Asalanka & the spinners strangle Aussies as Sri Lanka script a shocking 49 run win in 1st ODI

 



Australia suffered a shocking defeat in their match ahead of the Champions Trophy, losing to Sri Lanka in Colombo in an unexpected result. Chasing a modest target of just 215 runs, Australia was bowled out for 165 in 33.5 overs, falling short by 49 runs. Sri Lanka’s victory was scripted by captain Charith Asalanka and Maheesh Theekshana. Asalanka played a brilliant knock of 127 runs, while Theekshana took four crucial wickets.

On a difficult Colombo pitch, Sri Lanka had a disastrous start, losing half of their side for just 55 runs. However, captain Asalanka steadied the innings with a valuable half-century partnership alongside Dunith Wellalage, taking the team to 122 runs. Wellalage (30) was dismissed by Matthew Short, and Sri Lanka soon slumped to 135/8. Despite this, Asalanka held his ground and made a remarkable century with several breathtaking shots specially off the spinners , pushing his team past the 200-run mark. Notably, he shared a crucial 50-run partnership with Ehsan Malinga, who remained unbeaten on just 1 run off 26 balls while batting at No. 10.

Theekshana Traps Australia

Sri Lanka somehow managed to post 214 runs, and it seemed like an easy chase for Australia. However, the Colombo pitch posed significant challenges, and the Australian batting lineup crumbled under pressure. By the 10th over, Australia had lost four wickets, including Steve Smith, who scored only 12 runs. The 2 openers failed again. Matthew Short was dismissed for a duck, Jack Fraser-McGurk managed just 2 runs, and Cooper Connolly was out for 3. Marnus Labuschagne contributed 15 runs before falling to Theekshana, who also dismissed Sean Abbott and Spencer Johnson to seal the victory for Sri Lanka.

For the Aussies Alex Carey (41) & Aaron Hardie (32) rekindled a glimmer of hope with their batting but once they departed it was a gradual decline for the tourists . 

Despite bowling seven wides in his spell, Theekshana emerged as the match-winner with his four-wicket haul, playing a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s unexpected triumph.


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