Dhaka, Feb. 13 -- Sri Lanka pulled off a stunning comeback against world champions Australia to clinch a 49-run victory in the first One Day International on Wednesday after a century by Captain Charith Asalanka.

Defending a modest target of 215, Sri Lanka bowled out the visitors for 165 inside 34 overs to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Asalanka smashed a career-best 127 before chipping in with the crucial wicket of Alex Carey, while Maheesh Theekshana took 4-40 to help scuttle Australia's chase.

Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka found themselves in dire straits at 133-8 in the 33rd over, with Australia's four-pronged pace attack running riot.

Asalanka's strike rate was just shy of a run-a-ball and included 14 fours and five six...