trouble at 55-5 in the 15th over, courtesy of Australia’s fiery new-ball attack. However, Asalanka anchored the innings with a nearly run-a-ball knock, hitting 14 fours and five sixes. He stitched a crucial 67-run partnership with Dunith Wellalage (30), giving Sri Lanka a fighting chance.
Asalanka brought up his fourth ODI century with a single off Nathan Ellis, but his valiant knock ended in the 46th over when Sean Abbott dismissed him. Abbott, Australia’s standout bowler, finished with figures of 3-61.
Australia’s Top-Order Collapse
Chasing 215, Australia’s batting lineup crumbled under pressure, slumping to 31-4 within 10 overs. Asitha Fernando led the charge, claiming 2-10, including the wickets of Jake Fraser-McGurk (2) and Matthew Short (0). Spinner Maheesh Theekshana wreaked havoc, taking 4-40, including the prized scalp of Cooper Connolly.
Despite Alex Carey’s resilient 41 and late contributions from Aaron Hardie (32) and Sean Abbott (20), Australia could only muster 165 in 33.5 overs, falling short by 49 runs.
Australia’s Injury Woes
Australia’s ODI squad missed key pacers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc. The new-ball duo of Spencer Johnson (2-44) and Aaron Hardie (2-13) performed admirably, but the batting unit failed to support their efforts.
What’s Next?
Sri Lanka now leads the two-match ODI series 1-0. The second and final ODI is set to take place on Friday in Colombo, where Australia will aim to bounce back ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy starting next week.
Key Performances:
- Charith Asalanka: 127 (128 balls), 5 sixes, 14 fours
- Maheesh Theekshana: 4-40
- Asitha Fernando: 2-10
- Sean Abbott: 3-61
