Sri Lanka vs Australia AUS in SL, 2 ODIs, 2025 Full Scorecard

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Two in the over for Sean Abbott as Australia finally wrap up the innings! Bowls it on a back of a length, on off and middle, Asitha Fernando stays leg side of the ball and does not get behind the line of the ball. Opts to defend it down with a straight bat but the ball moves away just enough to catch the outside edge. The keeper Alex Carey snaffles it to his right. Sri Lanka have been bowled out for 214!

In the channel on off, on a good length, Asitha Fernando lets it be.

Leg-cutter, on a back of a length, deviating away from the right-hander, Asitha Fernando looks to dab it down but misses.

Asitha Fernando is the last man.

OUT! IN THE AIR AND CAUGHT! Finally, finally Australia get the better of Charith Asalanka! But he has played a gem of a knock for his country, scoring more than half of the runs in the total. A good gesture from all the Aussie players as they run towards the Sri Lankan skipper to appreciate his inning under immense pressure. Sean Abbott bowls it from around the stumps and dishes out a low full toss on off, Charith Asalanka bends low and tries to aerially flick it behind deep mid-wicket. But the bat turns in his hands at the point of contact and hence, he doesn't get the requisite distance. The ball sails straight down the throat of Jake Fraser-McGurk stationed at deep mid-wicket. Charith Asalanka departs for a fabulous 127 (126).

On the pads, full in length, flicked down to widish long on. No single taken.

SIX! Batting of the highest quality from the Sri Lankan skipper! His six number 5! Short in length, and on the bodyline, sits up nicely for the skipper. He picks the length early, weighs on the back foot and pulls it behind square. Parks it behind deep backward square leg for a six.

Slower one again, outside off, too full, Eshan manages to carve it out to the off side. Gets a huge appreciation from the crowd as well.

Slows it up, does Ellis, around off, Eshan Malinga tries to take it on, but is undone by the lack of pace.

Length, on the stumps, tucked across to widish deep mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! Precision! Back of a length, just outside off, Charith Asalanka backs away and threads the gap between backward point and gully for a boundary.

Slower yorker, outside off, Asalanka does not squeeze it out.

FOUR! The 200 comes up for Sri Lanka! This is brilliant batting from the skipper! Ellis tries to dish out a slower one, but ends up slipping a full toss, wide of off, Charith Asalanka throws his bat at it and gets it over backward point for a boundary on the bounce.

Floated up full and on off stump. Charith Asalanka stays back to tap it towards cover-point for a single. Keeps the strike!

FOUR! Gets it fine. Fired in full and on leg stump, goes straight on. Charith Asalanka just gets his bat to it to tickle it fine towards deep fine leg fence for a boundary.

SIX! LAUNCHED! Floated up full and on off. Charith Asalanka lunges forward and hoicks it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie!

Fired in full and on middle. Charith Asalanka lunges forward to heave it across towards mid-wicket.

Slightly quicker and fuller on middle. Charith Asalanka brings his bat in front to keep it out.

Full and on off. Charith Asalanka lunges forward to defend.

Coming from around the stumps, goes full and on off. Eshan Malinga hangs his bat ahead of his pads to defend it back towards the bowler.

Banged in short and angled in towards the batter. Eshan Malinga sways away from the line of the ball and lets it go through. The ball dies on the keeper.

Beaten! Goes full and outside off, angling across. Bowls it as an off cutter. Eshan Malinga pokes at it as it goes past the outside edge and towards the keeper on the bounce.

Slower one outside off. Charith Asalanka dabs it towards backward point for a single.

Full and outside off. Eshan Malinga drives it towards sweeper cover for a single. He is off the mark on the 21st delivery.

CLASSY CENTURY FOR ASALANKA! This one is bowled full and wide outside off, as an off cutter. Charith Asalanka leans on with outstretched arms to tap it towards backward point for a single. Takes off his helmet and takes in the applause. 4th ODI hundred for the Sri Lankan skipper and this has come at a time of crisis.

Fuller and outside off, turns away sharply. Eshan Malinga watches it go through.

Fuller and outside off, turns away. Eshan Malinga lunges forward to defend it tentatively.

Goes full and on off. Eshan Malinga clips it to mid-wicket and is off for a single. But there isn't any.

Fired in full and on leg stump. Charith Asalanka clips it towards mid-wicket for a single. Moves to 99!

FOUR! GOES TO 98! Floated up on middle. Charith Asalanka skips down the track to loft it to the left of long off for a boundary!

Full and on off. Charith Asalanka lunges forward to defend it straight back to the bowler.

Matthew Short replaces Adam Zampa. He is 7-0-23-1 so far.

Slightly shorter on off. Charith Asalanka swivels to pull it away towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Full and on middle. Charith Asalanka gets his bat ahead of him to awkwardly defend it back towards the bowler.

Banged in short and angled towards the batter. Sits up nicely for him to pull. Charith Asalanka does exactly that as he swivels to pull it away towards deep mid-wicket. Nathan Ellis runs across and puts in the roll to mop that one and keeps the batters down to a couple.

On a good length outside off. Charith Asalanka pushes it towards mid on.

SIX! THUMPED! Coming from around the stumps, bowls on a good length, and on off. Charith Asalanka stands back to pull it away over deep mid-wicket for a biggie!

WIDE! Goes back of a length again, off cutter, outside off.  The batter lets it go through. WIDED!

FOUR! Banged in short and bowled as an off-cutter. Charith Asalanka has to wait for an eternity to ramp it over short third for a boundary.

POWERPLAY 3! Five fielders will now be allowed to be kept outside the inner ring for the phase of 41-50 overs.

An even louder cheer this time! Attacking the front pad, on a length, Eshan Malinga is solid in defence.

A slip, a leg slip and a short leg in place, Zampa floats it up, on middle, Eshan Malinga blocks it out. The defence is greeted with a huge cheer from the crowd.

Slower through the air and shorter as well, on off, Charith Asalanka steers it to the right of short third for a single.

Drags the length back, on middle, Charith Asalanka hangs back to pat it back to Zampa.

