SL vs AUS: Captain Charith Asalanka Smashes Career-Best ODI Score Against Australia

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Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka played a sensational innings to rescue his team in the first ODI against Australia at the R. Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo. The left-hander smashed a brilliant 127 runs off 126 balls, marking his highest score in ODI cricket.

Asalanka Stands Tall Amid Batting Struggles

Sri Lanka had a disastrous start, losing four wickets for just 31 runs within the first seven overs. The top-order batters struggled against Australia’s fast bowlers. Pathum Nissanka (4), Avishka Fernando (1), Kusal Mendis (19), and Kamindu Mendis (5) all fell cheaply.

However, Asalanka took charge and played a responsible knock. He reached his century in 112 balls, hitting 11 fours and three sixes. Asalanka kept Sri Lanka’s hopes alive despite wickets falling at regular intervals. He added some crucial runs with Janith Liyanage (11) and Dunith Wellalage (30) before eventually getting dismissed for 127.

Sri Lanka Bowled Out for 214

Asalanka’s knock helped Sri Lanka cross the 200-run mark, but the team was bowled out for 214 in 46 overs. Apart from him, only Wellalage managed to score above 30 runs. The rest of the batting lineup failed to provide support.

Australia’s bowlers dominated, with Sean Abbott taking three wickets. Nathan Ellis and Spencer Johnson picked up two wickets each, while Aaron Hardie and Matthew Short chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.

Charith Asalanka’s Top ODI Scores

1. 127 (126) vs Australia* – Colombo, 2025
2. 110 (106) vs Australia – Colombo, 2022
3. 108 (105) vs Bangladesh – New Delhi, 2023/24
4. 101 (95) vs Zimbabwe – Colombo, 2023/24
5. 97 (74) vs Afghanistan – Pallekele, 2023/24

Asalanka’s outstanding century once again proved his importance to the Sri Lankan team. However, with just 214 runs on the board, Sri Lanka’s bowlers now have a tough task ahead to defend the total against Australia’s batting lineup.

Story First Published at www.probatsman.com on 12 February 2025

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