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Steven Smith attracted attention after grabbing an incredible stunner during the first ODI against Sri Lanka, played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. In the 26th over of the contest, Matthew Short bowled against Dunith Wellalage, who strove to reply the delivery with a defense but the ball went towards slip, where Smith was deployed. Displaying agility, the Aussie veteran dived to his right and took a one-handed catch to send the Lankan batter back to the pavilion.
The catch was crucial for the Aussies as it helped them break the stable 67-run stand between captain Charith Asalanka and Wellalage, who was at the score of 30 with two fours and a maximum. After Wellalage’s dismissal, Asalanka went on to rack up his third ODI ton which helped the hosts to post a fighting total of 214 runs in 46 overs on the board. Asalanka got dismissed after scoring 127 off 126, with the help of 14 fours and five maximums.
Watch Steven Smith's stunning one-handed stunner in first ODI against Sri Lanka:
Sri Lanka claims comprehensive triumph to go 1-0 up in two-match series
Australia failed to capitalise on their bowlers’ efficient work as their batters looked miserable against Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling. Asitha Fernando dismissed openers Matthew Short and Jake Fraser-McGurk in his first two overs which pushed the Aussies in pressure. After the fierce start, spinners stepped into the scene as Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage trapped Cooper Connolly and Steven Smith within the first powerplay.
Wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey and Aaron Hardie displayed belligerence but capitulated against Charith Asalanaka and Wanindu Hasaranga respectively. Carey scored a quick 41 off 38 while Hardie accumulated 32 off 37. Tailenders Sean Abott (20 off 23) and Adam Zampa (20* off 29) also strove to fight with their knocks. However, with Spencer Johnson's wicket, Maheesh Theekshana took his team home with a convincing 49-run win. Theekshana also became the highest wicket-taker in the game with 4/40 figures in 9.5 overs.