SIX! Charith Asalanka finds the fence early in the over once again! This goes straight on, right in the hitting arc, on off and middle, Charith Asalanka gets down and gets under the ball. Nails the slog sweep over deep mid-wicket for a six.

Short and turning into the pads, flicked to deep square leg but they do not cross.

Adam Zampa (5-0-25-0) is back on. He replaces Matthew Short.

Angling into the pads, on a length, Eshan Malinga clips it wide of mid-wicket but they do not take the single.

Swing and a miss! Short and wide on off, there to be put away, Eshan Malinga is lured into the shot as he throws his hands at it but misses.

Sean bends his back and digs it in short, on middle, Charith Asalanka pulls it aerially but in front of the man at deep mid-wicket. It goes to the man in the deep on the bounce. They cross.

Banged in short, on middle, Charith Asalanka pulls it to deep square leg but refuses the single.

Into the wicket and the pace is taken off, on middle, Charith Asalanka toe-ends the pull in front of the bowler.

FOUR! Excellent use of the feet! Sean starts from around the wicket and bowls it on a good length, at the stumps, Charith Asalanka skips down the track and stays leg side of the ball to pump it back over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Smith giving short spells to his pacers. Here's Sean Abbott (6-0-36-1) replacing Spencer Johnson.

At 93 kph, on middle, Eshan Malinga gets his bat out in front to defend.

Attacking the front pad, on a length, Eshan Malinga lunges to block it out.

Drops it short again, on off, Charith Asalanka eases it past cover for a single.

Speared in, on a nagging length, Charith Asalanka pushes it back to Short.

Short and on off, slapped to deep point. No single taken.

FOUR! 150 UP FOR SRI LANKA! Floated up, on off, on a length, Charith Asalanka knows that mid on is inside the circle. Frees his arms and flat bats it over mid on for a boundary.

Beaten! With two slips and a short leg in place, Spencer Johnson dishes it out on a back of a length, on middle, Eshan Malinga hangs back to defend but plays down the wrong line and gets beaten on the outside edge.

This is on a hard length, on off, Charith Asalanka gets inside the line and tucks it through square leg for a single. This leaves Eshan one ball to face from Spencer in this over.

Pace taken off, on a short of a length, Charith Asalanka steers it straight to backward point.

Dug in short, over middle, Charith Asalanka swivels and pulls it straight to deep square leg but does not take the single.

On a hard length and tucking the batter up for room, Charith Asalanka stabs it down on the leg side.

SIX! Clean as a whistle! Johnson comes back into the attack and serves it right in the slot, on middle, Charith Asalanka clears his front leg and clobbers it over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Two slips and a silly mid off in place but Short fails to get the radar right, bowls it well outside off, an easy leave for Malinga.

Fuller and on middle, Eshan Malinga pushes it to cover.

Fired in on the pads, on a length, Charith Asalanka clips it to deep square leg and crosses over.

Short again, on off, Charith Asalanka hacks it to wide long on but does not take the single again.

Short and turning away from the left-hander, outside off, Charith Asalanka backs away and pats it to point.

Sliding onto the pads, on a length, Charith Asalanka turns it through square leg but refuses the single.

Attacking the stumps, on a good length, Eshan Malinga is solid in defence.

On a back of a length, on off, Eshan Malinga stabs it down on the off side.

Edged but it does not carry! Fuller, on off, Eshan Malinga goes for the drive with his hands. Gets an outside edge that bounces in front of Steven Smith at first slip and catches the Australian skipper on the left forearm.

This is on a back of a length, on off, Charith Asalanka gets on his toes and whips it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Another halt! Charith Asalanka is in discomfort, and it looks like he is suffering from a cramp in his right hand. He is visibly in pain, and the physio is out with the magic spray to try and ease the discomfort. Asalanka puts his helmet back on and he is ready to resume.

Closer to the off stump, on a length, Charith Asalanka defends inside the line. Gets an outside edge that rolls towards backward point.

On a good length, on off from around the wicket, Charith Asalanka punches it to deep cover but does not take the single.

A bit of halt in the proceedings as Charith Asalanka is down on the ground, probably having some issues with his back. The physio from the Sri Lankan dugout is there to attend him. He gets some treatment and is also helped with some fluids to stay hydrated. The other players too, get some electrolytes in as it is very hot and humid out there. Well then, Asalanka looks fine to continue for now. Sri Lanka would want their skipper to bat throughout. Also, a change in bowling, Aaron Hardie returns. He is 5-0-12-2 so far and replaces Nathan Ellis.

With two slips in place, this is darted in, on middle and leg, Eshan Malinga gets forward to keep it out.

Turning away, on a nagging length, around off, Charith Asalanka steers it past point for one.

FOUR! Streaky! Pushed through, on off, Charith Asalanka goes back in the crease and tries to flat bat it over the man at mid on. Gets a top edge that sails over the head of the leaping Steven Smith at first slip for a boundary.

Slows it down and drags the length back, on middle, Charith Asalanka presses forward to defend.

Short and on off, punched to cover by Charith Asalanka.

Fired on the pads, on a length, Charith Asalanka tickles it to short fine leg.

Bowls the back-of-the-hand slower one, on a back of a length, outside off, Eshan Malinga waits on the back foot and dabs it down on the off side. A wicket-maiden from Ellis!

Fuller in length, on the off stump line, Eshan Malinga gets his bat in the line of the ball and pats it to cover.

Attacking the stumps, on a nagging length, Eshan Malinga presents a straight bat to defend.

Comes from around the wicket for the left-hander, on a back of a length, on middle, Eshan Malinga drops his bat down on the ball and keeps it out.

Eshan Malinga walks out to bat.

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! CAUGHT BEHIND! Nathan Ellis bowls it on a hard length, keeping it around off and getting that away deviation off the surface. Maheesh Theekshana is half-forward to defend it out but plays inside the line. The ball passes close to the outside edge and carries back to the keeper. Alex Carey takes a regulation grab behind the sticks. A gentle appeal for caught behind in unison from all the Aussies in the field, and up goes the finger instantly. Maheesh Theekshana is going nowhere as he believes there's no edge and walks to his partner. Has a brief chat with the skipper and sends it upstairs. UltraEdge comes up and shows a clear spike off the edge. But still, Maheesh Theekshana is in disbelief but the decision has been made and he has to walk back. Sri Lanka are 135/8 now.

