Aussies beaten

Sri Lanka registered an emphatic victory over Australia by 106 runs at the first test of the three test series played at Pallekele. This is the second time in the history of the game that the Sri Lankans emerged victorious against Australia. Riding on Kausal Silva's ferocious knock of 176 runs followed by Rangana Herath's five-wicket haul in the second innings, the hosts outplayed the number one Test side.

Sri Lankan spinners led by Rangana Herath played a major part in the team`s first Test win against Australia for 17 years, but it was Mendis who sparked a turnaround for the hosts. The 21-year-old Mendis, whose 176-run knock was laced with 21 fours and a six, registered his maiden Test ton to enable Sri Lanka to post 353 in the second innings and overcome an 86-run deficit.

Left-arm spinner Herath then took charge to grab 5-54 and help the hosts bundle out Australia for 161 on the fifth and final day after they were set a challenging 268-run target. Debutant chinaman bowler Lakshan Sandakan, who bagged seven wickets in the match, provided the perfect foil to Herath`s experience.

Scores: Sri Lanka 117 (Lyon 3-12, Hazlewood 3-21) and 353 (Mendis 176, Starc 4-84) Australia 203 (Voges 47, Herath 4-49, Sandakan 4-58) and 161 (Smith 55, Herath 5-54) 2nd Test will be played at Galle on Aug 4-8, 2016.