Maheesh Theekshana claims his 7th four-fer in ODIs: Key stats
What's the story
Sri Lankan cricket's rising star, Maheesh Theekshana, led his team to an impressive 49-run victory over Australia in the first ODI of the two-match series.
The match was played at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday.
Theekshana, who is also a part of the Rajasthan Royals squad for IPL 2025, produced a sensational spell, taking four wickets for just 40 runs from 9.5 overs.
Chasing 215 runs, Australia were folded for 165 in 33.5 overs.
Early impact
Theekshana's early strikes put Australia on back foot
Theekshana announced his arrival early in the game, sending Cooper Connolly (3) back and leaving Australia reeling at 18/3 in the sixth over.
He later took the all-important wicket of Marnus Labuschagne (15), who was given out LBW after a review.
Australia were left reeling at 83/5 in the 18th over, emphasizing Theekshana's massive influence on the match.
Match decider
Theekshana's variations prove too much for Australia
Theekshana continued to trouble the Australian batsmen with his variations, dismissing Sean Abbott (20) with a clever carrom ball that resulted in a simple return catch.
His final wicket came when he trapped Spencer Johnson LBW in the 34th over, effectively ending Australia's innings.
This performance further cements Theekshana's growing reputation as a game-changer in cricket.
Stats
7th four-fer in ODIs, 100 wickets in List A cricket
Theekshana now owns 76 ODI wickets from 56 matches at 25.38. This was his 7th four-wicket haul in ODIs.
As per ESPNcricinfo, in 7 matches versus Australia, he owns 8 scalps at 35.87.
Meanwhile, Theekshana surpassed 100 wickets in List A cricket. He has raced to 103 scalps at 25.14.
He owns 8 four-fers in List A cricket.
Match setup
Asalanka's century sets the stage for Sri Lanka's victory
Earlier in the day, Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka scored a crucial century (127 from 136 balls) that set the stage for their win.
His innings included 14 boundaries and five sixes, earning him the Player of the Match award.
This performance helped Sri Lanka post a competitive total of 214 after they were reduced to 55/5, laying the foundation for Theekshana's match-winning bowling performance.