Karunaratne Bids Farewell as Australia Seals 14-Year Wait with a Whitewash
Dimuth Karunaratne’s Test career came to an end as Australia dominated Sri Lanka with a 2-0 series sweep. On a day of milestones, Steve Smith led from the front, claiming the Player of the Series award with two brilliant centuries.
As Australia needed just three runs for victory, Sri Lanka handed the ball to Karunaratne, giving him one final moment in his Test career. However, Marnus Labuschagne finished the job in just four balls, denying the Sri Lankan captain a dream farewell.
Australia wrapped up the second Test in Galle with a commanding nine-wicket win, ending a 14-year wait for a series victory in Sri Lanka.
Smith’s Leadership and Milestones
Despite missing regular captain Pat Cummins and key players like Cameron Green and Josh Hazlewood, Australia, under Steve Smith’s leadership, delivered a dominant performance. Smith was outstanding, not only as a leader but also as a player.
With two centuries in the series, he was named Player of the Series. He also surpassed Ricky Ponting (196) to become Australia’s most successful fielder and reached the milestone of 200 Test catches by dismissing Kusal Mendis on the final day.
Match Recap
Sri Lanka, resuming the fourth day at 211/8, managed only 20 more runs before being bowled out in just six overs. Kusal Mendis, unbeaten on 48 overnight, was dismissed for 50 by Nathan Lyon.
Both Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann finished with four wickets each, but neither managed a five-wicket haul. Beau Webster claimed the final wicket, clean-bowling Lahiru Kumara.
Chasing a modest target of 75, Australia faced no trouble. Travis Head fell for 20, but Usman Khawaja (27*) and Marnus Labuschagne (26*) sealed the victory in just 17.4 overs.
A Farewell to Remember?
Karunaratne, playing his 100th and final Test, scored 36 and 24 in the match but couldn’t inspire his team to a memorable farewell performance. Sri Lanka’s struggles overshadowed his milestone moment.
Kuhnemann, who was uncertain to play due to injury, emerged as the series’ highest wicket-taker with 16 dismissals, while Lyon claimed 14 wickets. However, Smith stole the show with scores of 141 and 131 in two innings, cementing his status as the best player of the series.
What’s Next?
This Test marked the end of the current ICC World Test Championship cycle. The only match remaining is the final, where defending champions Australia will face South Africa, who qualified for the first time.
Match Summary:
- Sri Lanka 1st Innings: 257
- Australia 1st Innings: 414
- Sri Lanka 2nd Innings: 231 (Kusal Mendis 50, Kuhnemann 4-63, Lyon 4-84)
- Australia 2nd Innings (Target 75): 75/1 (Khawaja 27*, Labuschagne 26*)
Result: Australia won by 9 wickets
Series: Australia won 2-0
Player of the Match: Alex Carey
Player of the Series: Steve Smith
