Date: 14th February 2025 | Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
In a display of sheer dominance, Sri Lanka thrashed Australia by 174 runs in the 2nd ODI, completing a clean sweep of the two-match series. After winning the first ODI by 49 runs, the hosts delivered another clinical performance, leaving the visitors reeling in Colombo’s sweltering heat.
Match Highlights
- Sri Lanka: 281/4 (50 overs)
- Australia: 107 all out (24.2 overs)
- Hero of the Day: Kusal Mendis (101 off 115 balls)
- Series Star: Charith Asalanka (78* in 2nd ODI, consistent across both games)
Sri Lanka ’s Batting Mastery
Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka’s innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Kusal Mendis stole the spotlight with a composed century (101 runs), blending textbook drives with sharp singles. His partnership with Nishan Madushka (51 off 70 balls) steadied the ship after an early wobble.
The real fireworks came from captain Charith Asalanka, who smashed an unbeaten 78 off just 66 balls, including 6 fours and 3 towering sixes. His late surge, paired with Janith Liyanage’s blistering 32* (21 balls), propelled Sri Lanka to a daunting 281/4. Australia’s bowlers, barring Sean Abbott (1/41), looked toothless on a pitch favoring the batters.
Australia’s Batting Meltdown
Chasing 282, Australia’s innings unraveled spectacularly. Steven Smith (29) and Josh Inglis (22) offered fleeting resistance, but the rest collapsed like a house of cards. Sri Lanka’s bowlers exploited the pressure ruthlessly:
- Dunith Wellalage (4/35) spun a web around the middle order.
- Wanindu Hasaranga (3/23) and Asitha Fernando (3/23) ripped through the top order.
The visitors were bundled out for 107 in 24.2 overs—their second-lowest ODI total against Sri Lanka. From 33/3 to 107 all out, the collapse was swift and brutal.
Turning Points
- Mendis’ Milestone: His century deflated Australia’s morale early.
- Asalanka’s Assault: His 78* turned a solid total into an unbeatable one.
- Wellalage’s Wizardry: The spinner’s 4-wicket haul shattered Australia’s chase.
- Smith’s Soft Dismissal: The skipper’s LBW to Hasaranga triggered the collapse.
Why This Win Matters
Sri Lanka’s 2-0 series triumph signals a resurgence in their white-ball cricket. The blend of youth (Wellalage, Liyanage) and experience (Mendis, Hasaranga) bodes well for future tournaments. For Australia, the series exposed frailties in their batting against spin and lack of depth in the bowling attack.
Post-Match Reactions
- Kusal Mendis (Player of the Match): “I aimed to anchor the innings, and the team’s support let me play freely.”
- Charith Asalanka (Player of the Series): “Winning both games against a top team like Australia is huge for our confidence.”
Looking Ahead
Australia will fly home with questions to answer, while Sri Lanka’s focus shifts to upcoming fixtures. If this series is any indication, the Lions are roaring back to relevance in ODI cricket.
Final Word
Sri Lanka’s emphatic victory wasn’t just about the scorecard—it was a statement. With fearless batting, shrewd captaincy, and lethal bowling, they’ve shown they’re a force to reckon with. For Australia, it’s back to the drawing board.
