Class of Maxwell sees Australia take 1-0 lead

Glenn Maxwell reverse sweeps on his way to a match winning knock of 80 not out

Kusal Mendis acknowledges the cheers as he returns to the pavilion with Wanindu Hasaranga after scoring an unbeaten 86

Steve Smith scored 53 for Australia on top of the order

Wanindu Hasaranga took four wickets before limping off the field with a hamstring

 Dunith Wellalage receives his Sri Lanka ODI cap from Wanindu Hasaranga before the start of play in the first ODI against Australia at Pallekele yesterday

• Wins 1st ODI at Pallekele by two wickets

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

In a high pressure first ODI, Australia had to rely on the class of Glenn Maxwell as a finisher as the big hitter got his team across the line to a win by two wickets to take an early 1-0 lead in the five-match series played to a packed Pallekele International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

With rain causing a one and a half break Australia’s target was revised to 282 off 44 overs after Sri Lanka winning the toss and batting first had racked up 300-7 through half-centuries from Kusal Mendis, openers Danushka Gunathilaka and Pathum Nissanka and a superb cameo knock of 37 off 19 balls from Wanindu Hasaranga.

In Australia’s run chase, Steve Smith scored a 60-ball 53 and there were contributions of 44 apiece from captain Aaron Finch and Marcus Stoinis, but with Hasaranga chipping through the middle order with four wickets for 58, the game was poised for a close finish as they wobbled at 228-7 in the 36th over.

Only one man stood between Sri Lanka and victory and it was Maxwell who smashed a sparkling unbeaten 80 off 51 balls inclusive of six fours and six sixes, two of which he hit off consecutive deliveries off Sri Lanka’s premier fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera to finish the match off in style for Australia with nine balls to spare.

Although defeated Sri Lanka had their memorable moments, with young Dunith Wellalage being handed his ODI cap going onto take the wicket of Smith and Ashton Agar to end with figures of two for 49, the century opening partnership of 115 between Gunathilaka (55 off 53 balls, 7 fours) and Nissanka (56 off 68 balls, 7 fours, 1 six) and Mendis anchoring the innings with a determined 86* off 87 balls (8 fours, 1 six).

However, the impetus to Sri Lanka’s innings was given towards the backend of their innings by a final flourish from Hasaranga who thumped 22 runs off an over from Jhye Richardson scoring 37 off 19 balls that saw Sri Lanka to competitive total of 300-7 which they looked like defending until the rains came and reduced the contest.

Maxwell undoubtedly was named Player of the Match.

The second ODI will take place at the same venue tomorrow.