Sri Lanka delivered a crushing 174-run victory over Australia in the second ODI in Colombo, sealing the series 2-0 in a dominant display. The hosts posted a formidable 281/4 in 50 overs, powered by a magnificent century from Kusal Mendis and an unbeaten 78 from Charith Asalanka. In response, Australia collapsed for just 107 in 24.2 overs, unable to cope with the brilliance of Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Asitha Fernando, who shared all ten wickets among them.

Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka Lead Sri Lanka’s Charge

Batting first, Sri Lanka got off to a steady start despite losing Pathum Nissanka early to Aaron Hardie. However, Kusal Mendis and Nishan Madushka steadied the innings, ensuring there were no quick wickets. The pair initially focused on strike rotation before accelerating against part-time bowler Matthew Short, setting the platform for a strong total.

By the 20-over mark, Sri Lanka had only 86 on the board, but Kusal Mendis began shifting gears. He played aggressive strokes against Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell, reaching his fifty with a series of boundaries. His partner Madushka contributed 51 runs before top-edging a pull shot, allowing Australia to claim a breakthrough.

With the score at 137/3, skipper Charith Asalanka joined Mendis and took control of the middle overs. The duo rotated strike efficiently, punishing the Australian bowlers when needed. Mendis raced to his century in the 44th over, ensuring Sri Lanka had a solid foundation heading into the death overs.

After Mendis' dismissal, Janith Liyanage provided the finishing touch, hammering Sean Abbott for three boundaries and a six. Asalanka, well set by now, took charge in the final overs, smashing two sixes in the last over to remain unbeaten on 78. Sri Lanka ended at a commanding 281/4 in 50 overs, a target that proved well beyond Australia’s reach.

Australia’s Nightmare Run Chase

In pursuit of 282, Australia started in aggressive fashion, with Travis Head hitting three boundaries in the first over. However, their hopes quickly faded as Asitha Fernando ripped through the top order with a sensational new-ball spell.

• Short was trapped lbw
• Jake Fraser-McGurk fell to a knuckle ball
• Head was caught in the deep

Within seven overs, Australia was reeling with their top order wiped out.

Steve Smith and Josh Inglis attempted to rebuild, but the introduction of spin spelled disaster for the visitors. Dunith Wellalage cleaned up Inglis with an arm ball, before trapping Alex Carey cheaply. With wickets tumbling at one end, Smith tried to counterattack, but his resistance ended when he fell to Hasaranga for 29 runs.

From 79/3, Australia collapsed to 83/7 in no time, thanks to a stunning spell from Wellalage, who finished with 4/35. Hasaranga and Fernando claimed three wickets each, wrapping up the Australian innings for a meager 107 in just 24.2 overs.

Sri Lanka’s Dominance and Australia's Woes

This emphatic 174-run victory highlights Sri Lanka’s dominance in home conditions, while also exposing Australia’s vulnerabilities ahead of the Champions Trophy. The visitors, who were hoping for a strong performance in preparation for the upcoming global tournament, will now have to reassess their approach.

With stellar performances from Kusal Mendis, Charith Asalanka, and the bowlers, Sri Lanka has firmly established themselves as a rising force in limited-overs cricket. The series victory also boosts their confidence heading into future tournaments.

Match Summary:

Sri Lanka: 281/4 in 50 overs (Kusal Mendis 101, Charith Asalanka 78*; Sean Abbott 1/47)
Australia: 107 all out in 24.2 overs (Steve Smith 29; Dunith Wellalage 4/35, Wanindu Hasaranga 3/23, Asitha Fernando 3/23)
Result: Sri Lanka won by 174 runs, clinching the series 2-0.

This one-sided victory marks an impressive milestone for Sri Lanka, while Australia’s Champions Trophy preparations suffer a serious setback.

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