Sri Lanka Clinches Dominant 2-0 ODI Series Victory Over Australia Ahead of Champions Trophy

In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Sri Lanka thrashed Australia by 174 runs in the second ODI to complete a 2-0 series sweep on Friday, handing the reigning 50-over World Cup champions a reality check just days before the Champions Trophy.

AUSTRALIA'S DISASTROUS CHASE FALLS SHORT

Set a target of 282, Australia crumbled to just 107 all out in the 25th over – their lowest-ever ODI total in Asia. Despite the return of key batters Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, and Josh Inglis, Australia’s batting line-up faltered badly. The Australian team had no answers to Sri Lanka’s sharp bowling attack, as they suffered a dismal collapse.

KUSAL MENDIS SHINES WITH CENTURY

Earlier, Sri Lanka's decision to bat first was rewarded with a solid performance, thanks to Kusal Mendis, who scored a brilliant 101. This marked his fifth ODI century. The partnership between Mendis and Charith Asalanka (78*) helped Sri Lanka post a commanding total of 281-4, with an explosive finish of 97 runs in the last 10 overs.

AUSTRALIA'S STRUGGLE UNDER PRESSURE

Australia's bowlers, including Ben Dwarshuis and Aaron Hardie, made a steady start, restricting Sri Lanka's opening pair of Pathum Nissanka and Nishan Madushka. However, Nissanka’s early exit for just six brought Madushka (51) and Kusal together, and they forged a vital 98-run partnership. While Sri Lanka faced brief setbacks with Dwarshuis dismissing Madushka and Kamindu Mendis falling cheaply for four, Mendis and Asalanka’s contributions guided them past 200 runs.

Kusal Mendis brought up his century off 113 balls, hitting 11 boundaries before eventually falling to Adam Zampa while attempting a slog sweep.

AUSTRALIA'S BATTING COLLAPSE

Chasing a modest target, Australia’s batting crumbled under pressure. Seamer Asitha Fernando set the tone early, dismissing opener Matthew Short for just two. From there, it was a steady procession of wickets as the Australian top order faltered.

Captain Steve Smith (29) briefly showed resistance, but Sri Lanka’s spinners, Dunith Wellalage (4-35) and Wanindu Hasaranga (3-23) tore through the Australian batting lineup. Wellalage dismissed Glenn Maxwell for a mere one run, and Hasaranga’s crucial lbw removal of Smith effectively sealed the match. Despite reviewing the decision, Smith was unable to reverse the verdict.

SRI LANKA'S CLINICAL PERFORMANCE

Sri Lanka’s skipper, Charith Asalanka, praised his team's all-round effort, particularly the contributions from Kusal Mendis and Nishan Madushka, who set the platform for the dominant performance.

“I think our bowlers were exceptional today, and the batting from Kusal and Nishan really gave us a strong foundation. Australia bowled well, but today was our day,” Asalanka remarked.

Australia, now facing a significant challenge heading into the Champions Trophy, will need to regroup after this heavy defeat. As for Sri Lanka, despite not qualifying for the Champions Trophy, this series win will serve as a timely confidence booster.