Australia vs Sri Lanka: Charith Asalanka Heroic Knock Anchors Sri Lanka to 214
Sri Lanka posted 214 in 46 overs after electing to bat in the first ODI against Australia at R. Premadasa Stadium. Charith Asalanka played a heroic knock, scoring 127 off 126 balls, including 14 fours and 5 sixes. Australian bowlers, led by Sean Abbott (3/61) and Nathan Ellis (2/23), kept the pressure on, restricting SL’s total.
The first ODI between Sri Lanka and Australia at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, saw Sri Lanka opting to bat first but struggling against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack. The hosts were bowled out for 214 in 46 overs, with captain Charith Asalanka playing a lone hand, scoring a brilliant 127 off 126 balls, including 14 fours and 5 sixes. He held the innings together while wickets tumbled around him, reaching his century off 112 balls.
Sri Lanka’s innings started poorly, losing four wickets inside the first ten overs, with Spencer Johnson and Aaron Hardie making early inroads. Janith Liyanage (11) and Dunith Wellalage (30) offered brief resistance, but Australia kept striking at regular intervals. Nathan Ellis (2/23) and Sean Abbott (3/61) were the standout bowlers, while Matthew Short also chipped in with a wicket.
Asalanka displayed remarkable temperament and shot selection, building partnerships despite the pressure. His late flourish helped Sri Lanka cross the 200-run mark, adding a crucial 50-run stand with tailender Eshan Malinga.
With Australia boasting a strong batting lineup, including Steven Smith, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Marnus Labuschagne, Sri Lanka’s bowlers will need an exceptional effort to defend the total. The win probability heavily favors Australia at 77.76%, making the second innings a challenging task for the hosts.
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