Sri Lanka Stuns Australia with 49-Run ODI Victory

Charith Asalanka's heroic century and Sri Lanka's sharp bowling dismantle the reigning world champions in Colombo.

Sri Lanka defeated Australia by 49 runs in the first ODI, defending a modest total of 215 by bowling out the visitors for 165 in just 34 overs.
Captain Charith Asalanka scored a career-best 127, rescuing Sri Lanka from 55/5 and partnering with Eshan Malinga for a stadium-record ninth-wicket stand of 79 runs.
Maheesh Theekshana led Sri Lanka's bowling attack with figures of 4-40, while Asitha Fernando claimed crucial early wickets to unsettle Australia's chase.
Australia, missing key players like Glenn Maxwell and Travis Head ahead of the Champions Trophy, failed to build momentum in their innings.
Despite their victory, Sri Lanka will not participate in the upcoming Champions Trophy, having failed to qualify for the eight-team tournament.