1st ODI: Sri Lanka Shocks Australia with 49-Run Win

Colombo, Feb 12 (NationPress) Australia’s challenges intensified ahead of the Champions Trophy as they faced a 49-run defeat against Sri Lanka in the first ODI of the two-match series at the R Premadasa Stadium on Wednesday. The visitors crumbled with a fragile batting performance, getting bowled out for merely 165 in 33.5 overs while chasing a target of 215 set by the hosts, largely thanks to captain Charith Asalanka’s exceptional 127 off 126 balls.

Despite a strong start by bowlers Aaron Hardie and Spencer Johnson, who reduced Sri Lanka to 31/4, Asalanka’s remarkable century propelled the team to a respectable total of 214 after they won the toss and opted to bat first. His resilient innings, filled with well-placed boundaries, was crucial as he formed a vital 79-run partnership with Eshan Malinga, who contributed just one run.

Australia mirrored Sri Lanka’s early collapse, falling to 31/4 as their top three batsmen could manage only five runs combined. Matt Short was out for a duck, Jake Fraser-McGurk quickly followed with two runs, and Cooper Connolly was trapped lbw for three while trying to attack Maheesh Theekshana.

Captain Steve Smith, who had previously taken a stunning one-handed catch to dismiss Dunith Wellalage, was bowled by Wellalage himself for 12, plunging Australia into deeper trouble. A brief stand by Alex Carey (41 off 38) and Marnus Labuschagne (15 off 27) provided a momentary reprieve, but their quick dismissals sealed Australia’s fate.

Sean Abbott scored 20 off 23 and Aaron Hardie made 32 off 37, but with wickets falling consistently, Australia struggled to find the necessary stability to chase down the target.

Earlier, Australia began strongly with the ball after losing the toss, as Hardie and Johnson dismantled Sri Lanka’s top order.

The absence of their leading trio of quick bowlers was hardly noticeable, as the duo left the hosts in disarray at 31/4. Smith’s sharp reflexes in the slips, including a stunning catch to dismiss Wellalage, shifted the momentum in Australia’s favor.

However, Asalanka’s brilliance singlehandedly salvaged Sri Lanka’s innings. He reached his fourth ODI century off 112 balls in the 43rd over, keeping the innings afloat as wickets fell around him. His innings concluded when he lofted a catch to Abbott, wrapping up Sri Lanka’s innings at 214.

Brief scores:

Sri Lanka 214 all out in 46 overs (Charith Asalanka 127, Dunith Wellalage 30; Sean Abbott 3-61, Aaron Hardie 2-13) defeated Australia 165 all out in 33.5 overs (Alex Carey 41, Aaron Hardie 32; Maheesh Theekshana 4-40, Asitha Fernando 2-23) by 49 runs