A back-of-the-hand slower ball, full and on off, Maheesh Theekshana watchfully keeps it out.

Length, angling on off, Charith Asalanka blocks it to the bowler.

Good bounce on the hard length, over top of middle, Maheesh Theekshana is flummoxed by the excessive bounce. He gets on the toes and tries to block it but it goes off the handle of the bat to square leg. One taken.

Length on middle, blocked off the back foot by Theekshana.

A sharp bumper on the bodyline, Maheesh Theekshana dodges under it in time.

Good length, at off, Maheesh Theekshana presses forward and blocks it out to short cover.

Back of a length, on top of off, Maheesh Theekshana taps it out to cover.

Around the stumps, good length, angling in from off, Charith Asalanka knocks it to mid-wicket.

Ellis bowls it outside off on a length, this is guided away to deep third for a single.

Another pace-off delivery, around off, Maheesh Theekshana waits for it and opens the bat face, guides it off to the slips.

A slower one, full and on middle, Maheesh Theekshana carves it out to the off side.

Full and straight, outside off, Maheesh Theekshana gets to the line of the ball and drives it crisply to pierce the gap, but the fielder from mid off dives to his left to intercept the ball.

DRINKS BREAK! Nathan Ellis gets in on the act for Australia, and this wicket has now opened one end for the tourists. With Australia into the tail, the pressure is mounting on Charith Asalanka, who will need to shepherd the tail and farm the strike to help Sri Lanka post a competitive total. Even during this middle phase, the movement off the deck has been evident, and the Aussie seamers have exploited it to great effect. They will be keen to wrap things up quickly, relying on their pacers to finish off the tail and bowl Sri Lanka out for a modest total. Maheesh Theekshana is the new man in.

OUT! KNOCKED HIM OVER! Another one bites the dust and Nathan Ellis gets rewarded with his first wicket! Keeps bustling from over the stumps and goes fuller in length, keeping the line of attack on the off stump. The ball kisses the deck and skids through very quickly to the batter. Wanindu Hasaranga gets a bit hurried to play at it with barely any footwork and tries to block the ball in front but plays the wrong line. The ball zips close to the outside edge and crashes into the stumps. Wanindu Hasaranga departs for 7 (14). Sri Lanka are 133/7 now with the skipper stranded alone at the other end.

Fuller and outside off. Wanindu Hasaranga dabs it down wide of backward point for a single.

Back of a length, outside off. Wanindu Hasaranga stands tall to defend it towards backward point.

A rearguard action from Charith Asalanka as he brings up his FIFTY! Coming from around the stumps, Aaron goes full and outside off. Charith Asalanka lets it come towards him and guides it towards deep third man for a single. Soaks in the applause from his mates and the crowd.

Full and outside off. Charith Asalanka rocks forward to defend it towards backward point.

Slight misfield there at cover. Goes back of a length, outside off. Wanindu Hasaranga stays tall to punch it towards cover. The misfield lets the batters run through for a single.

Aaron Hardie comes into the attack and goes full and on off. Wanindu Hasaranga keeps it out with just his hands, slightly opened up while he plays at it.

Goes full and outside off. Wanindu Hasaranga stays back inside and gets it off the outside edge of the bat towards deep backward point for a single.

Opts for a quicker one this time, outside off and fuller. Charith Asalanka stays back to guide it with outstretched hands towards deep third man for a single.

Much slower and on a good length. Charith Asalanka pushes it towards cover.

Slower one on the stumps. Catches Charith Asalanka off guard as he jams down on it looking to defend.

Fuller and on middle, following the batter. Charith Asalanka premeditates stepping down and is cramped up for room as he chops it towards mid-wicket.

Coming from around the stumps, goes full and on off. Charith Asalanka brings his bat ahead of his pads to push it towards mid on.

Full and on leg stump, goes straight on. Wanindu Hasaranga stands back to tuck it off his legs towards deep mid-wicket for a brace.

Fired in full and leg stump. Wanindu Hasaranga pushes it off the pads towards mid-wicket.

Fuller and outside off, turning away. Charith Asalanka pushes it off the front foot wide of cover for a single.

Full and outside off. Charith Asalanka stands tall to cut it towards cover.

Darted in on off. Wanindu Hasaranga backs away to guide it wide of short third for a single.

Floated up outside off, turning in. Wanindu Hasaranga rocks forward and offers a straight bat to defend.

Floated up outside off. Wanindu Hasaranga slaps it past Adam Zampa towards his left to go towards long off for a single.

Fired in full and on middle, goes on with the arm. Wanindu Hasaranga rocks back to defend it with a straight bat.

Full and on middle. Wanindu Hasaranga lunges forward and opens the face of the bat to guide it towards point.

Full and on the leg stump. Charith Asalanka pushes it towards long on for a single.

Pushed through, short and on off, Charith Asalanka hangs back to block.

Slows it down and bowls it full, on middle, Charith Asalanka defends it off the front foot.

Full and on off. Wanindu Hasaranga lunges forward to defend.

Wanindu Hasaranga is in at number 8.

OUT! CAUGHT! Steven Smith pulls out an absolute stunner at first slip. This one is floated up outside off, turning away, dragging the batter into the shot. Dunith Wellalage pushes forward to defend, takes a sharp outside edge and goes to the right of Steven Smith at first slip. He stretches his right hand to fetch that one and plucks it out of thin air. He always threatens to pull such catches in the slips and does it again. A sharp catch by him to send back Dunith Wellalage.

Full and outside off. Charith Asalanka pushes it towards long off for a single.

Quicker on off. Charith Asalanka gets his bat down quickly and with a full face to keep it out.

Got away with it. Fired in full and on middle. Charith Asalanka lunges forward to sweep it straight towards short fine.

Full and outside off. Dunith Wellalage leans on to drive it towards sweeper cover for a single.

