A weakened Australia started their Champions Trophy preparation with a 49-run defeat after Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka engineered a remarkable turnaround in a low-scoring first ODI with an extraordinary century in Colombo.
Sri Lanka 214 (Asalanka 127, Wellalage 30, Abbott 3-61, Hardie 2-13, Ellis 2-23, Johnson 2-44) beat Australia 165 (Carey 41, Hardie 32, Theekshana 4-40, Fernando 2-23) by 49 runs.
Just three days after the Warne-Muralidaran Trophy ended, Sri Lanka’s batting woes continued at 135 for 8 until Asalanka took over with a flurry in the backend and capitalised on a tiring Australia attack in humid conditions.
Asalanka made 127 off 126 balls, but took his time initially under sustained pressure before unfurling blistering shots around the wicket. He completely dominated a ninth-wicket partnership of 79 with Eshan Malinga, who finished unbeaten on 1 off 26 balls.
