Cricket Highlights, Feb 12: Australia tour of Sri Lanka (1st ODI) – SL vs AUS

SL vs AUS (1st ODI) – Highlights

This article will discuss the SL vs AUS of Cricket Highlights– SL started their home ODI series against AUS with a commanding victory, winning by 49 runs at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. A stellar century from Charith Asalanka and an impressive performance from the Sri Lankan bowling attack ensured the hosts took a 1-0 lead in the series.

After being put in to bat first, SL had a shaky start, losing Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando within the first two overs. Australia’s bowlers, led by Spencer Johnson and Aaron Hardie, made early inroads, reducing Sri Lanka to 31 for 4 within the powerplay. However, Charith Asalanka, leading the side in this match, took charge of the innings with a brilliant counter-attacking century. 

Displaying impeccable stroke play and composure under pressure, Asalanka scored 127 off 126 balls, including 14 fours and 5 sixes. His crucial partnerships, especially the 67-run stand with Dunith Wellalage, stabilized the innings. Contributions from Wellalage (30) and Janith Liyanage (11) helped push Sri Lanka’s total to a competitive 214 before they were bowled out in the 46th over.

Australia’s bowlers had their moments, with Sean Abbott being the pick of the attack, claiming 3 for 61 in his nine overs. Nathan Ellis was economical, returning figures of 2 for 23 in nine overs, while Hardie and Johnson chipped in with two wickets each. Despite controlling the early part of the innings, Australia couldn’t prevent Asalanka’s brilliance, which ultimately turned the tide in Sri Lanka’s favor.

Chasing 215, Australia got off to a disastrous start, losing three wickets within the first six overs. Asitha Fernando struck twice, removing Matthew Short for a duck and Jake Fraser-McGurk for just 2. Cooper Connolly, making his ODI debut, struggled to get going and was dismissed by Maheesh Theekshana for 3. Steven Smith, leading the Australian side, showed some resistance with a 17-ball 12 before falling to Dunith Wellalage. At 31 for 4, the visitors were in deep trouble.

Alex Carey attempted to revive the innings with a fluent 41 off 38 balls, playing some exquisite shots against the spinners. He found some support from Aaron Hardie, who contributed 32 runs before falling to Wanindu Hasaranga. Sean Abbott chipped in with a quick 20, but with wickets falling regularly, AUS never got close to the target. 

Adam Zampa remained unbeaten on 20, but the lower order couldn’t withstand Sri Lanka’s relentless spin attack. Theekshana was the standout bowler, picking up 4 for 40 in his 9.5 overs, while Wellalage and Asitha Fernando claimed two wickets each. Asalanka, capping off his all-round performance, also took a wicket to dismantle Australia for 165 in 33.5 overs.

With this comprehensive victory, Sri Lanka takes early control of the series, showcasing their ability to bounce back from difficult situations. Asalanka’s century was undoubtedly the highlight of the match, earning him the Player of the Match award. The hosts will look to build on this momentum, while Australia will need to regroup quickly to level the series in the next encounter.

Sri Lanka vs Australia Scoreboard 

Sri Lanka – 214 (46/50)

Australia – 194/5 (33.5/50)

Result – Sri Lanka won by 49 runs

Player of the match – Charith Asalanka

SL vs AUS Playing XIs 

Sri Lanka

Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis(WK), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka(C), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando.

Australia

Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Cooper Connolly, Steven Smith(C), Marnus Labuschagne, Alex Carey(WK), Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson.

Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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Abit Leo

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