NEW DELHI: Sri Lanka staged a remarkable comeback to stun world champions Australia with a 49-run victory in the first ODI in Colombo on Wednesday, powered by a brilliant century from captain Charith Asalanka.
Defending a modest total of 215, Sri Lanka bowled out Australia for just 165 in under 34 overs, securing a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
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Asalanka led from the front with a career-best 127 before making an impact with the ball, claiming the key wicket of Alex Carey. Meanwhile, Maheesh Theekshana’s superb spell of 4-40 dismantled Australia’s chase.
“Really pleased with the knock,” Asalanka said. “It wasn’t easy batting out there… Had to settle in, and batting with the tail meant taking a few risks. Glad it all paid off.”
Electing to bat first, Sri Lanka found themselves in deep trouble at 133-8 in the 33rd over as Australia’s pace attack ran riot.
Asalanka’s innings, played at a near run-a-ball strike rate, featured 14 fours and five sixes. He forged a crucial ninth-wicket stand of 79 runs with Eshan Malinga, who contributed just a single run off 26 deliveries—a record partnership at the venue.
“He hung in there, and our goal was to take the game as deep as possible,” Asalanka said. “Without that partnership, we wouldn’t have gotten over the line.”
Asalanka was the last man out, falling to a cleverly disguised slower delivery from Sean Abbott (3-61). As he walked back, the packed stadium gave him a standing ovation, while Australia’s Steve Smith and Alex Carey acknowledged his outstanding knock with a pat on the back.
Australia’s chase never gained momentum, with Asitha Fernando removing both openers cheaply before Sri Lanka’s spinners tightened their grip.
Dunith Wellalage struck with his very first ball, cleaning up Smith, who had tormented Sri Lanka with consecutive centuries in the Test series. Smith misjudged a slog sweep and departed early, triggering wild celebrations among the home crowd.
Australia opted to rest white-ball regulars Glenn Maxwell and Travis Head to provide match practice for other squad members ahead of the Champions Trophy, set to begin in Pakistan and Dubai on February 19.
However, their title hopes have taken a hit, with their formidable pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood all ruled out of the tournament.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, did not qualify for the Champions Trophy.
