‘This is the number one for me’- Asalanka delighted after match-winning ton vs Australia

Sri Lanka defeated Australia by 49 runs in the first ODI of the two-match series. Australia was swept out for 165 in the low-scoring match at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo while attempting to reach 214. The captain and bowling unit put on a remarkable display, giving the Lankans a 1-0 lead going into the second match.

Player of the Game The main attraction was Charith Asalanka. He called his 127-run performance the “number one” of his four ODI tonnes to yet.

“[On his hundred] This is my top pick thus far. I simply wanted to delve further and further. When the ball becomes older, I wanted to watch how things play out on this pitch. Wellalage in and broke down some barriers, which was beneficial. Although it was a difficult surface and we weren’t prepared for a seaming pitch in Khettarama, we should have received [more than 214]. During the post-match presentation, Asalanka shared, “I batted more than 35 overs and I told the guys, come and get a few wickets with the new ball.”

The difference was Charith Asalanka: Steve Smith

Steve Smith, the standby Australian captain, admitted that his team’s hitters had a difficult time settling in. He was optimistic, nevertheless, that his team will return stronger in their last match of the tour.

[Toss] Don’t believe it was that significant. Throughout, the wicket played similarly. Charith was the difference; our batters were unable to get going since he batted with a few partners. That takes place. It’s definitely a difficult wicket to bat on. It was skidding on and there wasn’t much spin, so hitters couldn’t get going, but it was great for the run. We’ll be back in a few days,” Smith said. “We have a big ICC event (Champions Trophy 2025) coming up, and of course we want to win this one.”

Asalanka led the squad in scoring by a considerable margin with 14 fours and five sixes, while Dunith Wellalage’s 30 off 34 was the second-highest. Maheesh Theekshana was the best with the ball, taking four wickets in the process. Notably, Alex Carey, the day’s top tourist scorer, was also fired by Asalanka.