Maxwell’s heroics rescues Australia in Pallekele ODI

. . .-100 . . . . . div , , p . , . , Following a slightly dull T20I series, the ODI series between Sri Lanka and Australia kicked off with a cracker of a game in Pallekele. Throughout the game, the momentum kept swinging but it was Australia who had the last laugh as the hosts chased the DL based target of 282 runs in 44 overs. Batting first, Sri Lanka produced a very impressive show which started with a 115-run opening stand between Danushka Gunathilaka (55) and Pathum Nissanka (56). The innings was further supported by Kusal Mendisrsquo unbeaten 86 runs and a 19-ball 37-run blitz by Wanindu Hasaranga de Silva meant Sri Lanka finished with exactly 300 runs in their allotted 50 overs. Australian innings had entertainment written all over it as there was a gripping contest between the bat and ball to keep the balance of the game afloat. Skipper Aaron Finch, Steven Smith and Marcus Stoinis all chipped in nicely, but it was actually the knock of all-rounder Glenn Maxwell which turned the face of the game in Australiarsquos favor. Coming to bat at his team being 189-5, and then seeing regular dismissals from the other hand, it is hard to be aggressive. However, that is exactly what the belligerent striker did. Spin or pace, everyone was at Maxwellrsquos mercy as a swashbuckling knock of 80 runs using only 51 balls saw Australia crossing the line and taking a well-earned 1-0 lead in the five-match series. Maxwellrsquos brilliance can also be understood from the fact that the 33-year old cricketer flew away with the player of the match award in a game where Wanindu Hasaranga claimed 4 wickets and contributed 37 runs at a strike-rate of 194.73