‘This is the number one for me’ – Asalanka delighted after match-winning ton against Australia

“[On his hundred] So far, this is the number one for me. I just wanted to take it deeper and deeper. I wanted to see how things go on this pitch once the ball gets older. Wellalage came in and smashed a few boundaries which helped. We should have got [more than 214], but it was a tricky pitch, did not expect a seaming pitch in Khettarama. I batted more than 35 overs and I said to the guys, come and get a few wickets with the new ball,” sharing Asalanka during the post-match presentation.

Charith was the difference: Steve Smith

Standby Australian skipper, Steve Smith, acknowledged that his side’s batters found it tough to settle in. However, he was confident of his team coming back stronger in their final game on the tour.

“[Toss] Don’t think it was too important. The wicket played similar throughout. Charith was the difference, he batted with a few partners and our batters could not get going. That happens. Tricky wicket to bat on for sure. There was not a whole heap of spin, it was skidding on, batters could not get going, but better for the run. That’s in our mind, we have got a big ICC event (Champions Trophy 2025) coming up, of course we want to win this one, we will come back in a couple of days’ time,” noted Smith.

Also Read: Centurion Charith Asalanka helps Sri Lank to memorable win against Australia

Asalanka, who struck 14 fours and five sixes, top-scored for the team by some margin, with the second-highest being Dunith Wellalage’s 30 off 34. With the ball, Maheesh Theekshana was the pick, finishing with a four-wicket haul. Notably, Asalanka also got rid of Alex Carey, the highest-scorer for the tourists on the day.

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