Sri Lanka completed their first whitewash of Australia in a one-day series with an all-time record 174-run win at Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Australia were tasked with a daunting 282 to win and were bowled out for only 107 in 24.2 overs on Friday to yield Sri Lanka a 2-0 series sweep in a dismal warm-up for the Champions Trophy next week in Pakistan.It was the first time Australia have lost all their games in nine one-day series in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka's biggest one-day win over Australia previously was 82 runs at the same ground in 2016.
A series to remember for Sri Lanka, as they defeated Australia by 174 runs, securing their 11th consecutive ODI series win at home.
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) February 14, 2025
📸: Fancode pic.twitter.com/MGWeW1F98U
A Series to Remember for Srilanka :
Second ODI Key Moments :
"We've been outplayed over these two games," said Steve Smith after the match ended.
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Sri Lanka chose to bat after being invited out and were in some trouble early when Aaron Hardie removed Pathum Nissanka for 6.After that, the home team took control, losing just three more wickets.Nishan Madushka became the next to go for 51 when a sharp catch at the boundary was taken by Adam Zampa as Sri Lanka went to 2-113.Kamindu Mendis fell for 4 cheaply soon afterwards but then Kusal Mendis asserted himself, hitting his fifth ODI century.The centurion was soon after his jubilation dismissed for 101 but Charith Asalanka (78 not out) and Janith Liyanage (32no) steered Sri Lanka to a total of 4-281.
Australia's pursuit never gained any traction except for the initial over when Travis Head 13 of the first over and Matt Short contributed 1.Two overs later, Short was dismissed for 2 and the wickets continued to fall.The threat man Head (18) was caught beautifully on the boundary at 3-33 to leave Sri Lanka in the box seat.The largest 46 partnership then came between Josh Inglis (22) and Steve Smith (29) but spinners Dunith Wellalage and Wanindu Hasaranga did not give any opportunity for a comeback.Both men sent back all the batters from Steve Smith onwards as Australia were bowled out for 107. Wellalage returned 4-35 while Hasaranga grabbed 3-23. Fast bowler Asitha Fernando also took 3-23. Kusal Mendis ended with the player of the match award for his century. Player of the series was given to captain Charith Asalanka.
The series win brings Sri Lanka some consolation after losing the Test series 2-0.
