Maheesh Theekshana helped Sri Lanka to a sensational 49-run win over Australia in the first ODI of the two-match series played at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday.
Theekshana, part of the Rajasthan Royals squad for the upcoming Indian Premier League 2025 season, picked up 4/40 in 9.5 overs to help the Sri Lankan cricket team bundle out the world champions for 165 after the hosts posted 214 batting first.
The 24-year-old off-spinner made an early impact, trapping Campbell Kellaway (3) in front of the wicket to reduce Australia to 18/3 in the sixth over of the innings.
He then got the big scalp of Marnus Labuschagne (15), who misjudged a sweep and was adjudged LBW after a review as Australia found themselves struggling at 83/5 in the 18th over.
His variations continued to weave a web around the Aussies as he dismissed Sean Abbott (20) with a clever carrom ball that forced a simple return catch.
Theekshana dealt his final blow by trapping Spencer Johnson LBW in the 34th over to wrap the affair up.
The performance adds to Theekshana’s growing reputation as a game-changer. Last month, he became the seventh Sri Lankan to claim an ODI hat-trick, finishing with figures of 4/44 against New Zealand in Hamilton.
Wanindu Hasaranga, also part of the Rajasthan Royals squad in the IPL, finished with figures of 1/47 in six overs.
Earlier in the day, Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka's 127 from 136 balls helped the hosts post 214 after they found themselves at 55/5.
The second Sri Lanka vs Australia ODI match will be played on Friday.
