Even though Australia won the test series against Sri Lanka quite easily, it was Sri Lanka who emerged victorious in the first ODI. Sri Lanka beat Australia in the first ODI with quite an easy margin. This win comes on the back of a spirited performance from their captain.
Sri Lanka had their backs against the wall, losing their top order for less than 50, but the lower order showed some grace and class to state that they are not to be taken lightly.
Poor Batting By Sri Lanka
The poor batting display by Sri Lankan batters isn’t a new thing at all. They have been performing poorly for a long time, and their captain has been carrying them right through. Even when Sri Lanka beat Australia in the 1st ODI, it was captain Charith Asalanka, who made things work.
None of the top 4 batters crossed 20 runs of their own. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan score at the time was 55 runs with 5 wickets lost. Adding to that, Asalanka first constructed a good partnership with Wellalage, and later with Ehsan Malinga.
When the first innings was over, Asalanka had made 127 runs alone, with the 2nd best score being 30 runs. Sri Lanka made a total of 214 runs, which proved to be more than enough.
SUGGESTED READ: Lockie Ferguson Injury Raises Doubts for Champions Trophy
Poor 2nd Innings By Australia
It won’t be a mistake to say that Australia is playing their 2nd string team due to injuries. But they were expected to make a mark with the bat in hand. The pitch at Colombo wasn’t impossible to play. However, the Aussies made it seem so.
As Australia lost their first wicket on the 2nd ball of the innings, there was no going back for them. They were 6 wickets down for 85 runs, but Alex Carey brought some sustainability to the score.
It was Alex Carey and Aaron Hardie, who made 41 and 32 respectively, which provided the required impetus to the Australian team. The whole of the Australian team folded for 165 runs, and lost the game by 49 runs in the end.
A Day For the Fast Bowlers
When we talk about Sri Lanka defeating Australia, it won’t be a mistake to say that this was the day of fast bowlers. In the first innings of the match, all of the Australian fast bowlers came to the party.
Spencer Johnson took 2 wickets, Sean Abbott took 3, and Aaron Hardie took 2 wickets of their own. Nathan Ellis also had 2 wickets to his name, which broke the back of the Australian chase, to say the least.
In the 2nd innings of the match, Asita Fernando provided the perfect start. He took the openers out inside the 3rd over, and there was no looking back for the Australian team.
Charith Asalanka the Hero
The newly appointed Sri Lanka white ball captain has led the team, both with his batting and bowling. Asalanka was the man of the match in the 1st ODI. Often known as the part-time spinner, Asalanka made a fantastic century under pressure.
Asalanka put through 79 runs for the 9th wicket, while Ehsan Malina put only 2 for the whole partnership. Even with the ball in hand, he took the crucial wicket of Alex Carey.
The Australian wicket keeper was batting with great control when Asalanka took his wicket, and put the final nail in the coffin. More than saying Sri Lanka beat Australia, it would be fair to say Asalanka dominated the Aussies.
YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED: Malaysia Shines Hosting ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025
