Australia A dominate Sri Lanka A in Darwin opener

Australia A delivered a commanding performance in the first One-Day International in Darwin, crushing Sri Lanka A by 198 runs after posting an imposing 332-4 in their 50 overs.

The hosts' innings was built around four half-centuries, with Nathan McSweeney leading the charge with an unbeaten 85 from 63 deliveries. McSweeney's elegant footwork against the spinners provided a masterclass in technique and timing.
Making his Australia A debut, 18-year-old Ollie Peake announced himself in style, remaining unbeaten on 55 from just 38 balls. His acceleration to reach the milestone was particularly impressive, staying composed alongside McSweeney through the closing stages.
The foundation was laid by Josh Philippe (29) and Campbell Kellaway (20), who provided solid starts before falling. However, the innings truly ignited when Jason Sangha and Matthew Renshaw took control in the middle overs.

Sangha's explosive 23rd over saw him launch Chamindu Wickramasinghe over mid-on twice before a pulled six helped him race to 49. Though he reached his half-century, his dismissal to Dushan Hemantha came shortly after at 50.

Matthew Renshaw's 80 showcased his destructive capability, particularly against the spin attack. His brutal leg-side sixes demonstrated his range and power, though he'll rue his dismissal attempting to ramp Pramod Madushan - a shot that lobbed straight to wicket-keeper Lahiru Udara.
Chasing 333 for victory, Sri Lanka A's innings crumbled early and never recovered. The opening partnership was dismantled within three overs, with Lasith Croospulle falling for a duck after spooning Billy Stanlake's delivery, while Udara edged Bryce Jackson to first slip where McSweeney completed a clean catch.
Kamil Mishara emerged as the lone bright spot for the visitors, crafting a determined 65 from 79 balls. His resistance provided some respectability to the total, but even he eventually succumbed to Sam Elliott's bowling.

Elliott proved to be the architect of Sri Lanka A's downfall, claiming remarkable figures of 5-14 from his nine overs. His spell included the delivery of the day - a perfect ball that cleaned up Wickramasinghe's off-bail.
Billy Stanlake provided excellent support, finishing with 3-18 from 6.4 overs as Sri Lanka A was bowled out for just 134.

Chief scores: Australia A: 332-4 (50 overs) (Nathan McSweeney 85*, Matthew Renshaw 80, Ollie Peake 55*, Jason Sangha 50
Dushan Hemantha 1/29)
Sri Lanka A: 134 all out in 35.4 overs(Kamil Mishara 65, Pavan Rathnayake 28, Sam Elliott 5/14, Billy Stanlake 3/18)

The second game of the series will be on Sunday July 6th.