FOUR! DEFT TOUCH! Goes full and it is the googly. Charith Asalanka picks it off the hand and guides it behind backward point for a boundary. Clever that from Charith Asalanka.

Sharp turn there. Fired in full and on off, turns in. Dunith Wellalage gets his bat down in time to work it away towards cover for a single.

Full and outside off. Dunith Wellalage stays back and opens the face of the bat to guide it towards short third.

Low full toss again, outside off. Dunith Wellalage leans on to drive it towards mid off. Misses out on it again.

Low full toss on off. Charith Asalanka flicks it on the full towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Floated up on middle. Charith Asalanka leans on to drive it towards mid off.

Tossed up, full and on off, Dunith Wellalage lunges to push it to cover.

Full and on the pads, Charith Asalanka turns it wide of square leg for a single.

Drags the length back, on the off stump, Dunith Wellalage cuts it to deep point for a run.

Good length around off, Dunith Wellalage defends in front.

Landed short and wide of off, Dunith cuts to deep point for a couple of runs.

Full, on the off stump, Charith Asalanka pushes it to point for a quick single.

Slightly shorter on middle, goes straight on. Charith Asalanka stands tall inside his crease to pull it away towards the cow corner region for a single.

Slowed down on middle. Dunith Wellalage flicks it with the spin towards deep square leg for a single.

Full and outside off, turning in. Dunith Wellalage leans on to drive it towards cover.

Floated up on middle. Charith Asalanka flicks it towards square leg for a single.

FOUR! Fired in full and on leg, goes straight on. Charith Asalanka steps down a bit and drills it towards long off for a boundary. Brings up the 50-run stand between these two batters.

Full and on middle, turns in. Charith Asalanka pushes it back towards the bowler.

Fuller and on middle. Dunith Wellalage lunges forward to firmly defend it back down.

Slightly shorter outside off, turning away. Charith Asalanka rocks back to punch it towards cover for a single.

Goes full again and on off. Charith Asalanka lunges forward to defend.

Full and outside off, goes straight on. Charith Asalanka cuts it straight to point.

Beaten! Full and outside off, turns away sharply. Charith Asalanka looks to cut but the ball zips past the outside edge.

Full and on off, turns away. Charith Asalanka pokes at it as it takes the inside edge and goes towards short fine.

Zampa struggled with his length during his first spell, and we could see him being given a change of ends to try and find a better rhythm.

Matthew Short comes into the attack, replacing Adam Zampa.

The 100 comes up for Sri Lanka. This one is bowled full and outside off, inviting the drive. Dunith Wellalage stays back and drives it from under his eyes wide of sweeper cover for a brace. Sri Lanka 101 for 5.

Beaten! Full and outside off, in that channel, nips away slightly. Dunith Wellalage pokes at it as the ball goes past the outside edge.

On a good length, on middle. Charith Asalanka flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Fuller and on middle, nips in. Charith Asalanka hops up and flicks it towards deep square leg for a brace. The fielder from deep backward square leg runs across to gather and throws it rapidly towards the keeper's end. Charith Asalanka had to scamper there for the second run.

Bashes that back of a length, angling in. Dunith Wellalage rises and taps it with high hands towards backward square leg for a single.

Tap and run! Goes back of a length, just outside off, nips in slightly. Charith Asalanka gets on top of the bounce to tap it towards cover for a quick single.

Flat and short, on middle, Dunith Wellalage stays back and stabs it down.

Pushed through, on middle, Dunith Wellalage blocks it out.

Slows it down and gets a bit more loop on this one, Charith Asalanka takes it on the full and eases the drive to long on for one.

Too full, on middle, Dunith knocks it down to long on for a run.

Floated up, on off, pushed to cover by Dunith.

Loopy delivery, very full, on middle, Dunith Wellalage squeezes it out in front of deep square leg. Dunith takes the first run quickly and a fumble in the deep from Cooper Connolly allows him to complete the second with ease.

Good work in the deep! On a shortish length, on middle, Charith Asalanka gets on his toes and jabs it in front of square on the leg side. Hits it to the left of deep mid-wicket where Jake Fraser-McGurk sprints and dives to his left. Pushes the ball away from the fence and it is mopped up by the converging deep square leg fielder. Two runs taken.

Hurls it on a back of a length, on off, Charith Asalanka shuffles and gets behind the line to tap it to mid on.

Dishes it out on a nagging length, on off, Charith Asalanka gets behind the line and keeps it out.

Closer to the off stump, on a back of a length, Dunith Wellalage rides the bounce and pats it to deep point for one.

Uppish but in the gap! On a hard length, outside off, Charith Asalanka punches it uppishly but to the right of the man at backward point for a single.

Beats the bat straight away! On a back of a length, on off, a bit of extra bounce, Charith Asalanka just hangs his bat out there and gets beaten.

Double change? Yes, but Smith sticks to pace from the far end. Spencer Johnson back on for his second spell. He replaces Sean Abbott and is 4-0-26-2 so far. Two slips in position for him.

Gets the ball to drop in front of the batter, on a length, Dunith Wellalage plants his front foot across and turns it to mid-wicket.

A bit too full again, on off, Dunith Wellalage drives it to mid off.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Charith Asalanka whips it through mid-wicket and crosses over.

Floated up, full and on middle, blocked out by Charith.

FOUR! Easy pickings! Zampa slides onto the pads, on a nagging length, Charith Asalanka gets inside the line and tickles it through fine leg for a boundary. The partnership moves to 30 off 18 balls.

Looped low, full toss, knocked down to long on for a single by Dunith.

Spin deployed from one end now. Adam Zampa is introduced into the attack now. He replaces Nathan Ellis.

A much-needed productive over for Sri Lanka! 15 runs off it. Fuller in length, on off, Charith Asalanka gets his weight on the front foot and drives it all along the ground to the left of deep cover. Cooper Connolly covers good ground in the deep to his left and dives to save a couple of runs for his side.

FOUR! Fortuitous boundary for Asalanka! Abbott changes his angle of attack as he comes from around the wicket and bowls it outside off, on a length, Charith Asalanka throws his hands at the delivery and gets an outside edge. He gets away with it as the ball flies well wide of second slip for a boundary.

