Sri Lanka vs Australia 1st ODI: Sri Lanka Loses Early Wickets, Struggles in Powerplay

Sri Lanka Struggles After Losing Early Wickets in 1st ODI Against Australia

Sri Lanka had a tough start in the first ODI against Australia at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on Wednesday, February 12. After winning the toss and choosing to bat, the home team lost both openers quickly.

Pathum Nissanka was dismissed for just 4 runs in the first over by Spencer Johnson, while Aaron Hardie sent Avishka Fernando back for 1 run in the second over. This left Sri Lanka struggling at 6/2 within the first two overs.

Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis tried to steady the innings with a 24-run stand for the third wicket. However, Hardie dismissed Kusal for 19 runs in the sixth over, and in the next over, Spencer Johnson removed Kamindu for just 5 runs.

By the end of 10 overs, Sri Lanka was in deep trouble at 31/4. Captain Charith Asalanka and Janith Liyanage attempted to build a partnership, but Australia’s bowlers maintained pressure. Their disciplined bowling paid off when Sean Abbott took his first wicket, dismissing Liyanage for 11 runs in the 15th over.

Sri Lanka continued to struggle in the first 15 overs, finding it hard to build a strong total.

SL vs AUS 1st ODI Playing XIs:

Australia: Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steven Smith (c), Marnus Labuschagne, Cooper Connolly, Alex Carey (w), Aaron Hardie, Sean Abbott, Nathan Ellis, Adam Zampa, Spencer Johnson.

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (w), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (c), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando.