Sri Lanka Crushes Australia with a 174-Run Win to Seal 2-0 Whitewash
Sri Lanka secured their biggest-ever ODI victory over Australia, completing a dominant 2-0 series sweep with a resounding 174-run win in the second and final ODI at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday, February 14.
Mendis’ Masterclass Propels Sri Lanka to 281/4
Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a commanding total of 281/4 in their 50 overs, powered by a brilliant century from Kusal Mendis (101 off 11 fours). Captain Charith Asalanka (78*) and Nishan Madushka (51) provided valuable support, ensuring a challenging target for the visitors.
Wellalage Wreaks Havoc as Australia Folds for 107
Sri Lanka’s bowlers delivered a ruthless performance, bundling out Australia for just 107 in 24.2 overs. Dunith Wellalage was the star with figures of 4/35 in 7.2 overs, while Asitha Fernando and Wanindu Hasaranga claimed two wickets each to dismantle the Australian batting lineup.
Australia’s Batting Woes Ahead of Champions Trophy
Steve Smith top-scored for Australia, but with minimal support from Josh Inglis (22) and Travis Head, the team crumbled under pressure. Alarmingly, no other Australian batter managed to reach double digits. The absence of key players—including Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Marsh, and Marcus Stoinis—further exposed Australia’s vulnerabilities ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025, set to begin on February 19.
Sri Lanka’s Winning Streak Continues
This triumph marks Sri Lanka’s fourth consecutive ODI series win, following a 2-0 victory over India last year. Speaking after the match, captain Asalanka praised his team’s consistency:
“There is no secret mantra to success, but scoring big and backing our bowlers is key. Australia bowled well, but today was our day.”
Having won the series opener by 49 runs in Galle, Sri Lanka’s historic whitewash adds another milestone to their growing dominance in ODI cricket.
