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Sri Lanka Crush Australia by 174 Runs to Seal ODI Series Victory
Sri Lanka delivered a commanding performance in the second ODI against Australia in Colombo, securing a 174-run victory to clinch the series 2-0. Powered by Kusal Mendis’ brilliant century (101) and Charith Asalanka’s unbeaten 78, the hosts set a formidable 281/4 in their 50 overs. Australia’s response was dismal, as they crumbled to 107 all out inside 25 overs, with Dunith Wellalage (4/35), Wanindu Hasaranga (3/23), and Asitha Fernando (3/23) leading the charge.
Sri Lanka’s Clinical Batting Display
Mendis and Madushka Build a Solid Platform
Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka suffered an early setback when Pathum Nissanka was bowled by Aaron Hardie. However, Kusal Mendis and Nishan Madushka stabilized the innings, rotating the strike effectively while keeping the scoreboard ticking. Sri Lanka was cautious in the first 20 overs, managing only 86 runs, but Mendis broke the shackles with consecutive boundaries off Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell.
Madushka, who had played some stylish strokes, reached his half-century (51) but fell shortly after, mistiming a pull shot. Kamindu Mendis followed him cheaply, leaving Sri Lanka needing a strong middle-order effort.
Asalanka and Mendis Take Control
Captain Charith Asalanka walked in at a much better position than in the first ODI and took charge. Alongside Mendis, he built a vital partnership, keeping the momentum going without taking unnecessary risks. Mendis accelerated in the final overs, reaching his century in the 44th over before being dismissed.
Janith Liyanage played a crucial cameo, smashing three boundaries and a six off Sean Abbott, while Asalanka finished strong, hammering two sixes in the final over. Sri Lanka closed their innings at 281/4, a total that proved more than enough.
Australia’s Batting Collapse: A Nightmare Run Chase
Fernando’s Dream Spell Wrecks Australia’s Top Order
Despite Travis Head’s aggressive start with three boundaries in the first over, Asitha Fernando ripped through Australia’s top order. He trapped Matthew Short lbw, deceived Jake Fraser-McGurk with a knuckleball, and removed Head with a well-placed delivery.
Spin Duo of Wellalage and Hasaranga Seal the Win
Steve Smith and Josh Inglis tried to rebuild but found Dunith Wellalage’s spin difficult to handle. Inglis was cleaned up for 22, triggering a dramatic collapse. Hasaranga joined the attack, removing Smith and Maxwell in quick succession.
From 79/3, Australia crashed to 83/7, losing four wickets in four overs. With no resistance from the lower order, they were bowled out for 107 in just 24.2 overs, handing Sri Lanka an emphatic 174-run victory.
Match Summary:
Sri Lanka: 281/4 in 50 overs (Kusal Mendis 101, Charith Asalanka 78; Matthew Short 1/42*)
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, clinching the series 2-0.
