The first ODI match between Australia and Sri Lanka took place at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo.
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka elected to bat first. However, in the first few overs Australia took five crucial Sri Lankan wickets. Struggling to build momentum, Sri Lanka found stability through a partnership between skipper Charith Asalanka and Dunith Wellalage.
By the 25th over, Sri Lanka had reached 120/5. The promising 67-run partnership between Charith and Dunith was eventually broken when Matthew Short dismissed Dunith, who scored 30 runs off 34 balls.
Charith displayed great leadership by reaching his fourth ODI century, scoring a brilliant 127 runs with 14 fours and 5 sixes. However, Sri Lanka was eventually bowled out for 214 runs in 46 overs.
For Australia, Sean Abbott took three wickets, while Aaron Hardie, Spencer Johnson, and Nathan Ellis claimed two each. Matthew Short contributed with one wicket.
Chasing a modest target, Sri Lankan bowler Asitha Fernando put pressure on Australia’s opening batsmen, dismissing both early.
Dunith Wellalage then removed Australian skipper Steven Smith, bringing Sri Lanka back into the contest.
However, Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey built a steady 52-run partnership for the fifth wicket. Maheesh Theekshana eventually broke the stand, dismissing Marnus. Carey added 41 runs.
Australia managed 121/6 after 25 overs, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers continued to deliver impactful spells, restricting Australia to a total of 165 in 33.5.
Maheesh Theekshana (4), Asitha Fernando (2), Dunith Wellalage (2), Wanindu Hasaranga (1) and Charith Asalanka (1) were the wicket-takers for Sri Lanka.
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