Sri Lanka's Captain Charith Asalanka plays a shot during the first ODI cricket match between Sri Lanka and Australia in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena Sri Lanka's Captain Charith Asalanka plays a shot during the first ODI cricket match between Sri Lanka and Australia in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena

Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka led from the front to take Sri Lanka to a dominating 49-run victory against Australia in the first ODI of the two-match series at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Wednesday, February 12. (Match Live Score)

Sri Lanka were 135/8 at one point before Asalanka stitched a spectacular 79-run partnership with Eshan Malinga for the ninth wicket. Malinga only scored one run from 26 deliveries in the partnership while the Sri Lankan captain smashed 77 off just 53 balls to finish with an outstanding 127 off 126 balls. Before that, Asalanka had found a little support from Dunith Wellalage who scored 30 off 34 balls.

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That apart, all Sri Lankan batters failed but Asalanka's fourth ODI century helped Sri Lanka post 214 before getting bowled out in 46 overs.

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While Sean Abbott finished with three wickets, the pacer was also expensive as he leaked 61 runs in his nine overs. Nathan Ellis was economical, bowling two maidens in his nine overs and conceding just 23 runs for his two wickets. Aaron Hardie and Spencer Johnson too picked up a couple of wickets each.

Chasing 215, Asitha Fernando struck twice in his first two overs to remove both Australian openers cheaply. Wickets continued to tumble for Australia as Cooper Connolly and captain Steve Smith too were sent to the pavillion within the first powerplay.

Australia's middle and lower order was no match for Sri Lankan spinners. Alex Carey with 41 and Aaron Hardie with 32 were the only two Australian batters who could cross the 30-run mark.

Both teams started off strong, looking to break each others' back line in the first quarter but no team were able to breach the barrier.

Australia were bowled out for 165 in 33.5 overs with Maheesh Theekshana doing the most damage with four wickets. Dunith Wellalage and Asitha Fernando finished with two wickets each while skipper Asalanka dismissed the top scorer Carey. Wanindu Hasaranga got the wicket of Aaron Hardie.

Earlier, Sri Lanka had won the toss and opted to bat first.

Australia (Playing XI): Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steven Smith(c), Marnus Labuschagne, Cooper Connolly, Alex Carey(w), Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson

Sri Lanka (Playing XI): Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis(w), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka(c), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando

Sri Lanka failed to qualify for the upcoming Champions Trophy while Australia are in Group B with Englandmcw casino, Afghanistan and South Africa.