Smith and Maxwell performed as Australia won in a close encounter

Australia won the first ODI of the 5-match series against Sri Lanka by 2 wickets in 43rd over. The overs were reduced to 44 because of the rain interruption in 2nd innings.

1st innings:

Home team won the toss and opted to bat first and their decision was right because they got very good start. Both of their openers hit fifties and were playing with impressive strike rate. Australia got breakthrough because of the run out and just after that, they got another wicket. Agar took another wicket, which was an outstanding catch by Warner, and made the match interesting after which, Mendis played brilliantly. He made 86 and remained not out till the end. Hasaranga gave very good finish to Sri Lanka by scoring 37 in only 19 balls, which also included 22 run-over of Richardson. Sri Lanka set big total of 300 in 50 overs. Agar and Labuchagne took 2 wickets each whereas other bowlers were not really impressive.

2nd innings:

Aussies got bad start as they lost the wicket of their star opener Warner in 2nd over. Then, the former captain Smith made crucial partnership with Finch. Finch made 44 in 41 deliveries before got out by Hasaranga. Smith played brilliant knock of 53 and got support from Labuchagne, who also played small but crucial innings. Maxwell came on 7th position and scored stunning 80 in 51 balls. His innings led Australia to take 1-0 lead in the series.

The second ODI will be played on 16th of June at the same venue.