Sri Lanka vs Australia | Australia tour of Sri Lanka, 2025 | 1st ODI

Right then, Sri Lanka have taken the lead in the series, and this win will certainly boost their confidence heading into the next game. As for Australia, while they will want to not dwell too much on this defeat, they will undoubtedly take valuable learnings as they continue their preparations for the Champions Trophy. The second and final game of the ODI series will take place here at the same venue on Friday, 14th February. It will be another day game, with the first ball set to be bowled at 4.30 am GMT. For now, you can switch tabs and catch the action from the other two ODI games on this blockbuster Wednesday. In Ahmedabad, riding on a century from Shubman Gill, India have posted 356 in the third ODI against England. Meanwhile, over in Karachi, South Africa are well-placed to post a daunting total against Pakistan in what is a virtual semi-final, with the winner set to take on New Zealand in the tri-series final. It's all shaping up to be an exciting day of cricket. See you there. Cheers!

The captain of Sri Lanka, Charith Asalanka is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his brilliant knock of 127 runs off 126 balls. He says that this was the best knock of his ODI career. Adds that he wanted to take the innings deep. Mentions that the way Dunith Wellalage started the innings, set the platform for him and a lot of credit should go to him. Shares that it was a tricky wicket to bat and he was confident at the halfway mark that his bowlers could defend this total. Further says that getting wickets early with the new ball was key and he is glad that they managed to do that.

Steven Smith, the captain of Australia thinks that the toss was not that important. Says that Charith Asalanka was the difference between the two teams, and appreciates him for batting really well. Mentions that their bowlers did a good job but the batters could not get going. Mentions the seamers getting that movement was good to see and also states that there was not much turn early on and the ball was skidding off the deck. On being asked about the Champions Trophy, he says they are keeping the big tournament in mind and preparing accordingly. Concludes by saying they were outplayed and will come back stronger in the second ODI.

Time for the presentation ceremony...

Dunith Wellalage is up for a quick chat. He says that this performance and win is special just because it came against an Aussie side. Adds that his teammates gave him support. Mentions that he had a chat with the coach Sanath Jayasuriya before going into bat and the message from him was to support the captain. Further mentions that the wicket was really good and he was trying to vary pace a bit. Concludes by saying that this win is the most memorable one so far in his ODI career.

Earlier in the game, after opting to bat, Sri Lanka were rocked early. The Aussie pacers made the most of the conditions, reducing the home side to 55/5, with the batters struggling with their footwork. Charith Asalanka and Dunith Wellalage rallied, but once that stand was broken, Charith was left fighting a lone battle. He found a solid ally in Eshan Malinga, who contributed just 1 in their 79-run stand but showed great defensive resilience. Asalanka's career-best ODI knock of 127 helped Sri Lanka recover, reaching 214 after being at a perilous 135/8.

For Sri Lanka, Asitha Fernando provided them with early inroads, but as expected, the Sri Lankan spinners took control during the middle phase. Maheesh Theekshana was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 4 for 40 in 9.5 overs, including a maiden. Dunith Wellalage chipped in with a couple of wickets to go with his 30-run knock earlier in the day. Wanindu Hasaranga struggled to get his radar right, much like his leg-spinner counterpart in Australia, Adam Zampa.

Australia endured a similarly tough start as Sri Lanka, with their batters not helping their cause through poor shot selection. Asitha Fernando did the early damage, and Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage combined to leave the tourists reeling at 31/4. Alex Carey and Marnus Labuschagne then stitched together a recovery, with Carey taking the aggressive route. However, both Marnus and Carey fell in quick succession, leaving the lower order with too much to do. Aaron Hardie kept the flame of the chase alive, but once he perished, the fate was pretty much sealed.

Sri Lanka go 1-0 up with a fighting performance! Given their horror start at 55/5, not many would have backed them to come out victorious, let alone by a 49-run margin. However, Charith Asalanka’s heroic century gave them something to bowl at, and the bowlers followed up with a spirited display. As for Australia, they would have gladly accepted a target of 215 at the start of the day, but their lack of application and impatience at the crease proved costly. While the wicket did slow down in the second innings, batting was still very much possible with the right approach.