Aussies in shock defeat after Asalanka rescues Sri Lanka: 1st ODI (RPS)

Skipper Charith Asalanka revived Sri Lanka with a sparkling century as the hosts looked down and out for most of game. They then out gunned a surprised Australia batting line up for a handsome 49 run win in Colombo.

Sri Lanka collapsed to 55-5 before Asalanka smashed 127 in 126 balls with 14 fours and five sixes, taking Sri Lanka to 214. Asalanka and Eshan Malinga put on a 79-run stand for the 9th wicket, of which Malinga contributed just one run.

In reply, only Alex Carey (41 off 38) and Aaron Hardie (32 off 37) showed any fight as the Aussies were bowled out for 165. Spinner Maheesh Theekshana claimed 4-40 from 9.5 overs.

Sri Lanka 214 (Asalanka 127, Wellalage 30, Abbott 3-61, Hardie 2-13, Ellis 2-23, Johnson 2-44) beat Australia 165 (Carey 41, Hardie 32, Theekshana 4-40, Fernando 2-23) by 49 runs.

Feb 2025