AUS vs SL, 1st ODI: Glenn Maxwell hits 80 not out off 51 balls as Australia beat Sri Lanka by 2 wickets at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
Glenn Maxwell of Australia. credit: AP
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- Australia beat Sri Lanka by 2 wickets on Tuesday
- Glenn Maxwell named player of the match
- Wanindu Hasranga took 4 wickets
Australia beat Sri Lanka by 2 wickets in the first match of the ODI series at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, June 14.
Sri Lanka started the ODI series on a good note after Dasun Shanaka’s brilliance guided the islanders to victory in the third T20I. Electing to bat first, the home team set a challenging target of 301 runs to chase down the target for the Aussies.
Danushka Gunathilaka and Pathum Nissanka set the stage for the first wicket with a 115-run partnership. But both the batsmen succumbed within a span of 2 overs and Australia were back in the competition.
From there, Kusal Mendis took charge and ensured that the Sri Lankan touched the 300-run mark. The right-handed batsman remained unbeaten on 86 for 87 with the help of eight fours and a six.
Charit Aslanka and Wanindu Hasaranga scored 37 each and backed Mendis. Ashton Agar and Marnus Labuschagne took two wickets each.
In the run-chase, Australia found themselves in early trouble after Mahesh Thikshana got rid of the dangerous David Warner. The game was interrupted due to rain during the 13th over and Australia were given a revised target of 282 runs in 44 overs.
Aaron Finch and Steve Smith restored the balance in the proceedings with 44 and 53 runs respectively. Marcus Stoinis scored 44 runs in double quick time.
However, it was Glenn Maxwell who batted at No 7 and gave the Lankans a hug. The Victorians remained unbeaten till the end and took the Aussies home with 9 balls to spare.
Maxwell scored an unbeaten 80 off 51 balls with the help of six fours and as many sixes. Wanindu Hasaranga took four wickets, but his effort went in vain.