Sri Lanka Misses Out on Champions Trophy 2025, Dominates Australia in ODI Series
Sri Lanka Dominates Australia in Record-Breaking Victory
Sri Lanka spinner Dunith Wellalage stole the show in the second and final ODI against Australia, helping his team secure a massive 174-run victory. Wellalage’s four-wicket haul contributed to Australia’s lowest ever total in Asia as they were bowled out for just 107 while chasing a target of 282 in Colombo. The Australian team, which featured several new faces as they prepared for the upcoming Champions Trophy, struggled against the Sri Lankan bowlers.
Wellalage’s Brilliance Leads to Australian Collapse
Asitha Fernando set the tone for Sri Lanka with a fiery opening spell, taking three wickets for just 23 runs in four overs. Wellalage then took center stage, bamboozling the Australian batsmen with his variations. His skiddy arm ball proved to be particularly effective, dismissing key batsmen like Josh Inglis and Glenn Maxwell. Wanindu Hasaranga also chipped in with three crucial wickets, including that of Australian captain Steve Smith.
Sri Lanka’s Emphatic Series Win
The comprehensive victory in the second ODI sealed a 2-0 series win for Sri Lanka against the defending world champions. This impressive performance propelled Sri Lanka to fifth in the ODI rankings and highlighted their potential in future tournaments. Despite not qualifying for the upcoming Champions Trophy, Sri Lanka’s strong showing sent a clear message to the cricketing world.
Kusal Mendis Shines with Century
Sri Lanka’s batting lineup, which had faced criticism in recent matches, delivered a commanding performance in the second ODI. Kusal Mendis was the standout performer, scoring a brilliant century – his fifth in ODIs and first against Australia. Supported by half-centuries from Nishan Madushka and Charith Asalanka, Sri Lanka’s top order silenced their critics with a solid display of batting prowess.
Australia’s Lineup Changes
Australia made five changes to their lineup in a bid to fine-tune their squad for the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan and Dubai. Players like Glenn Maxwell, Tanveer Sangha, and Travis Head were brought in, while others were rested for the match against Sri Lanka. The experimentation with the lineup provided valuable insights for the Australian team ahead of the prestigious tournament.
Overall, Sri Lanka’s dominant performance against Australia showcased their potential as a strong ODI team. Despite missing out on the Champions Trophy, the Sri Lankan players proved their worth on the field and left a lasting impact on their opponents and fans alike.