Australia suffered a humiliating collapse, losing their last seven wickets for just 28 runs, recording their lowest-ever ODI total in Asia.
Sri Lanka’s pace-spin combination once again proved too much for the Aussies. Asitha Fernando made an early breakthrough with the new ball, while spinners Dunith Wellalage and Wanindu Hasaranga ran through the middle and lower order. Their combined effort led Sri Lanka to a historic win, sealing a 2-0 whitewash in the ODI series.
In the second ODI, Sri Lanka claimed a massive 174-run victory, marking their biggest-ever win over Australia in terms of runs. Their previous best was an 82-run win in Colombo in 2016.
On Friday at R. Premadasa Stadium, Australia, chasing a 282-run target, crumbled for just 107 runs in 24.2 overs, losing their last seven wickets in a stunning collapse.
This score stands as Australia’s lowest total in ODIs in Asia and their second-lowest against Sri Lanka across all venues. Their previous lowest total in Asia was 139, recorded twice—against India in Sharjah (1985) and against Pakistan in Mumbai (1989).
Kusal Mendis and Asalanka Lay the Foundation
Sri Lanka’s batting was anchored by Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka, who built a strong platform for victory. Mendis smashed his fifth ODI century, scoring 101 off 115 balls with 11 boundaries, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Asalanka, who had scored a century in the previous match, continued his superb form with an unbeaten 78 off 66 balls, including six fours and three sixes. He finished as the Player of the Series with 205 runs in two matches.
Sri Lanka posted a competitive 281/4 in their 50 overs, thanks to a fiery late blitz by Asalanka and Janith Liyanage, who added 66 runs off just 35 balls in the final stretch. Liyanage played a quick cameo, scoring 32 off 21 balls, smashing two sixes and three fours.
Australia’s Batting Disaster
Australia came into this game without their main pace bowlers and even rested Spencer Johnson and Nathan Ellis. However, their batting woes continued despite recalling Travis Head, Glenn Maxwell, and Josh Inglis.
Head gave a bright start by hitting three boundaries in the first over off Asitha Fernando, but Asitha quickly bounced back, dismissing Matthew Short, Jake Fraser-McGurk, and Head (18 off 18) in his next three overs.
At 33/3, Australia was in trouble. Acting captain Steve Smith and Josh Inglis attempted to stabilize the innings with a 46-run stand, but once Inglis (22 off 27) was bowled by Wellalage, the collapse was unstoppable.
Hasaranga cleaned up the middle order, dismissing Aaron Hardie, Smith (29 off 34), and Sean Abbott in consecutive overs. Wellalage then wrapped up the tail, finishing with 4/35 in 7.2 overs, while Hasaranga took 3/23 in 7 overs.
None of the last seven Australian batters managed to reach double digits, highlighting their struggles against Sri Lanka’s bowling attack.
A Worrying Sign for Australia
Despite winning the Test series 2-0, Australia’s ODI performances were disastrous, raising serious concerns ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy.
In the first ODI, they were bowled out for 165 and lost by 49 runs. This time, their performance was even worse.
Match Summary:
- Sri Lanka: 281/4 in 50 overs
- Kusal Mendis 101 (115)
- Charith Asalanka 78* (66)
- Nishan Madushka 51 (70)
- Janith Liyanage 32* (21)
- Australia: 107 all out in 24.2 overs
- Steve Smith 29 (34)
- Josh Inglis 22 (27)
- Travis Head 18 (18)
- Bowling Performance:
- Dunith Wellalage 4/35 (7.2)
- Wanindu Hasaranga 3/23 (7)
- Asitha Fernando 3/23 (4)
Result: Sri Lanka won by 174 runs
Series: Sri Lanka won 2-0
Player of the Match: Kusal Mendis
Player of the Series: Charith Asalanka