On a length, on off, Charith Asalanka defends it right under his eyes.

On a good length, on off, Dunith Wellalage pushes it to deep cover for a single.

FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for Dunith! Sean pulls the length back but again, allows the batter the room to free his arms. Dunith Wellalage gets on top of it and punches it through covers for four more.

FOUR! Width offered and Wellalage cashes in! Sean errs in line and bowls it on a length, Dunith Wellalage does not move his feet and extends his hands into the shot. Drills it through covers for a boundary.

On off, on a length, defended solidly by Charith.

Edged but it falls short! Jagging away after pitching, on off, on a good length, Dunith Wellalage stays rooted in the crease and gets completely opened up due to the away movement. Gets an outside edge that drops short of second slip. The ball bursts through the hands of the fielder there and the batters cross for one.

Wide! Dug in short but this sails over the batter's head for a wide.

And again! Ellis drags the length back and bowls it around off, Dunith Wellalage goes searching for the ball with his hands and sees the ball whizz past the outside edge.

Beaten! On the fifth stump line, on a length, no foot movement at all from Dunith Wellalage. Gets squared up on the defence as the ball leaves him.

On a good length, on off and middle, Charith Asalanka camps back to keep it out with a straight bat. The ball moves away just enough to catch the outside edge and it goes down to deep third for one.

Loopy slower one, at 112 kph, very full, on off, Charith Asalanka digs it out.

Dishes it out on a back of a length, on middle, Dunith Wellalage hangs back to defend.

SIX! BANG! Dunith Wellalage makes the Free Hit count! Width offered on off, on a short of a good length, Dunith Wellalage clears his front leg and throws his hands at it. Flays it over the leaping deep backward point fielder for a six.

NO BALL! Slightly fuller, angling across, Dunith Wellalage defends inside the line and gets beaten. Abbott has overstepped. Free Hit coming up.

Leaving the left-hander, on a back of a length, Dunith Wellalage lets it be.

DRINKS BREAK. Australian bowlers have run through half of the Sri Lankan batting line up and all it has taken them to do so is just under 15 overs. Just when it seemed that this partnership for the fifth wicket was blossoming into something meaningful, Sean Abbott broke that resistance. But before, Spencer Johnson and Aaron Hardie set the tone for the tourists by keeping the batters under immense pressure with tight lines and movement off the deck. Lack of footwork has been Sri Lanka's nemesis so far as more than half of the wickets fallen are off the edges and no footwork. Sri Lanka desperately needs a partnership here as there's a lot of overs to spare. Skipper Asalanka will need a steady partner at the other end to bail the hosts out of the turbulent waters. Here's Dunith Wellalage in at number 7.

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Abbott breaks through and brings about an end to Janith's resistance. On a good length, in the corridor of off from over the wicket, Janith commits the same mistake as Sri Lanka's top three batters. Pokes at the delivery away from his body but he does so with soft hands. It results in the ball going quite low towards second slip where Steven Smith stays low to snaffle it. It is referred upstairs and the replays show that Smith managed to get his hands clearly under the ball. The 24-run stand is broken and Sri Lanka have now lost half their side.

Is that a clean catch? The umpires want to check whether the ball is taken clean before the surface by Steven Smith at the second slip. Smith bends low and just about manages to scoop the ball before the grass. It is deemed as a fair catch. OUT!

On the off stump line, on the fuller side, Janith Liyanage pats it back to Sean.

At 139 kph, on a length, on off and middle, Janith Liyanage camps back and blocks it out.

Half a shout for LBW but there was a woody sound! Full and straight, attacking the front pad, Janith Liyanage's head falls over to the off side as he looks to flick it away. Ekes out an inside edge onto the pads. They cross as the ball rolls wide of square leg.

This is on a hard length, on off, Janith Liyanage punches it to backward point.

On a back of a length, outside off, Janith Liyanage lets the ball come to him and taps the ball on its head. Dabs it down onto the turf and it bounces over the head of the leaping third slip fielder. Adam Zampa at deep third runs around to his left and mops it up. Two runs taken.

Digs it in short, outside off, at 135 kph, Janith Liyanage swivels for the pull but the ball comes on slower than he expected. Toe-ends the shot in front of mid-wicket.

This jags back in and hurries the batter up, on off, on a short of a good length, Janith Liyanage drops his bat down on the ball and keeps it out.

Play and a miss! Deviating away off the deck, on a nagging length, Janith Liyanage hangs back and looks to use the pace of the ball and dab it down late behind square on the off side but misses.

Pitched up, on off, Charith Asalanka eases the drive to the man at mid off.

Full and on off, blocked out off the front foot.

Good comeback from Sean! Pulls the length back and keeps it in the corridor on off, Charith Asalanka tries to block it out but the ball leaves him and zips past the outside edge.

FOUR! One brings two for the Sri Lankan skipper! Full and wide on off, Charith Asalanka leans into the drive and nails the shot through covers for a boundary. The 50 comes up for Sri Lanka!

FOUR! Nicely picked up! Fuller and angling away, on off, Charith stays still at the point of contact and whips it up and over mid-wicket for a boundary.

On a length, outside off, Janith goes after it and gets an outside edge that goes along the ground to deep third for a single.

Attacking the stumps, on a good length, Charith Asalanka defends it with his bat close to the front pad.

On a nagging length, on middle and leg, Charith Asalanka stabs it down on the leg side.

Ellis bowls the back-of-the-hand slower one, on off, full as well, Janith is early into the shot as he checks his drive. Chips it a bit uppishly but wide of cover for a single.

Leg bye! Sliding onto the pads, on a back of a length, Charith Asalanka misses the tickle. A leg bye is taken as the ball rolls away on the leg side.

Loose shot! Australia won't mind it. Outside off, on the fuller side, Janith Liyanage sees the width on offer and throws his hands at the delivery. Gets a thickish outside edge that goes down to deep third for a single.

