Australia has endured its most significant defeat in One Day Internationals, suffering a comprehensive loss to Sri Lanka in their final warm-up match in Colombo before the Champions Trophy.
Sri Lanka showcased their dominance with both bat and ball, claiming victory by 174 runs as a makeshift Australian team found it challenging to build any momentum.
The previous record for Australia’s worst ODI loss was against Sri Lanka in 2016, where they lost by 82 runs.
“It was a disappointing batting display from the Australian side,” Brad Hodge remarked on Channel Seven.
Kusal Mendis celebrates his century while Adam Zampa reacts after becoming the last wicket to fall. Getty
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to bat and found themselves in a bit of trouble early on, with Aaron Hardie dismissing Pathum Nissanka for just 6 runs.
From that point, the home team took charge, losing only two more wickets during their innings.
Nishan Madushka was the next to fall for 51, caught on the boundary by Adam Zampa when Sri Lanka was positioned at 2-113.
Kamindu Mendis was dismissed cheaply for 4, but Kusal Mendis then took full command, smashing his fifth ODI century.
After celebrating his hundred, Kusal was dismissed for 101, but Charith Asalanka (78 not out) and Janith Liyanage (32 not out) helped Sri Lanka to a final score of 4-281.
Australia’s batting response struggled to gain any traction, with the only notable moment coming from Travis Head, who managed 13 in the first over, while Matt Short contributed 1.
Just two overs later, Short was dismissed for 2, and the wickets kept tumbling.
Head, the key threat, was caught spectacularly on the boundary at 3-33, putting Sri Lanka firmly in control.
A partnership of 46 runs between Josh Inglis (22) and Steve Smith (29) was the largest for Australia, but spinners Dunith Wellalage and Wanindu Hasaranga quashed any hopes of a comeback.
Both spinners took wickets at regular intervals from Steve Smith downwards as Australia crumbled for just 107 runs.
Wellalage ended with impressive figures of 4-35, while Hasaranga and fast bowler Asitha Fernando both claimed 3 wickets for 23 runs.
“We’ve been thoroughly outplayed in these two matches,” Steve Smith acknowledged after the match.
Kusal Mendis was named Player of the Match for his century, while the Player of the Series award went to captain Charith Asalanka.
This series win brings some relief to Sri Lanka following their 2-0 loss in the Test series.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
