AFP, Australia :
David Warner emphatically bounced back to form with a first-ever Twenty20 century as Australia crushed Sri Lanka by 134 runs in their opening match of the three-game series in Adelaide on Sunday.
Birthday boy Warner clubbed an unbeaten 100 as he powered Australia to a massive 233 for two, aided by century stands with skipper Aaron Finch and Glenn Maxwell.
Sri Lanka limped to 99 for nine from their 20 overs in a meek response, with leg-spinner Adam Zampa capturing three for 14.
It was Australia’s biggest-ever win in the format and Sri Lanka’s heaviest T20 defeat.
Coming off a dismal Ashes campaign in England and low scores in the new domestic season, Warner plundered his ton off 56 balls with four sixes and 10 fours.
The left-handed opener scored just 95 runs in 10 innings for Australia’s Ashes retention, but once he got set Sunday he pounded the Sri Lankan bowlers with belligerence, and reached his hundred off the last ball of the innings.
The ton on his 33rd birthday was complemented by blistering half-centuries from Finch and Maxwell, as the Australians ripped into the Sri Lankan bowlers – with Kasun Rajitha’s 0-75 off four overs proving the most expensive figures in a T20 international.
“It means a lot to contribute to the team and put us in great position,” man-of-the-match Warner said.
“It was a good milestone, but we got a great total on the board and it’s always tough to chase a big one down in Australia.
“It’s great to come out and play on nice true wickets.”
Sri Lanka were always struggling in reply, with Pat Cummins on a hat-trick after dismissing Danushka Gunathilaka (11) and Bhanuka Rajapaksa (2) with successive deliveries in his opening over. He finished with 2 for 27.
Dasun Shanaka top scored with 17 and wicketkeeper Kusal Perera hit 16 before he was bowled by Mitchell Starc.
