Sri Lanka claimed a dominant 174-run victory over Australia in the second ODI held in Colombo, sealing the series 2-0. After suffering a loss in the first match, Sri Lanka bounced back impressively within 48 hours, setting a target of 282 runs before bowling out Australia for just 107 runs in 25 overs.
Kusal Mendis’ Century Leads Sri Lanka’s Innings
Sri Lanka’s innings was once again anchored by captain Charith Asalanka, while Kusal Mendis stole the show with a brilliant century. After Pathum Nissanka was dismissed by Aaron Hardie, Mendis partnered with Nishan Madushanka to stabilize the innings.
Sri Lanka struggled early, managing only 27 runs in the first nine overs. However, Mendis and Madushanka changed gears, attacking Matthew Short’s first over. The pair played cautiously yet effectively, ensuring wickets were preserved. By the 20-over mark, Sri Lanka had 86 runs, with Mendis accelerating by hitting four boundaries off Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell to complete his half-century.
As Sri Lanka gained momentum, Madushanka was dismissed for 51 while attempting a pull shot. Soon after, Kamindu Mendis also fell for a low score.
By Wednesday, February 12, Asalanka and Mendis had formed a valuable partnership, increasing the scoring rate towards the final overs. Mendis reached his century in the 44th over, while Asalanka remained steady at the other end. Even after Mendis was dismissed in the next over, Janith Liyanage launched an aggressive assault against Sean Abbott, smashing three fours and a six.
Asalanka finished unbeaten on 78 runs, hitting two sixes in the final over to push Sri Lanka’s total to a competitive 282 runs.
Australia’s Collapse – Asitha Fernando’s Stunning Spell
Australia began aggressively, with Travis Head hitting three boundaries in the first over, raising questions about Sri Lanka’s total. However, Asitha Fernando’s dream spell quickly silenced any doubts.
Fernando dismissed Matthew Short (LBW) and Jake Fraser-McGurk (knuckleball), while Head fell to a mistimed shot. Despite Steve Smith and Josh Inglis trying to rebuild, Australia struggled against Sri Lanka’s spin attack.
Inglis fell for 22 runs to Dunith Wellalage, marking the turning point. From 79/3, Australia collapsed to 83/7, leaving little hope for a comeback.
- Wellalage finished with 4 wickets, while
- Wanindu Hasaranga picked up 3 wickets
Australia was bowled out for just 107 runs, handing Sri Lanka a massive 174-run victory and sealing the ODI series 2-0.
Score Summary
Sri Lanka – 282/7 (50 overs)
- Kusal Mendis – 100 (off 112 balls)
- Charith Asalanka – 78*
- Nishan Madushanka – 51
- Sean Abbott – 2/45
Australia – 107 all out (25 overs)
- Steve Smith – 28
- Josh Inglis – 22
- Dunith Wellalage – 4/28
- Wanindu Hasaranga – 3/19
- Asitha Fernando – 2/22
Sri Lanka’s dominant performance in both batting and bowling secured them an emphatic series win, showcasing their strength against a formidable Australian side.