Agency :
Sri Lanka pulled off a stunning comeback against world champions Australia to clinch a 49-run victory in the first One Day International on Wednesday after a century by Captain Charith Asalanka.
Defending a modest target of 215, Sri Lanka bowled out the visitors for 165 inside 34 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Asalanka smashed a career-best 127 before chipping in with the crucial wicket of Alex Carey, while Maheesh Theekshana took 4-40 to help scuttle Australia’s chase.
Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka found themselves in dire straits at 133-8 in the 33rd over, with Australia’s four-pronged pace attack running riot.
Asalanka’s strike rate was just shy of a run-a-ball and included 14 fours and five sixes.
His ninth-wicket stand with Eshan Malinga was a stadium record of 79, even though the tailender made just a solitary run from 26 balls.
Asalanka refused to throw in the towel and was last man out when he was deceived by a cleverly disguised slower delivery from Sean Abbott (3-61).
The packed crowd rose to their feet to see him back to the pavilion while opposite number Steve Smith and wicketkeeper Alex Carey acknowledged his knock with a pat on the back.
Australia’s chase never really got going, with Asitha Fernando dismissing both openers cheaply before Sri Lanka’s spinners tightened the noose.
