Hughes heroics lead Australia to victory
With close to 30,000 in the stands, Hughes eclipsed Phil Jaques’ 94 not out against South Africa in 2006, also at the ‘G, as he brought up his ton from 123 balls with 12 boundaries.
Stand-in captain George Bailey was also impressive as he blasted 89 from 79 balls before home town hero David Hussey played the perfect finishing role by slamming an unbeaten 60 from just 34 balls.
The stunning performance with the bat allowed Australia to post 5-305 and Sri Lanka never threatened the imposing target with a steady stream of wickets throughout its innings.
“It was nice to get a few,” Hughes told Channel 9.
“First game in the one-day format, I suppose to get to three figures, it’s a dream come true really. Hopefully we can win the game now.
“This is my favourite ground to play, there’s no better place than the MCG. To score three figures on debut is just a great feeling and to be fair, one I’ll never forget.”
Earlier in the day, Commonwealth Bank Bushrangers opener Aaron Finch made 16 from 28 balls before edging a ball to the keeper and was quickly joined in the stands by fellow debutant, Usman Khawaja, who was run out for three.
Mitchell Starc (1-25) claimed an early breakthrough when he removed Sri Lanka opener Upul Tharanga for one before Victorian paceman Clint McKay struck a telling blow by dismissing skipper Mahela Jayawardene for five.
While Tillakaratne Dilshan (51) and Dinesh Chandimal (73) built a 94-run partnership, the first of three suicidal run outs killed off any chance of a Sri Lankan victory.
Dilshan was caught short of his ground trying to pinch a single off Khawaja before Bushrangers all-rounder Glenn Maxwell inserted himself into the match with two run outs in as many balls.
Maxwell swooped on the ball at point to run out Angelo Mathews (12) with a direct hit at the non-strikers end before dismissing Lahiru Thirimanne for a diamond duck the very next delivery with some assistance from keeper Brad Haddin.
Mitchell Johnson (2-43) and McKay (4-33) then closed out the innings to dismiss Sri Lanka for 198 with 10 overs to spare.
To see a full scorecard from the match, click here.
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