Hughes was outstanding with 112 from 129 balls with 14 boundaries on Friday at the MCG as he became the first Australian to score a century on his one-day international debut.
Despite having already played 20 Tests and scoring three centuries for Australia, it was Hughes' first appearance in coloured clothing for his country and he put Sri Lanka to the sword making 112 as the home side racked up 5-305 to set up the eventual 107-run victory.
Australia and Sri Lanka will now do battle again at the Adelaide Oval on Sunday in the second game of the series.
The ground is Hughes' adopted home after he moved to South Australia this season from New South Wales, and the move and his subsequent form has seen him return to the Test side and earn a spot in the one-day side.
That makes him excited to get onto Adelaide Oval for the first time representing Australia now.
"My confidence is quite high," Hughes said.
"I've actually never played an international game at Adelaide Oval so that's something I am really looking forward to, and I can't wait to get there on Sunday and hopefully score another big one to try and set up another win.
"We want to go two-nil up in the series and the boys are really pumped after this win."
Hughes was proud when he was told by the team manager that he was the first Australian to score a ton on debut when leaving the field. He did admit to having a few nerves, but the arrival of captain George Bailey to the crease and their partnership of 140 made those go away.
"I suppose it's flattering to hear that. There has been some great players before me so to get that honour is something I will never forget," Hughes said.
"I did have a few nerves definitely with it being my first game, but in saying that I wanted to get a couple away early and then they eased back a bit. It was just nice to get to three figures on debut and it's something that I will never, ever forget.
"I was struggling in the middle overs a little bit but I had George at the other end rotating the strike and taking the pressure off beautifully. He scored at a lot better than a run a ball, and it was a very good innings I thought."