Sri Lankan spinner Dunith Wellalage dismantled Australia’s batting lineup, leading his team to a commanding 174-run victory in the second and final ODI on Friday. This humiliating defeat marked Australia’s lowest-ever total in Asia.
Chasing a target of 282 in Colombo, an experimental Australian side preparing for the upcoming Champions Trophy collapsed for just 107 runs. Their dramatic downfall saw them lose their last seven wickets for a mere 28 runs.
“Not the result we wanted. We rotated a lot of players, and everyone got a chance,” said Australian captain Steve Smith. “Credit to Sri Lanka, they deserved the series win. We struggled in Colombo, and their bowlers were outstanding.”
Fast bowler Asitha Fernando set the tone with a fiery opening spell, taking 3-23 in four overs before the Sri Lankan spinners took full control.
Wellalage sparked the collapse by deceiving Josh Inglis with a skiddy arm ball that shattered the stumps. In his next over, he clean-bowled the dangerous Glenn Maxwell, finishing with figures of 4-35.
Wanindu Hasaranga further dismantled Australia’s batting order, dismissing Smith and claiming three wickets in total.
This dominant performance secured Sri Lanka a 2-0 series victory against the reigning world champions, elevating them to fifth place in the ODI rankings. Their impressive display also underscored their unfortunate absence from the upcoming Champions Trophy, having finished ninth in the 2023 World Cup standings.
“It’s not often you get to beat Australia,” said Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka. “Today was our day, and the spinners were exceptional. We’re disappointed about missing the Champions Trophy, but we must ensure we don’t find ourselves in this position again.”
Sri Lanka’s batting had faced criticism in recent weeks, but their top order silenced doubters with a dominant display. Kusal Mendis led the charge with a magnificent 101—his fifth ODI century and first against Australia.
Nishan Madushka (51) and Asalanka (78* off 66 balls) provided crucial support, ensuring a solid foundation. Asalanka, fresh from a match-winning hundred in the first ODI, showcased his power-hitting skills, smashing six fours and three sixes in an explosive knock.
Kusal and Madushka built a crucial 98-run partnership for the second wicket, stabilizing the innings after an early setback. Mendis later combined with Asalanka for a 94-run stand, further strengthening Sri Lanka’s total.
Australia made five changes as they fine-tuned their squad for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and Dubai. Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, and Ben Dwarshuis were included, while Alex Carey, Marnus Labuschagne, Cooper Connolly, Spencer Johnson, and Nathan Ellis missed out.
