Image: Sri Lanka dominated Australia in the second ODI, winning by 174 runs in Colombo / © NDTV Sports
The second ODI between Sri Lanka and Australia in Colombo saw the hosts dominate with both bat and ball, securing a massive 174-run victory. Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a formidable 281/4 in 50 overs, powered by a stellar 101-run knock from Kusal Mendis off 115 balls, including 11 boundaries.
Captain Charith Asalanka provided an aggressive finish with an unbeaten 78 off 66 balls, supported by Janith Liyanage’s quickfire 32 off 21 deliveries. Nishan Madushka contributed 51 off 70, while Australia’s bowlers struggled to make significant breakthroughs, with Ben Dwarshuis (1/47), Aaron Hardie (1/60), Sean Abbott (1/41), and Adam Zampa (1/47) picking up a wicket each.
Chasing 282, Australia faltered under immense pressure and was bowled out for just 107 in 24.2 overs. Asitha Fernando struck early, dismissing Matthew Short (2), Travis Head (18), and Jake Fraser-McGurk (9). Wanindu Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage ripped through the middle order, each claiming three and four wickets, respectively.
Steven Smith top-scored with 29, but Australia’s batting collapsed, losing their last six wickets for just 28 runs. With this dominant win, Sri Lanka took charge of the series, exposing Australia’s vulnerabilities against spin in subcontinent conditions.