Oh, that's a beauty! Angling into the right-hander and then it nips away off the deck, Janith Liyanage is opened up as he looks to defend it with a straight bat. Ellis seems to have heard something as the ball goes past the bat and goes up in an appeal but gets no support from the men behind the bat.

Goes full this time, on off, Janith Liyanage shapes up for the straight drive. Gets it off the outer half of the bat to the left of backward point for a single.

Beaten! Brings the line closer to the batter and hits the deck hard. Gets a good lift off the deck, Janith Liyanage fiddles at the delivery and gets beaten on the outside edge.

Width offered on off, on a back of a length, Janith Liyanage is happy to let it pass.

Goes wide of the crease on the over-the-wicket angle and slants it in, on a length, on the pads, Janith Liyanage tucks it to mid-wicket.

Drags the length back and keeps it in the channel on off, Janith Liyanage makes the leave.

Honing in on the off stump, on a length, Janith Liyanage stays back and gets right behind it to defend.

End of Powerplay 1! Although they can now have a maximum of four fielders outside the 30-yard circle, Steven Smith is unlikely to spread the field just yet. With the pressure firmly on Sri Lanka, he will look to keep things tight and make them work hard for every single run.

Swing and a miss! Full and outside off, Charith Asalanka prods forward and goes for a drive, but the deviation takes the ball away and beats the outside edge. End of the first Powerplay and Sri Lanka are crawling at 39/4.

Full and on off, worked to cover.

JAFFA! Back of a length, skidding and cutting away from the left-hander. Charith Asalanka is squared up and the ball zips past the outside edge.

Pitched fuller on middle, Charith Asalanka flicks it across to mid-wicket. Asalanka takes a few steps forward and Janith Liyanage sees him and runs for a single but is sent back on a sharp call from the skipper. Puts in a dive to get back home.

Closer to the off pole, on a length, Charith Asalanka watches it closely and makes a tight leave.

Nathan Ellis starts off his spell, bowls it full and deviates away from the left-hander. Charith Asalanka pokes at it and the ball zips past the outside edge.

Full and on the stumps, angling in, Janith Liyanage flicks it away, more off the inner half of the bat to deep backward square leg for a couple of runs.

Nice and full, outside off at 133 kph, Janith Liyanage shoulders arms at it.

On the stumps, full, Janith gets right behind it and blocks.

BEATEN! Just outside off, holds the shape on a fuller length, skids through and beats the outside edge of the bat as Janith Liyanage looks to defend.

On off, a yard behind the fuller length, Janith Liyanage presses forward and blocks it out.

It was sunny at the start, but a cloud cover has now developed over the stadium. However, Roshan Abeysinghe assures that it’s not much to be concerned about.

Length, around off at 136 kph, Charith Asalanka plays it off the back foot to deep backward point for a single.

Angling onto the pads, on a good length, Janith Liyanage tucks it to square leg.

Back of a length, on middle, tapped across to mid-wicket.

Good delivery! On a hard length, keeping it in the channel of off and then moving away, Janith Liyanage gets squared up and keeps his bat away from the ball.

A sharp bumper on the bodyline, Charith Asalanka lifts his front leg up in the air and hooks it behind square leg for a single. The fielder from deep square leg mops it up in the deep.

Swing and a miss! Hard length, nipping away from off, Charith Asalanka throws his bat at it to cut it square but misses as the ball passes close to his angled bat.

Attacks the stumps, on middle, Charith Asalanka punches it straight off the back foot.

Back of a length, on the pads, Charith Asalanka misses out while flicking and the ball deflects off the pads to the short fine region. They cross over and get a leg bye.

Pitched fuller and around off, Janith Liyanage gets behind it. Looks to defend but the ball goes off the outer half of the bat and rolls to deep backward point for a single.

Length-delivery, around off, Charith Asalanka drops it in front of backward point and steals a single.

Full and outside off. Janith Liyanage with an open bat face, stabs it to deep backward point for a single.

Janith Liyanage walks out to the middle with Sri Lanka reeling at 31/4. Three slips and a gully in place in place for the new batter.

OUT! HIT FLAT AND TAKEN! All smiles for Australia as they pick their fourth wicket! Sri Lanka in all sorts of trouble now with their top four blown away! Spencer Johnson fires it in, fuller and on the middle and leg, Kamindu Mendis tilts forward and looks to flick it across, but fails to keep it along the ground and the ball travels flat and parallel to the ground towards the square leg region. Jake Fraser-McGurk stationed at square leg, dives to his right towards the ball and plucks it out of thin air while tumbling. A fantastic bowling and fielding display from the visitors. Sri Lanka are 31/4 now.

Some extra bounce and jag back into the left-hander. Kamindu Mendis hops on the back foot and gets it off the inside edge of the bat to the strip.

WIDE! Away from off, outside the tramline, Kamindu leaves. Wide called.

Length and around off. Asalanka gets ahead and blocks it out.

Oh, just short of the slip fielder! Lands it fuller in length and gets the ball to nip away from outside off. Asalanka plays fairly away from his body and gets an outside edge. The ball goes flat and low and on the bounce to the man at the third slip.

Good length, moving away from the off stump, Charith Asalanka goes for a block but the ball flirts past the outside edge.

Three slips in place for the skipper! Length, around off, Charith Asalanka blocks it off the back foot.

The Sri Lankan captain, Charith Asalanka comes out to bat.

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! It was just a matter of time indeed as another Sri Lankan batter falls nicking it behind without any footwork! Aaron Hardie keeps hitting that hard length, around off. Generates a good amount of away movement from off, the ball just holds up a bit on the deck and then bounces off more. Kusal Mendis again, shows no foot movement in the direction of the ball and just pokes the ball deviating away from him. A healthy outside edge is found and Matthew Short makes no mistake in pouching it at first slip. Kusal Mendis departs for 19 (17) and Sri Lanka are teetering at 30/3.

EDGED AND FOUR! Kusal is living dangerously at the moment! Length, nipping back into the right-hander and squares the batter for room. Kusal Mendis with barely any footwork, outside edges it away and past the right of the second slip for a boundary.

