SL VS AUS (WATCH): Steve Smith shocks with Slips to dismiss Janith Liyanage in the 1st ODI

Winning a toss and choosing a bat first can often set the stage for a commander’s performance; Sri Lanka This ODI told me a different story. After an unstable start, pressure is attached, leading to moments of glow from Steve Smith It’s typical AustraliaHe dominated and sent shockwaves through the Sri Lanka batting lineup.

Steve Smith’s acrobatic act sends the packaging of Janice Leyanage

It was the 15th time of fire, and Sri Lanka was desperately trying to rebuild the innings. Shawn AbbottBowling wide length delivery of stumps and being seduced Janith Liyanage For a relaxed drive. The ball took a thick edge and flew low towards the slip. Smith, stationed on his second slip, responded in an instant. He bent low, almost parallel to the ground, and picked the ball on the grass with his right hand. The judge immediately went to rank to see if the catch was clean, but the replay checked Smith’s safe hands. It was a slip catch in the textbook, showing off his keen reflections and perfect technique.

Having struggled with 29-11 balls, Liyanage returned to the pavilion and brought Sri Lanka into deeper trouble on 55/5. Smith’s catch not only ended a promising partnership, but also strengthened his reputation as one of the safest slip fielders in the game.

Here’s the video:

Half of the Sri Lankan side: ☝

Smith holds the low one to give Abbott the first one #slvaus pic.twitter.com/ap5oaehbmy

– 7cricket (@7cricket) February 12, 2025

See again: Steve Smith’s Lightning Reflection sends Abishka Lunando Packing in the 1st ODI

Sri Lanka’s struggle continues after the power play

At the time of writing, the Sri Lankan innings were in a hellish scene. After 18 overs they were 86/5 Charit Asalanka (23*) and Danis Wellerage (17*) Trying to stabilize the ship. The hosts lost a top five batter in the first 15 overs. Spencer Johnson and Aaron Hardy Inflicts early damage. Johnson picked up two wickets, including the opener wickets Pathum nissankawhile Hardy explains Avishka Fernando and Somewhere in the mentor.

The Australian bowlers were relentless and made full use of the situation. Nathan Ellisespecially economical, admitting just eight runs in four overs. Abbott, despite being slightly more expensive, provided an important breakthrough at the Riyanaj wicket thanks to Smith’s heroes.

Sri Lankan innings are a tale of missed opportunities and poor shot choices. The power playover was particularly disastrous, with the team managing just 39 runs despite losing four wickets. By the 12th, they had raw on 50 runs, but Liyanage’s fall on the 15th further dented their hopes of posting even more competitive totals.

Australia manages the game

Australia has been in good control of the match as Sri Lanka struggles 86/5 after 18 overs. The visitors’ bowlers were clinical and their fielding, led by Smith’s stunning catch, was top notch. Unless Asalanka and Wellerage are able to make an astonishing recovery, Sri Lanka’s decision to hit first could plague them as the match progresses.

Steve Smith’s catch was not merely an individual moment of brilliance, but also a testament to his domination on the Australian field. As the game unfolds, Sri Lanka needs miracles to like the tide.

Read again: SL vs AUS 2025, ODI Series: Broadcast, Live Streaming Details – India, Australia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and other times and locations