Sri Lanka rip Australia apart with a whitewash in ODI series

Sri Lanka put on a dominant display to outclass Australia by 174 runs in the second ODI on Friday, wrapping up the series with a resounding 2-0 win. This marked Sri Lanka’s biggest victory by runs over the Aussies, further exposing the visitors ongoing struggles as they gear up for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. Australia, missing key pacers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, along with all-rounders Mitchell Marsh and the recently retired Marcus Stoinis, appeared severely depleted. Lacking both batting depth and bowling firepower, they were thoroughly outplayed by a well-rounded Sri Lankan performance.

Sri Lanka lay bare the shortcomings in Australia ahead of ICC Champions Trophy

After opting to bat first, Sri Lanka’s top order laid a strong foundation before wicketkeeper-batter Kusal Mendis stole the limelight with a stunning century. His elegant strokeplay propelled the hosts to a formidable 281/5. Captain Charith Asalanka and Janith Liyanage added the finishing touches with an explosive 66-run stand off just 35 deliveries. Asalanka remained unbeaten on a fluent 78 from 66 balls, while Liyanage provided a late flourish with a rapid 32 off 21.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers then delivered a masterclass, decimating Australia’s batting lineup and bundling them out for a mere 107 in 24.2 overs. Chasing a steep target, the visitors never found their footing as Asitha Fernando made early inroads, scalping three wickets inside the powerplay. The Australian top order collapsed under pressure, and Sri Lanka’s spinners tightened the noose as the innings progressed.

While skipper Steve Smith (29) made a brief attempt to stabilize the chase, he lacked support, with wickets tumbling at regular intervals. Wanindu Hasaranga’s crafty leg-spin accounted for three key dismissals, while Dunith Wellalage dismantled the lower order with a four-wicket haul. Australia’s innings crumbled under relentless pressure, folding with over 25 overs to spare, handing Sri Lanka a statement victory.

This match marked Australia’s final ODI before the Champions Trophy. With Pat Cummins ruled out, Steve Smith will continue to lead the side in the marquee tournament. While India lacks Jasprit Bumrah, their guaranteed match-winner, Australia with all of their primary bowlers out looks in an even dire position as they gear up for the ICC event in Pakistan. The Kangaroos open their campaign against England on February 22 at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Australia squad for ICC Champions Trophy

Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Alex Carey, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Marnus Labuschagne, Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, Matthew Short, Adam Zampa

Travelling reserve: Cooper Connolly