Sri Lanka delivered a ruthless performance to dismantle Australia by 174 runs in the second One Day International (ODI) in Colombo, completing a 2-0 series sweep. The emphatic win was built on a solid batting display, led by Kusal Mendis’ century and Charith Asalanka’s unbeaten knock, followed by a devastating bowling effort that saw Australia bundled out for just 107 in 24.2 overs while chasing 282.
Sri Lanka’s Batting: Mendis Shines, Asalanka Provides the Finishing Touch
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Sri Lanka faced an early setback when Pathum Nissanka was bowled by Aaron Hardie for a low score. However, Kusal Mendis and Nishan Madushka took control, stitching together an important partnership that laid the foundation for a strong total.
The start was cautious, with just 27 runs coming off the first nine overs. But the duo soon picked up the scoring rate, targeting Matthew Short in his opening over to inject momentum into the innings. Mendis, known for his composed approach, paced his innings beautifully, ensuring Sri Lanka didn’t lose wickets in quick succession like they had in the first ODI.
By the time the 20-over mark arrived, Sri Lanka had accumulated 86 runs. Mendis then shifted gears, dispatching Adam Zampa for consecutive boundaries before repeating the same feat against Glenn Maxwell. He brought up his half-century in style, taking the attack to the Australian bowlers.
Just as the partnership seemed set for a big score, Madushka mistimed a pull shot and was dismissed for a well-made 51. His departure was quickly followed by Kamindu Mendis falling cheaply, putting Australia back in the game momentarily. However, the Sri Lankan captain, Charith Asalanka, walked in at a much better position than in the previous match and anchored the innings with maturity.
Mendis and Asalanka kept the scoreboard ticking with singles and doubles while punishing the loose deliveries. The wicketkeeper-batter continued his fine form, moving into the nineties with consecutive boundaries before reaching his century in the 44th over. Though he was dismissed soon after, Sri Lanka had already gained enough momentum to push for a big finish.
Janith Liyanage provided the late fireworks, targeting Sean Abbott with a flurry of aggressive strokes. He struck three boundaries and a six, ensuring Sri Lanka maintained a high run rate in the final overs. Asalanka, playing the perfect finisher’s role, smashed two sixes in the last over to remain unbeaten on 78, taking Sri Lanka to an imposing total of 281/4 in 50 overs.
Australia’s Batting: A Collapse of Epic Proportions
Chasing 282, Australia needed a strong start, and Travis Head appeared up to the task, smashing three boundaries in the very first over. However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers quickly took control, dismantling the Australian top order in spectacular fashion.
Asitha Fernando, leading the pace attack, bowled a dream new-ball spell. He struck early, trapping Matthew Short lbw before dismissing Jake Fraser-McGurk with a deceptive knuckleball. When Head mistimed a shot and was caught in the deep, Australia found themselves struggling at 22/3 within seven overs.
Steve Smith and Josh Inglis attempted to rebuild the innings, with Smith attacking Dunith Wellalage with a four and a six. However, Sri Lanka’s spinners soon took over and completely dismantled the middle order. Wellalage deceived Inglis with a sharp arm ball, bowling him for 22, and from there, Australia’s innings unraveled in dramatic fashion.
Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka’s premier spinner, joined the party, removing Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell in quick succession. What had looked like a potential recovery at 79/3 quickly turned into disaster as Australia collapsed to 83/7, losing four wickets in a span of just a few deliveries.
With the lower order offering little resistance, it was only a matter of time before the innings folded. Wellalage finished with an outstanding four-wicket haul (4/35), while Hasaranga (3/23) and Fernando (3/23) shared the rest of the spoils. Australia were bowled out for just 107 in 24.2 overs, handing Sri Lanka a massive 174-run victory.
A Statement Win for Sri Lanka
This dominant performance marked a significant milestone for Sri Lanka as they completed a clean sweep over a full-strength Australian side. The win showcased not only their batting depth, with Mendis and Asalanka leading the charge, but also their bowling strength, particularly in spin-friendly conditions.
For Australia, this series loss serves as a wake-up call ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. Their inability to handle Sri Lanka’s spinners and frequent batting collapses will be major concerns moving forward.
Match Summary:
Sri Lanka: 281/4 in 50 overs (Kusal Mendis 101, Charith Asalanka 78, Nishan Madushka 51)
Australia: 107 in 24.2 overs (Steve Smith 29; Dunith Wellalage 4/35, Wanindu Hasaranga 3/23, Asitha Fernando 3/23)
Result: Sri Lanka won by 174 runs.
