Sri Lanka Stuns Australia With 174-Run Victory, Seals 2-0 ODI Series Win
Sri Lanka’s Dunith Wellalage delivered a stunning four-wicket performance, leading his team to a comprehensive 174-run win over Australia in the second and final ODI on Friday.
Australia’s Lowest ODI Total in Asia
Chasing a target of 282, Australia suffered a spectacular collapse, getting bowled out for just 107, their lowest-ever total in Asia.
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Despite making five changes to experiment ahead of the Champions Trophy, the visitors crumbled, losing their last seven wickets for just 28 runs.
“Not the result we wanted… Credit to Sri Lanka, they deserved the win,” admitted Australia’s captain Steve Smith.
Sri Lankan Bowlers Dominate
- Asitha Fernando (3-23 in 4 overs) set the tone with a fiery opening spell.
- Dunith Wellalage (4-35) dismantled the middle order, dismissing Josh Inglis and Glenn Maxwell in successive overs.
- Wanindu Hasaranga (3 wickets) wrapped things up, trapping Smith LBW.
Sri Lanka’s Batting Silences Critics
After recent struggles, Sri Lanka’s top order delivered:
- Kusal Mendis smashed a superb 101 (his fifth ODI century).
- Nishan Madushka (51) and Charith Asalanka (78)* provided crucial support.
Mendis built two key partnerships:
- 98-run stand with Madushka (second wicket).
- 94-run stand with Asalanka (fourth wicket).
Series Win Sends a Message
The 2-0 series triumph lifts Sri Lanka to fifth in the ODI rankings, though they will not feature in the 2025 Champions Trophy after finishing ninth in the 2023 World Cup.
“It is disappointing we are not in the Champions Trophy… but we must ensure this does not happen again,” said captain Charith Asalanka.
Australia’s Squad Changes
Australia rotated their squad before the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and Dubai, making five changes:
- In: Maxwell, Sangha, Head, Inglis, Dwarshuis
- Out: Carey, Labuschagne, Connolly, Johnson, Ellis
What’s Next?
With this morale-boosting series win, Sri Lanka has sent a clear message: their absence in ICC tournaments will be felt. Meanwhile, Australia must regroup before their Champions Trophy campaign.
