Colombo, Feb. 12 -- A fine century by skipper Charith Asalanka was complemented well by a four-wicket haul from spinner Maheesh Theekshana, as Sri Lanka defeated Australia by 49 runs in a low-scoring first ODI at Colombo on Wednesday.

With this win, Sri Lanka is 1-0 up in the two-match series. A depleted Australian side without regular players like skipper Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Marsh and a retired Marcus Stoinis, have received a serious jolt, a trailer of how things could be during the ICC Champions Trophy starting from February 19 onwards.

Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first. Lankan Lions were down at 55/5, but a partnership of 67 runs between Asalanka and Dunith Wellalage brought the hosts to ...