COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, Feb. 12 -- Charith Asalanka scored a career-best 127 to help Sri Lanka beat Australia by 49 runs in the opener of a two-match one-day international cricket series on Wednesday.

Sri Lanka was bowled out for 214 in 46 overs after Asalanka won the toss and elected to bat first at Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium. Asalanka played a captain's innings and carried his team with his fourth ODI hundred in his 72nd game.

In reply, Australia was bowled out for 165 runs in 33.5 overs.

Fast bowler Spencer Johnson (2-44) quickly provided Australia with its first breakthrough, having opener Pathum Nissanka caught behind in the first over of the match. Opening partner Avishka Fernando fell in the next over when he was caught by Austr...