Sri Lanka complete clean sweep over Australia in ODI series
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Sri Lanka produced a commanding performance in the second ODI against Australia, winning by a massive 174 runs and claiming a 2-0 series victory in Colombo.
The win was built on solid batting performances from Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka, who helped Sri Lanka post an imposing total of 281 for 4.
Kusal Mendis played a crucial role, scoring 101 runs off 115 balls, supported by Asalanka's 78* and a strong partnership with Nishan Madushka, who contributed 51 runs.
The Australian bowlers, already missing key players due to injury, failed to make an impact, and the visitors were bowled out for just 107 runs in the 25th over, marking one of their lowest totals in ODI history.
Australia's seam attack was weakened by the absence of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh, and Marcus Stoinis, leaving them with limited options.
Despite Ben Dwarshuis's tidy performance with the new ball and Sean Abbott's solid return with 1 for 41, Australia struggled to contain the Sri Lankan batters. Their major concern ahead of the Champions Trophy remains their death bowling, which was exploited again in this match.
Australia's chase of 282 always seemed difficult, and they were quickly reduced to 3 or 33. The inclusion of Travis Head, Josh Inglis, and Glenn Maxwell did little to stabilize the innings, and Australia's batting collapsed in a manner worse than their 165 all-out defeat in the first ODI. Asitha Fernando struck early, removing Matt Short for just 2, while Fraser-McGurk was dismissed for 9, falling to a slower ball from Asitha.
Head started aggressively but was dismissed for 18, leaving Australia in deep trouble. Steven Smith and Inglis tried to rebuild with a 46-run partnership, but Inglis was lucky to survive a stumping chance and was eventually bowled by Dunith Wellalage. Smith, who had been in excellent form during the series, was dismissed for 29 by Wanindu Hasaranga, ending any hope of a recovery for Australia.
Australia's collapse continued as their lower order crumbled, with Wellalage and Hasaranga claiming multiple wickets. The defeat marked Australia's sixth loss in their last eight ODIs, leaving them with plenty of questions ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, secured their ninth win from their last 13 matches, even though they won't be part of the Champions Trophy after a disappointing 2023 World Cup campaign. However, they will take pride in their strong series victory, having backed up their remarkable 49-run win in the first ODI.
Sri Lanka's innings were built around Kusal Mendis, who played a fluent knock and reached his fifth ODI century. Asalanka, after a nervous start, steadied the innings with a brilliant 78*, while Janith Liyanage helped lift the total in the final overs. Australia's bowlers, including Tanveer Sangha and Adam Zampa, were unable to make an impact as Sri Lanka finished with a formidable total that proved well beyond Australia's reach.
Australia's focus now shifts to the Champions Trophy, where they will need to regroup and address their concerns, especially in the absence of key players. For Sri Lanka, the victory serves as a confidence booster ahead of future challenges.
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