SL v AUS 1st ODI: Australia pass Sri Lankan spin test

Australia's Steve Smith celebrates scoring fifty runs during their first one day international cricket match against Sri Lanka in Colombo, Sri Lanka. (AP)

 

 

COLOMBO: Australia swept to a three-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the opening match of their one-day international series on Sunday, after captain Steve Smith anchored the tourists' innings following an explosive start by Aaron Finch.

Smith won the toss and sent Sri Lanka to bat first, with the hosts being restricted to a modest 227 in 50 overs thanks to fast bowlers James Faulkner and Mitchell Starc, who shared seven wickets.

Opener Finch hit two sixes and seven boundaries in a 46-ball 56, while Smith added a 92-ball 58 in the visitors' reply.

Australia reached 228-7 with 19 balls to spare, despite a flurry of late wickets.

Off-spinner Dilruwan Perera took three wickets for Sri Lanka.

Brief Scores

Sri Lanka: 227 for 8 (Dinesh Chandimal 80 not out, Kusal Mendis 67, James Faulkner 4-38, Mitchell Starc 3-32) lose to Australia: 228 for 7 (Steve Smith 58, Aaron Finch 56, George Bailey 39, Dilruwan Perera 3-48) by three wickets.