Back of a length, on top of off and middle, blocked off straight by Kamindu. Three boundaries from this over, overall 13 runs.

FOUR! Nice shot! Width on offer, outside off on a length, Kamindu Mendis gets all he wants - height, width and pace, Kamindu Mendis executes a square cut through backward point for a boundary.

Hard length, skidding quickly off the surface, on the body with some extra bounce. Kamindu Mendis is cramped up for room and the ball pings his body, before rolling to the slips.

Length ball, angling on the pads, Kusal Mendis tucks it across in front of mid on and rushes to the other end. Aaron Hardie runs forward, picks and throws at the bowler's end, but misses. Kusal Mendis dives to get home at the other end.

EDGED AND FOUR! Not a bad ball at all from Spencer Johnson, full and nipping away from the right-hander. Kusal Mendis with no footwork, gets squared up and the ball goes off the outside edge, rolls between the gully and the slip fielders for a boundary at deep third.

FOUR! Clever shot! Pitched up, full and angling in from middle, Kusal Mendis picks it up well and chips it over mid on for a boundary. Not exactly from the middle of the bat, but Kusal just manages to clear the in-field to find the fence.

BEATEN! A gentle-paced delivery, on a length, around off and slightly nipping away, Kamindu Mendis plays inside the line to block but the ball zips past the outside edge.

On middle on a length, at 129 kph, Kamindu Mendis works it across to square leg.

Another one that swings away, full and on off, Kusal Mendis presses forward and blocks off the outer half of the bat. The ball rolls through point for a single.

Hits the deck hard at 130 kph, on a hard length, Kusal nudges it across to mid-wicket.

BEATEN! A snorter of a delivery from Hardie, bowled short and around off, swinging away, Kusal Mendis does not commit on the front foot and gets squared up, and the ball beats the outside edge.

Short of a good length, outside off, Kamindu Mendis tucks it across wide of mid-wicket for a quick single. Gets off the mark!

Back of a length, on the stumps, Kusal Mendis responds with a solid front foot defence to end the over.

On the top of the middle, on a length, Kusal Mendis gets right behind it and taps it on the surface.

A sharp deviation from outside off, on a length, Kusal leaves. Carey dives full-stretch to his right and makes a half-stop near the slips.

FOUR! A freebie from Spencer and Kusal cashes on nicely! A knee length full toss, on off, Kusal Mendis plays it through the line and drives it past the right of mid off for a boundary.

Hard length, deviating away from the batter, Kusal Mendis offers no shot at it.

WIDE! Sprays it wayward down leg, Kusal misses to flick. Wide called.

Short and on off, Mendis hops across and knocks it straight.

Kamindu Mendis walks in with Sri Lanka in early trouble.

OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN IN THE SLIPS! A nothing shot from Avishka Fernando and Sri Lanka are already two down now! Hardie bangs it on the back of a length, and keeps the line of attack around off. The ball lands and then nips away from the right-hander with some bounce on it. Avishka Fernando does not move his feet in the direction and stays glued to the crease, but pokes the ball angling away from him. Hence, a healthy outside edge is found and it goes to Steven Smith at second slip. A sharp catch by the Australian skipper to his left. Sri Lanka have now lost both their openers within two overs.

Straight on off, on a fuller length, at 134 kph, Avishka Fernando presents a solid front foot block, right under the eyes.

Outside off on the back of a length, Kusal knocks it square to deep backward point for a single. Gets off the mark!

Shape away from off, on a hard length, Kusal Mendis stands tall and blocks it off the back foot.

Gentle outswing on offer, around off, Avishka Fernando leans on it and places it through cover-point for a single.

Hard length, on off, Avishka Fernando hops on the back foot and knocks it to backward point.

It will be Aaron Hardie to operate with the other new ball from the opposite end.

Almost an identical delivery from the previous ball, lands fuller, around off and then nips away. Kusal is alert and leaves it alone. First over done, Sri Lanka are 4/1. A good positive start for Australia.

Kusal Mendis walks in at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Spencer Johnson strikes gold in the very first over for Australia as they get an early breakthrough! A snorter of a delivery from Spencer as he stays over the stumps, gets that lateral movement away from the batter, around off on a fuller length. Pathum Nissanka stays rooted in the crease with his front foot going nowhere, and tries to drive straight down the ground, but the ball cuts away and takes the outside edge. It goes flat and dips ahead of the keeper. Alex Carey puts a dive low to his right and scoops the ball in his gloves. The umpires want to have a check for a fair catch and the UltraEdge comes up first. Shows a clear spike on the outside edge. Also, it is deemed that Carey did well to catch it above the grass. Pathum Nissanka departs for 4 (5) and Sri Lanka are 4/1.

Edged and gone! Or is it? The Australians went up straight away but the umpires have asked Pathum Nissanka to wait as they check for a fair catch. First, the edge is confirmed, and there's no doubt about it as UltraEdge shows a clear spike. Now, onto the fairness of the catch. One replay is enough for the third umpire to confirm that Alex Carey's gloves are cleanly underneath the ball.

Gentle inswinger on middle and leg, on a good length, Pathum Nissanka plays over it and the ball thuds his front thigh pad. A muted appeal from someone for LBW but clearly going above the stumps.

FOUR! First runs for Nissanka and Sri Lanka, and they are underway! Just a bit too wide of off on a length, Pathum Nissanka gets right on top of it and drives it past cover-point for a cracking boundary.

Good pace and bounce now! Hard length, around off, Pathum Nissanka gets on the toes and taps it away to backward point.

On the money, starts Spencer! Across off on a length, barely any movement as well. Pathum Nissanka lets it pass.

We are done with the national anthems, and a sparse crowd is in on a warm Wednesday morning. Russel Arnold mentions that it's a public holiday in Sri Lanka, so the stands are expected to fill up as the day progresses. Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando walk out to open the innings for Sri Lanka. Spencer Johnson will kickstart proceedings with the new ball for Australia. Two slips in place. Here we go!

We are moments away from the first ball, but before that, Charith Asalanka and Steven Smith lead their respective sides out for the national anthems. It will be the Australian national anthem first, followed by that of Sri Lanka.

