Sri Lanka vs Australia, 1st ODI: Charith Asalanka Stars as Sri Lanka Crushes Australia by 49 Runs
Colombo, February 12, 2025: Sri Lanka made a strong statement in the 1st ODI against Australia, securing a 49-run victory at R. Premadasa Stadium. Charith Asalanka delivered a match-winning performance, scoring a brilliant 127 off 126 balls and chipping in with a crucial wicket. His heroics, along with Maheesh Theekshana’s 4/40, ensured that Sri Lanka bowled out Australia for 165 while defending a modest 214.
Sri Lanka’s Innings: Asalanka Leads from the Front
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to bat but found themselves in deep trouble early. Pathum Nissanka (4), Avishka Fernando (1), Kusal Mendis (19), and Kamindu Mendis (5) fell cheaply as Australia’s pacers dominated the powerplay. Spencer Johnson (2/44) and Aaron Hardie (2/13) dismantled the top order, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 31/4.
However, Charith Asalanka led a remarkable fightback, anchoring the innings with a masterful 127 off 126 balls, laced with 14 fours and 5 sixes. His knock was the second-highest individual score in ODIs at R. Premadasa Stadium in the last five years. He found support from Dunith Wellalage (30 off 34) in a 67-run partnership, which stabilized the innings. Despite wickets falling at the other end, Asalanka guided Sri Lanka to 214 in 46 overs before falling to Sean Abbott (3/61). His innings contributed to nearly 60% of Sri Lanka’s total runs, underlining his dominance.
Key partnerships for Sri Lanka:
✅ 67-run stand between Asalanka and Wellalage for the 6th wicket
✅ 40-run stand between Asalanka and Hasaranga for the 7th wicket
Australia’s Innings: Top-Order Collapse Proves Costly
Chasing 215, Australia had a disastrous start as Asitha Fernando (2/23) struck twice in the first three overs. Matthew Short (0) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (2) fell early, followed by Cooper Connolly (3) and Steven Smith (12), leaving Australia reeling at 31/4. This marked Australia’s worst powerplay performance in ODIs since 2023, with just 35 runs for 4 wickets in the first 10 overs.
Marnus Labuschagne (15) and Alex Carey (41 off 38 balls) tried to rebuild, but once Labuschagne fell to Theekshana, the collapse continued. Carey, the only batter to score at over a run a ball, showed some resistance, but wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals. Aaron Hardie (32), Sean Abbott (20), and Adam Zampa (20)* attempted a late comeback, but Theekshana’s 4/40 and Wellalage’s 2/33 cleaned up the Australian lower order. Australia were bowled out for 165 in 33.5 overs, falling 49 runs short of Sri Lanka’s total.
Bowling Analysis: Sri Lanka’s Spin Duo Decimates Australia
✅ Maheesh Theekshana (4/40) registered his second-best ODI figures and was the chief destroyer in the middle overs.
✅ Dunith Wellalage (2/33) and Wanindu Hasaranga (1/47) provided crucial breakthroughs.
✅ Asitha Fernando (2/23 in 5 overs) started the collapse, claiming key wickets early on.
✅ Sri Lanka’s spinners accounted for 7 of the 10 Australian wickets, showing their dominance on a turning track.
Key Takeaways from the 1st ODI – Sri Lanka vs Australia
✅ Charith Asalanka’s match-winning knock (127 off 126) was the backbone of Sri Lanka’s innings.
✅ Sri Lanka’s total of 214 was their lowest successfully defended score against Australia in ODIs.
✅ Australia’s top order collapsed under pressure, with four of the top five batters failing to cross 20 runs.
✅ Sri Lanka’s bowlers exploited spin-friendly conditions, bundling out Australia for just 165.
✅ Sri Lanka takes a 1-0 lead in the series, boosting their confidence ahead of the next match.
The two teams will meet again for the 2nd ODI, where Australia will look to bounce back, while Sri Lanka aims to extend their dominance in the series.
