Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews produced an all-round performance as the hosts recorded a comprehensive 82-run victory over Australia in the second one-day global to level the five-match series 1-1 in Colombo on Wednesday.
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Chandimal found the flawless partner in Dilruwan Perera, who made 17 off balls, as the duo put together a crucial 39-run ninth wicket partnership to give the Sri Lankan total some respect.
Smith played in all three losing Tests against the Sri Lankans and the first two one-day internationals before it was announced he would fly home to rest up.
A hat-trick from James Faulkner and a gritty Mathew Wade half-century were to no avail as Australia crumbled to a hefty 82-run defeat against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Wednesday night.
After dismissing David Warner during Australia’s unsuccessful run chase, all-rounder Perera used language and displayed actions which could have provoked a reaction from the Australia opener, the ICC said in a statement on Thursday.
Skipper Steve Smith tried to fight back with his 33-ball 30, his innings laced with five boundaries, but his wicket off Aponso spelt more trouble for the visitors.
The hosts lost two wickets in two balls after paceman Mitchell Starc struck early to send opener Danushka Gunathilaka trudging back to the pavilion.
Batting first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka made 288 all out having recovered from a poor start.
Zampa returned the best bowling figures for Australia with 3-42.
Dilshan and Chandimal then put together a 73-run partnership for the third wicket to steady the Sri Lankan innings. Sri Lanka already have opening batsmen vying for his place. Since 2013, he has averaged 49.18, and he is only the fourth Sri Lanka batsman and 11th batsman overall to pass the 10,000-run mark.
The 27-year-old will return to lead the side against South Africa in an ODI series at the end of next month and Lehmann said the move was the best thing for Smith, who plays in all three forms of the game.
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Captain Angelo Mathews suggested there could be changes to the Sri Lanka XI, but Dinesh Chandimal – who hit his fifth successive ODI fifty in the first match – and Kusal Mendis have been cleared after injury concerns.
