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Australia defeated Sri Lanka by 85 runs in the
first Twenty20 international match in Pallekele on Tuesday. Chasing a world
record score of 263, Sri Lanka chased it spiritedly and gave it their all but
were always way behind the game. They ended up 85 short, their biggest defeat
in the format. Only Dinesh Chandimal (58 off 43 balls) and Kapugedara (43 off
25 balls) lived up to the expectations. Scot Boland (3 for 26) and Mitchell
Starc (3 for 26) were the main wicket-takers for Australia. Earlier, Australia
broke the world scoring record in Twenty20 internationals after an unbeaten
century by opener Glenn Maxwell helped the tourists reach 263-3. Australia beat
the previous record set by Sri Lanka at 260-6 against Kenya in 2007. Asked to
bat first, Maxwell smashed nine sixes and 14 boundaries for his 145 not out in
65 balls. Along with being his maiden century, it was the all-time second best
individual score in T20s behind teammate Aaron Finchs 156. Travis Head hit
three sixes and four boundaries for an 18-ball 45. Five out of six bowlers used
by Sri Lanka conceded more than 11 runs an over.