Australia slump to heavy loss against Sri Lanka in first ODI

A captain’s knock by Charith Asalanka guided Sri Lanka to a 49-run victory over Australia in the first ODI in Colombo on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old’s run-a-ball 127 was crucial in the hosts reaching 214 batting first, which Sri Lanka then defended expertly with ball in hand.

Coming into the match as heavy underdogs across cricket betting sites, Sri Lanka were in trouble early courtesy of Aaron Hardie and Spencer Johnson.

The Australian quicks bagged two wickets each at the top of the order to leave the home side reeling at 4/31.

That soon became 5/55 when Janith Liyanage (11) was caught off Sean Abbott, who ended up being Australia’s leading wicket-taker with 3/61.

But Asalanka and Dunith Wellalage (30) then combined for the first of two match-defining partnerships, with the pair putting on 67 runs for the sixth wicket.

After three quick wickets fell, Asalanka and Eshan Malinga shared a remarkable 79-run stand, of which Malinga scored just one run from 28 balls.

Sri Lanka’s total of 214 seemed sub-par initially, but the home side quickly had Australia in trouble at 4/31.

Alex Carey showed some fight with 41 from 38 balls, while Hardie (32) dug in with some help from Abbott (20) and Adam Zampa (20*), but the hole proved too deep as Australia were skittled for 165 runs.

Off-spinner Maheesh Theekshana was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers, taking 4/40 from his 9.5 overs.

The upset means Sri Lanka’s odds to win the second ODI have shortened slightly with cricket bookmakers.

Heading into Wednesday’s match they were paying $3.20 for the win, while now they are at $2.60 to salute in Colombo on Friday.

Australia are still favourites to win that match and level the series, paying $1.50 at Marantelli Bet.

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