It was all about Charith Asalanka and not Australia

Charith Asalanka Shines in Sri Lanka's 49-Run Win Over Australia

Charith Asalanka's incredible 127 off 214 balls was the highlight of Sri Lanka's 49-run win over Australia in the first ODI at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Asalanka's Masterclass

Asalanka's innings was a masterclass in batting, as he single-handedly took down the Australian team in difficult conditions. He started slowly, taking 19 balls for his first 3 runs, but once he got going, he was unstoppable. He scored 77 off the next 57 balls he faced and 77 off the last 79 runs his team scored.

Key Moments

• Asalanka's partnership with No 10 Eshan Malinga showed his maturity as a batsman.
• He battled through severe cramps on two separate intervals, but continued to play aggressively.
• He cut loose after his second physio visit, hitting 5 sixes in the process.
• He got rid of Australian top-scorer Alex Carey with a looped up off-break, sealing a famous win for Sri Lanka.

Match Stats

• Sri Lanka's total: 215/9
• Australia's target: 215
• Sri Lanka's win margin: 49 runs
• Asalanka's score: 127 off 214 balls
• Asalanka's strike rate: 59.35
• Asalanka's highest percentage in an ODI innings: 20th all-time