Australia vs Sri Lanka – Melbourne, 3rd November, 2010:
Ahead of the Ashes campaign, Australia had played a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. In the first ODI at Melbourne on 3rd November, 2010, hosts opted to bat first as they post 239 on board.
However, the Islanders couldn’t have a good start as they lost their opening batters well under 20. In the meantime, Mahela Jayawardene had recorded a crucial 50-plus stand for the Lions. Following Jayawarden’s dismissal, Sri Lanka were 107 for eight before the resistance from Lasith Malinga and Angelo Mathews frustrate hosts.
The then 23-year-old Mathews scored 77 off 84 deliveries to bag the Play of the Match award.
Mathews alongside Malinga had added 132-run partnership for the ninth wickets. Interestingly, Malinga had scored 48-ball 56. However, when Lanka required a run, Malinga trudged off the ground after being run out. Thus, it allowed Muttiah Muralitharan to extend his arms to seal the game for Sri Lanka.