Phillip Hughes hit an innings of 112 to lead Australia to 305-5 in the first one-day international with Sri Lanka.
The 24-year-old led from the front in hitting 14 boundaries on his 50-over international debut to help set Sri Lanka a formidable target.
Hughes was supported by George Bailey, who fired 89 off 78 balls as the tourists struggled in the field in Melbourne.
Sri Lanka managed to halt Australia's momentum by dismissing both Hughes and Bailey in the space of five overs to leave Australia on 241-4 with seven overs remaining.
However, 60 off 34 balls from David Hussey at the conclusion of Australia's innings handed them the advantage.