Match Details
- Match: Australia in Sri Lanka, 2 ODI Series, 2025 – 2nd ODI
- Date: Friday, 14th February 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM (Local Time)
- Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Match Preview: The Final Showdown in Colombo
The stage is set for an intense battle as Sri Lanka and Australia lock horns in the second and final ODI of the series at the iconic R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on February 14, 2025. With Sri Lanka securing a comfortable 49-run victory in the first ODI, the home side will be eager to complete a series sweep, while Australia will be desperate to level the series and gain momentum ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy.
1st ODI Recap: A Sri Lankan Masterclass
Sri Lanka’s skipper, Charith Asalanka, was the star of the show in the first ODI, scoring a superb century that propelled his team to a total of 214. Despite the modest target, Sri Lanka’s bowlers put on a clinical display, dismantling the Australian batting lineup and securing a dominant victory.
Australia, on the other hand, struggled with the bat, failing to show the application needed to chase down the total. Their bowling unit, particularly the pace attack, was impressive, but a lackluster batting performance cost them the match.
Team News & Key Players to Watch
Sri Lanka
- Charith Asalanka (C) – Coming off a match-winning century, the captain will be key to Sri Lanka’s success again.
- Pathum Nissanka – The top-order batter will look to improve his footwork against Australia’s pacers.
- Maheesh Theekshana & Dunith Wellalage – The spin duo played a crucial role in the first ODI, and on a slow Colombo pitch, they can be game-changers again.
- Wanindu Hasaranga – The star all-rounder had an off day in the last game and will be eager to make a bigger impact this time.
Australia
- Travis Head & Glenn Maxwell – Both missed the first ODI but could be included in the playing XI, significantly strengthening Australia’s batting.
- Josh Inglis & Alex Carey – The wicketkeeper-batters need to step up and provide stability in the middle order.
- Adam Zampa – The experienced leg-spinner struggled in the first ODI but will be crucial in countering Sri Lanka’s middle order.
- Pace Attack (Spencer Johnson, Nathan Ellis, Sean Abbott, Aaron Hardie) – The quartet impressed in the first ODI, and their ability to strike early will be vital.
Head-to-Head & Statistical Breakdown
Overall ODI Record
- Australia Wins: 64
- Sri Lanka Wins: 36
- Tied: 0
- No Result: 4
Top Performers in Australia vs Sri Lanka ODIs
Batting Leaders
| Player | Runs | Batting Avg | Strike Rate | Highest Score |
| Pathum Nissanka (SL) | 287 | 41.00 | 86.18 | 137 |
| Travis Head (AUS) | 250 | 35.71 | 76.92 | 70* |
Bowling Leaders
| Player | Wickets | Bowling Avg | Strike Rate | Best Figures |
| Adam Zampa (AUS) | 13 | 20.46 | 25.38 | 4/47 |
| Maheesh Theekshana (SL) | 8 | 35.87 | 47.12 | 4/40 |
Match Prediction: Who Holds the Edge?
Why Sri Lanka Can Win:
✅ Playing in home conditions with spin-friendly pitches. ✅ Momentum from their 49-run victory in the first ODI. ✅ Theekshana and Wellalage’s bowling threat against Australia’s shaky middle order. ✅ Asalanka’s form and leadership boosting team confidence.
Why Australia Can Win:
✅ Potential return of key batters like Maxwell and Head. ✅ Strong pace attack that troubled Sri Lanka’s top order. ✅ Dominant historical record over Sri Lanka in ODIs (64-36). ✅ Motivation to bounce back before the Champions Trophy.
Final Verdict: A Close Battle on the Cards
While Sri Lanka has the edge due to home conditions and momentum, Australia’s batting reinforcements could turn the tide. If their batters step up and handle the spinners well, they have a strong chance to level the series.
🔮 Prediction: Australia to win if their batting clicks, but if Sri Lanka’s spinners dominate again, expect a 2-0 series sweep for the hosts.
What’s Your Take?
Who do you think will win the 2nd ODI? Will Sri Lanka complete a series sweep, or will Australia bounce back? Drop your predictions in the comments! 🏏🔥
