Share

Johnson destroys Sri Lanka

Pallekele - Mitchell Johnson's career-best six wickets and Shane Watson's aggressive innings of 69 runs led Australia to a seven-wicket victory in the opening one-day international against Sri Lanka on Wednesday.

Johnson's left-arm seamers claimed 6-31 to to restrict Sri Lanka to a modest 191, with lower-order batsman Suraj Randiv top-scoring with a six and four boundaries in 41 runs.

Watson then hit six sixes and five boundaries to help Australia to their first win of the tour, assisted by half-centuries from captain Michael Clarke (53 not out) and former skipper Ricky Ponting (53) at the Pallekele International Stadium.

Batting first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka made a steady start with Upul Tharanga and Tillakaratne Dilshan taking the total to 54 runs.

Tharanga, who was back in the side after serving a suspension for using a banned substance at this year's World Cup, hit seven boundaries for 34 runs before being bowled by left-arm spinner Xavier Doherty.

Offspinner David Hussey had Dilshan caught by Doug Bollinger for 29 with the total on 76.

Johnson entered the fray and had Mahela Jayawardene caught behind for 3 before running through the middle and lower order.

He also took the crucial wickets of Kumar Sangakkara (16), Dinesh Chandimal (15), Jeevan Mendis (2) and Randiv in eclipsing his previous best figures of 5-26 against India in 2007.

Australian openers Brad Haddin and Watson shared 59 runs before Haddin was bowled by spinner Ajantha Mendis for 12.

Watson was caught by Jayawardene off spinner Randiv after facing only 51 balls.

Clarke and Ponting put on 101 for the third wicket to ensure victory. Ponting hit five boundaries in 71 balls, while Clarke hit only one boundary in a measured knock.

The next ODI in the five-match series is on Sunday at Hambantota.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE