Match Overview: Sri Lanka vs Australia in the First ODI
In the first One Day International (ODI) in Colombo, Australia’s seam-bowling resources and Steven Smith’s spectacular fielding prowess were on full display, despite a defiant century from Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka. The game, which followed closely on the heels of the Warne-Muralidaran Trophy, saw Sri Lanka’s batting woes continue, with the team struggling to 135 for 8 before Asalanka’s late surge. Asalanka’s 127 off 126 balls was a standout performance, providing a glimmer of hope for the home team. However, the Australian bowlers, led by Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, and Wesely Johnson, were relentless, making the Sri Lankan batters work hard for every run in the humid conditions.
Asalanka’s Heroics Amidst Early Struggles
Sri Lanka’s top order was put under immediate pressure by the Australian seamers, who capitalized on the movement off the pitch and occasional overcast skies. Opener Pathum Nissanka, trying to shake off his recent failures, started positively but was undone by a fuller delivery from Johnson, which induced an edge to Alex Carey behind the stumps. This was Johnson’s first ODI wicket in his third match, and it set the tone early on.
Avishka Fernando followed suit, falling to Hardie’s back-of-a-length delivery, which caught a thick edge and was well caught by Smith at second slip. Kusal Mendis, in form after twin half-centuries in the second Test, struggled to counter Hardie’s awkward bounce and seam movement. Mendis was squared up by a back-of-a-length delivery and edged to first slip, bringing an early end to his innings.
Hardie’s Impressive Spell and Johnson’s Consistency
Aaron Hardie was a standout performer, returning 2 for 13 from six overs. Hardie’s spell was crucial in breaking the back of the Sri Lankan top order. His awkward bounce and consistent line and length proved challenging for the batters. Johnson, bowling consistently around 140kph, also made significant inroads, claiming two wickets, including Kamindu Mendis, who chipped a tame shot to square leg.
Asalanka’s Revival and Late Surge
With the team reeling at 50 for 5, Charith Asalanka, the Sri Lankan skipper, took charge. He batted with patience and determination, scoring just three runs off his first 19 balls before unleashing a series of attacking shots. Asalanka and Dunith Wellalage formed a crucial partnership, with Wellalage providing valuable support with a quickfire 30 runs. However, their stand was broken when Wellalage was dismissed by a one-handed catch from Smith, who has become a master of spectacular fielding.
Asalanka’s partnership with Eshan Malinga, which yielded 79 runs for the ninth wicket, was a late highlight. Asalanka, battling cramps, hit some powerful shots, including sixes off Johnson and Zampa, to keep the momentum going. Malinga, on the other hand, focused on blocking and supporting Asalanka, scoring just 1 off 26 balls. Asalanka’s fourth ODI century came off a single off Ellis, giving the Sri Lankan fans something to cheer about. However, his innings came to an end in the 46th over, with Abbott wrapping up the innings shortly after.
Australia’s Seamer Dominance and Strategic Adjustments
Australia’s decision to field a seam-heavy attack paid off, as the conditions favored the moving ball. Hardie, in particular, was a revelation, delivering a tight and penetrative spell that dismantled the Sri Lankan top order. Johnson, who has been long touted as a successor to Mitchell Starc, bowled consistently around 140kph, using his rearing bounce to great effect. Smith, in his role as captain, made strategic adjustments, switching to spin when the time was right, though the Sri Lankans played Zampa with ease.
Tristan Lavalette, a journalist based in Perth, noted that Asalanka’s century was a sóc highlight of the match, but the Australian bowlers’ consistency and Smith’s fielding brilliance were the key factors in keeping Sri Lanka’s total to a manageable 214.
Looking Ahead: Australia’s Batting Lineup and the Second ODI
With the first ODI in the books, Australia will now face the challenge of chasing a bigger total than initially expected. Matt Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk will open the batting, with Cooper Connolly listed at No. 3. Key players like Travis Head, Josh Inglis, and Glenn Maxwell are not playing in this match, which could affect the team’s run-scoring capability. However, the Australian seamers have shown they can handle the conditions, and if they can build on their momentum, they stand a good chance of securing a series lead in the second ODI.
