Australia suffer worst-ever loss as Sri Lanka complete ODI series whitewash in dominant fashion

The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team made a remarkable comeback in the two-match ODI series after being whitewashed by the Australia National Cricket Team in the two-match Test series at home. After beating Australia by 49 runs in the first ODI, Sri Lanka recorded a historic win in the second ODI.

Australia suffered their worst-ever ODI loss to the Sri Lanka cricket team ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The Islanders recorded a dominant 174-run win over the Kangaroos in the second and final ODI to complete the clean sweep in Colombo on Friday, February 14.

Sri Lanka complete a dominant ODI series sweep over Australia

The second-string Australian cricket team was completely outplayed by Sri Lanka, as they made the most of the home conditions to restrict the tourists to their lowest-ever ODI total in Asia. The Sri Lankan bowlers were relentless and never allowed the Australian batters to settle in.

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Before this humiliation, Australia's worst defeat to Sri Lanka in ODI cricket was an 82-run loss in 2016. Even the Australian stand-in captain admitted that they have been “outplayed over these two games” by the Islanders and congratulated the hosts for their well-deserved ODI series win.

Steve Smith said at the post-match presentation, “We kept moving forward, but credit to Sri Lanka. They have been brilliant in this series. Their bowlers played exceptionally well; it skidded on well on this wicket and made things tough. It has been a fun time here in Sri Lanka, some great memories. We appreciate the hospitality and are glad to be a part of some good cricket as well.”

There is no mantra for success: Charith Asalanka

With this emphatic clean sweep in the ODI series in Colombo, Sri Lanka extended their incredible record at home. This victory marked their 11th consecutive ODI series win on home soil. Captain Charith Asalanka led the Islanders from the front, as he was adjudged Player of the Series for being the leading run scorer in the two-match ODI series, where he scored 205 runs at an astounding average of 205 and a strike rate of 106 against Australia.

Charith Asalanka said after the match, “I think there is no mantra for success; I just want to score big hundreds for the team and then want the bowlers to get 3-4 wickets. There was low bounce today but not so much seam movement. I think Australia also bowled well, but today was our day. We put in a consistent performance. When I go to bat, I don't think about captaincy; I'm just the number 5 batter.”

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Sri Lanka vs Australia Second ODI Highlight

Speaking about the second and final ODI, Sri Lanka opted to bat first after winning the toss and faced an early setback when Aaron Hardie dismissed Pathum Nissanka for 6. However, the hosts quickly regained control, losing only three more wickets, as they posted 281/4 on the board.

Nishan Madushka scored 51 while Mendis smashed a brilliant century before being dismissed for 101. Charith Asalanka (78*) and Janith Liyanage (32*) also made valuable contributions with the bat. Australia started their chase strongly as Travis Head hit 13 runs in the first over.

But then the things changed drastically, and the Australian batting line collapsed. Only Josh Inglis (22) and Steve Smith (29) could stitch a 46-run stand and were the top scorers for Australia in this match. They were eventually bowled out for just 107, suffering a massive 174-run defeat against Sri Lanka. Dunith Wellalage (4/35), Asitha Fernando (3/23), and Wanindu Hasaranga (3/23) shined with the ball for the hosts.