Australia Knocked Over
Charith Asalanka produced one of the finest ODI innings at the Premadasa and then marshalled his bowlers brilliantly to outwit Australia by 49 runs in the first ODI of the two match series.
A Brilliant Innings From Asalanka
A true Captain’s knock it was from the burly and belligerent Asalanka who stitched two crucial partnerships , first with Wellalage for 67 runs and then a 79 run stand with Malinga of which the latter scored just 2 runs. The two crucial partnerships restored some sanity and ushered Sri Lanka to 214 from an extremely precarious 135/8. Asalanka with the help of 14 fours and 5 sixes amassed a meaty 127 off just 126 deliveries. It was indeed a majestic innings from the talented South paw.
Poor Batting From Australia Bring Their Downfall
Australia lost openers Matt Short and Fraser-Mcgurk cheaply to Asitha Fernando and then Mahesh Theekshana did the rest. The Aussie Batters were all at the sea against the Lankan spinners and played some rank bad shots to bring down their own downfall. Once Captain Smith and Labuschagne ( whose struggle with the bat continues) were removed, there was no stopping Lanka.
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Time For Regulars To Return
Alex Carey was the only one to produce an innings of some substance. Interestingly Travis Head , Josh Inglis and Starc , the regulars were given a rest. With the first match gone Australia might well be forced to bring them on for the al important second match.
For his blistering century Charith Asalanka was declared the Player of The Match.
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