Cricket Highlights, Feb 14: Australia tour of Sri Lanka (2nd ODI) – Sri Lanka vs Australia

SL vs AUS (2nd ODI) – Highlights

SL delivered a dominant performance in the second ODI against AUS at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, securing a thumping 174-run victory. This comprehensive win allowed the hosts to clinch the series in emphatic fashion, showcasing their superior batting and bowling prowess against an Australian side that struggled to find its rhythm.

After winning the toss and electing to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a formidable total of 281/4 in their 50 overs. The innings was built on a magnificent century from Kusal Mendis, who played a classy knock of 101 off 115 balls, anchoring the Sri Lankan batting effort. His innings was well-supported by Nishan Madushka, who contributed a solid 51 off 70 deliveries, and captain Charith Asalanka, who provided the finishing flourish with an explosive 78 off just 66 balls. Janith Liyanage also played a crucial cameo, scoring 32 off 21 balls, ensuring Sri Lanka crossed the 280-run mark.

Australia’s bowlers found it difficult to contain the Sri Lankan batters, with only Sean Abbott standing out with his economical spell of 1/41 in 10 overs. Ben Dwarshuis, Aaron Hardie, and Adam Zampa also picked up a wicket each but were unable to prevent the Sri Lankan middle order from accelerating in the final overs. Hardie proved to be expensive, conceding 60 runs in his nine overs, while Zampa finished with figures of 1/47 in eight overs.

Chasing 282 for victory, AUS innings turned into a disaster as they were bundled out for just 107 in 24.2 overs. Asitha Fernando set the tone early, picking up three wickets in his opening spell to leave Australia reeling at 33/3. Dunith Wellalage then took over, delivering a match-winning spell of 4/35 in 7.2 overs, dismantling Australia’s lower order with his clever variations. Wanindu Hasaranga also played a crucial role, claiming 3/23 in seven overs, including the key wicket of Australian captain Steven Smith, who top-scored with 29.

Australia never recovered from their early setbacks, losing wickets at regular intervals. Josh Inglis attempted to stabilize the innings with 22 runs, but his dismissal triggered another collapse. The middle and lower order failed to resist SL spin attack, with Glenn Maxwell, Aaron Hardie, and Sean Abbott all departing cheaply. By the time Adam Zampa was bowled by Wellalage to end the innings, Australia had suffered one of their heaviest ODI defeats in recent years.

This victory underlined Sri Lanka’s growing confidence in the limited-overs format, with both their batting and bowling departments clicking in unison. Kusal Mendis’ masterful innings earned him the Player of the Match award, while Wellalage’s superb bowling effort highlighted the strength of Sri Lanka’s spin attack.

Sri Lanka vs Australia Scoreboard 

Sri Lanka – 281/4 (50)

Australia – 107 (24.2/50)

Result – Sri Lanka won by 174 runs

Player of the match – Kusal Mendis

SL vs AUS Playing XIs 

Sri Lanka

Pathum Nissanka, Nishan Madushka, Kusal Mendis(WK), Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka(C), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, Eshan Malinga, Asitha Fernando

Australia

Matthew Short, Travis Head, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Steven Smith(C), Josh Inglis(WK), Aaron Hardie, Glenn Maxwell, Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Adam Zampa, Tanveer Sangha

Disclaimer: These match highlights reflect the author’s insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the points discussed and form their own conclusions.

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