PITCH REPORT - Farveez Maharoof is near the deck. He informs that the last day game at this venue was played in 2014. He describes the surface as very bare with minimal grass cover. Adds that the new ball is expected to be the best time to bat, with the ball skidding onto the bat early on. Mentions that as the game progresses, significant turn is expected, making life difficult for batters. Feels that seamers will need to rely on their variations to be effective. Informs that the square boundaries are evenly set at 65 meters on both sides. Further says that a score of around 240 is expected to be par on this wicket.

The captain of Australia, Steven Smith says that they would have batted first as well. Observes that the pitch is dry and expects to break as the match goes on. On team news, he says there's a lot to digest and informs that Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short will be opening for them and also mentions that the likes of Travis Head, Maxwell, and Josh Inglis are not playing. Says Sri Lanka is always a good place to play cricket and ends by adding that the boys are excited and just want to get into the tempo of ODI cricket.

The Sri Lankan captain, Charith Asalanka says that they are going to bat first. Reckons that this is a dry wicket and they aim to put a total around the 270-run mark. Hopes that they can bat well and restrict Australia later. Informs that they are going with 6 batters and 5 bowlers, including 2 all-rounders.

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

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka, Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (WK), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (C), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando.

Toss Update - The flip of the coin lands in the favor of Sri Lanka and Charith Asalanka says, they will BAT first.

Coming off a clean sweep win in the Tests, can Australia’s depleted side throw challenges to the dominators at home, Sri Lanka? While Sri Lanka's home stats in ODIs speak about their commanding performances, Australia is the team that edges them in the head-to-head records by a fair margin. Also, this is their first meeting in this format after the last World Cup in 2023. So, a lot of match-ups and contests within contests to watch out for. Toss and teams coming up next shortly. Stay tuned.

As a result, the team has been forced to make five changes, bringing in Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Spencer Johnson, and Tanveer Sangha as replacements. The spin department leans heavily on the experienced Adam Zampa, who is surrounded by relatively newer faces with only Glenn Maxwell providing that all-round spinning option. Steven Smith is again set to take the captain's armband, leading a batting lineup that runs deep and the one that remains largely intact with the players featured in the last World Cup. Keeping conditions in mind, Australia may well include more spinners in the mix.

Due to facing significant injury setbacks ahead of the Champions Trophy, Australia has been forced to reshuffle its squad considerably. In case you missed it, Australia suffered another setback in their preparations for the upcoming Champions Trophy. Australia’s premier left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc has withdrawn from the tournament due to personal reasons. His absence adds to Australia's growing concerns, with Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh already sidelined by injuries, and Marcus Stoinis announcing a shock retirement. 

Sri Lanka’s squad remains largely unchanged from their New Zealand tour, with Charith Asalanka at the helm. The batting lineup looks solid with experienced Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando opening, while the in-form Kusal Mendis fortifies the middle order. On their spin-friendly tracks, Sri Lanka boasts a potent attack with options in plenty, led by the dynamic duo of Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana, and complemented by four frontline pace options to choose from.

Sri Lanka, despite their Champions Trophy absence, comes into this series with impressive momentum, boasting an impressive run in the ODIs. While overseas challenges in New Zealand and Bangladesh resulted in series losses, their home dominance stands out with five consecutive bilateral series victories. Defending champions Australia, on the other hand, enter this contest looking to bounce back from their recent setbacks, including a series defeat to Pakistan on home soil and having lost three of their last five ODI games.

Hello, everyone! We extend our warm welcome to one and all joining us for the coverage as cricket switches from whites to colors at Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium, where Sri Lanka and Australia face off in the first of two ODIs. Though a late addition to the tour, this limited-overs series offers Australia ideal preparation for the upcoming Champions Trophy, while Sri Lanka, who won’t be part of that tournament, looks to make their mark in this brief but promising contest.

... MATCH DAY ...

After a commanding Test series whitewash against Sri Lanka, Australia now shift gears for a crucial two-match ODI series, one that holds immense significance ahead of the Champions Trophy. With injury concerns and last-minute changes shaking up their squad, the Aussies find themselves in a race against time to assemble a formidable unit for the marquee tournament. Sri Lanka, despite missing out on Champions Trophy action, have stuck with a familiar squad, largely unchanged from their recent series against New Zealand. The action unfolds at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, setting the stage for an intense battle. Following a dismal Test series, Sri Lanka have plenty to prove, particularly their ability to handle spin on home soil, a surprising Achilles’ heel. This ODI series presents the perfect chance to regain lost confidence and inject fresh momentum. Pathum Nissanka will be desperate to return to his best form, while the batting unit, bolstered by Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis alongside skipper Charith Asalanka, looks solid. Meanwhile, the spin duo of Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga will be key, with Asitha Fernando spearheading the pace attack. Sticking to a consistent squad signals Sri Lanka’s intent to build winning momentum, regardless of their tournament absence, a promising sign for their future. Australia, on the other hand, are in a whirlwind just days before the Champions Trophy. Skipper Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood’s absence has left Mitchell Starc as the lone pace veteran, forcing a major reshuffle. The big question remains. Will they risk playing Starc in this series or preserve him for the grand stage? To further complicate matters, Mitchell Marsh’s back injury and Marcus Stoinis’ shock retirement have rattled the middle order, leaving the team’s balance in disarray. In response, Sean Abbott, Spencer Johnson and Ben Dwarshuis have been drafted in, along with leg-spinner Tanveer Sangha and all-rounder Cooper Connolly. Jake Fraser-McGurk could also step up as Marsh’s replacement. With so many new faces and limited time to gel, Australia will be eager to give their fresh recruits valuable game time before the main event. Adding to the suspense, Australia are yet to announce their captain for both this series and the Champions Trophy. Steven Smith appears to be the frontrunner, but Travis Head remains a strong contender. Despite a depleted squad, Australia’s batting firepower is still intimidating, making them a tough challenge for Sri Lanka. The hosts, however, see this as a golden opportunity to capitalize on a vulnerable opponent and make a statement in a format they have thrived in recently. All signs point to an enthralling series!