Sri Lanka Stuns Australia with 49-Run Victory Despite Steve Smith’s Heroics

Okay, I need to shorten the original content to around 650 words and add some pictures. First, I’ll read through the article to understand the main points. The key points are that Australia lost by 49 runs to Sri Lanka in the first ODI, Charith Asalanka scored a century, Steve Smith took an amazing catch, and Australia’s batting lineup struggled.

I should start by summarizing the match result and Asalanka’s innings. Then mention Smith’s catch and its impact, even though Australia lost. I’ll include quotes from fans about Smith’s catch to add some flavor. Next, detail Australia’s batting collapse, highlighting Carey’s performance and the Sri Lankan bowlers, especially Theekshana.

I need to condense the details about the Australian bowlers’ performance, maybe combining some sentences. Remove redundant information, like the specifics about the pitch conditions unless they’re crucial. The part about the players missing (Cummins, Hazlewood, etc.) is important context, so keep that but make it concise.

Images: The user wants some pictures. The original content has image placeholders with IDs and URLs. I’ll reference three key images: Smith’s catch, Asalanka’s century celebration, and maybe Australia’s batting struggle. Mention the images with captions as in the original, but since I can’t embed them, I’ll note where they should be placed.

Check for word count. The original is about 800+ words. I need to cut down by around 150 words. Remove repetitive phrases, combine sentences where possible, and leave out less critical details. For example, the technical CSS and ad-related code in the original can be omitted since they’re not part of the content. Also, the social media share section at the end isn’t necessary.

Make sure the flow is logical: Match result -> Asalanka’s performance -> Smith’s catch -> Australia’s batting issues -> Bowling highlights from both teams -> Missing players -> Next match mention. Keep the fan reactions to Smith’s catch brief but impactful.

Check names and stats for accuracy. Ensure all key data points are included: scores, player stats, match dates. Avoid using markdown, just plain text with image placements indicated. Finally, proofread to ensure clarity and that the word count is close to 650.
Sri Lanka Stun Australia in ODI Opener Despite Smith’s Stunning Catch
By Australian Associated Press | Updated: 14:17 GMT, 12 February 2025

Sri Lanka claimed a commanding 49-run victory over a depleted Australian side in the first ODI in Colombo, propelled by a heroic century from captain Charith Asalanka. Despite a jaw-dropping catch from stand-in skipper Steve Smith, a young Australian batting lineup crumbled to 165 all out, falling well short of Sri Lanka’s 214.

[IMAGE: Steve Smith mid-air during his sensational one-handed catch, captioned: Smith’s gravity-defying grab sent fans into a frenzy.]

Asalanka Rescues Sri Lanka
After collapsing to 5/55, Sri Lanka’s innings was revived by Asalanka, who smashed 127 off 126 balls, including 14 fours and five sixes. His partnership with Dunith Wellalage (30) steadied the ship before Smith intervened with a trademark slip catch off part-time spinner Matt Short. Asalanka’s aggression lifted Sri Lanka to a competitive total, with Sean Abbott (3-61) and Aaron Hardie (2-13) the pick of Australia’s attack.

[IMAGE: Charith Asalanka celebrating his century, captioned: Asalanka’s 126-ball masterclass guided Sri Lanka to victory.]

Smith’s Moment of Brilliance
Smith, deputizing as captain in Pat Cummins’ absence, left fans in awe with a diving one-handed catch to dismiss Wellalage. Social media erupted, with fans calling him “the best slip fielder ever” and “un-stoppable.” The catch mirrored his Test heroics, reinforcing his reputation as one of cricket’s elite fielders.

Australia’s Batting Collapse
Chasing 215, Australia’s top order faltered. Openers Jake Fraser-McGurk (2) and Matt Short (0) fell cheaply, while Smith (15) and Marnus Labuschagne (18) failed to convert starts. Alex