Dunith Wellalage’s four-wicket haul helped Sri Lanka dismantle Australia for their lowest-ever ODI total in Asia, securing a 174-run victory in the second and final ODI in Colombo on Friday.
Australia, testing a much-changed lineup ahead of the Champions Trophy, collapsed spectacularly, getting bowled out for just 107 runs while chasing 282.
Australia’s Batting Collapse
Australia lost their last seven wickets for just 28 runs, as Sri Lanka’s bowlers dominated. Asitha Fernando struck early with a fiery 3-23 spell, while Wellalage (4-35) and Wanindu Hasaranga (3 wickets) cleaned up the middle and lower order.
Wellalage’s dismissals of Josh Inglis and Glenn Maxwell triggered the collapse, while Smith (17) fell LBW to Hasaranga.
“Not the best result we wanted… Credit to Sri Lanka, they deserved the series win,” Australian skipper Steve Smith admitted.
This heavy defeat leaves Australia with serious concerns heading into the Champions Trophy next week.
Sri Lanka’s Dominant Batting Performance
Sri Lanka’s top order finally delivered, with Kusal Mendis (101) scoring his fifth ODI century and first against Australia.
Key partnerships laid the foundation for a strong 281/4 total:
- 98-run stand between Mendis and Nishan Madushka (51) for the second wicket.
- 94-run partnership between Mendis and Asalanka (78)* for the fourth wicket.
- Asalanka’s explosive finish (78* off 66, 6 fours, 3 sixes) powered Sri Lanka past 280.
Sri Lanka Climbs to Fifth in ODI Rankings
This series win over the world champions lifts Sri Lanka to fifth in the ODI rankings and sends a strong message despite missing out on the 2025 Champions Trophy.
“Not often you beat Australia. The spinners did a superb job,” Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka said. “We are disappointed not to be in the Champions Trophy, but we must ensure this doesn’t happen again.”
Australia’s Squad Changes & Concerns
Australia made five changes for the match, testing their squad ahead of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and Dubai. Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, and Ben Dwarshuis came in, while Alex Carey, Marnus Labuschagne, Cooper Connolly, Spencer Johnson, and Nathan Ellis were left out.
With major struggles in batting and bowling, Australia heads into the Champions Trophy with significant concerns.
