MELBOURNE: Phil Hughes became the first Australian to score a century on his one-day international debut as he powered the side to a 107-run win over Sri Lanka yesterday.
Hughes hit 112 and stand-in captain George Bailey struck 89 before David Hussey smashed 60 not out off 34 balls to turn a good total into a commanding 305-5 on a flat MCG wicket.
Dinesh Chandimal kept Sri Lanka in contention with a belligerent 73 but four wickets from Clint McKay and some superb fielding, including three run-outs, restricted the tourists to 198 in reply.
Victory ended a three-match losing streak against Sri Lanka at the MCG.
Australia lead the five-match ODI series 1-0 with the second game tomorrow in Adelaide.
Australia, can be happy with the way an inexperienced line-up coped. Opener Aaron Finch and number three Usman Khawaja managed just 16 and three respectively after Australia won the toss but Hughes put on 140 for the third wicket alongside Bailey at the rate of a run a ball.
REUTERS
