Match Report: Sri Lanka vs Australia, 2nd ODI, Colombo (RPS), February 14, 2025

Result: Sri Lanka won by 174 runs

Scorecard Summary:

•     Sri Lanka: 281/4 in 50 overs

•     Australia: 107 all out in 24.2 overs (Target: 282)

Match Overview:

Sri Lanka dominated the 2nd ODI against Australia at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, securing a comprehensive 174-run victory. After posting a competitive total of 281/4, Sri Lanka’s bowlers dismantled Australia’s batting lineup, bowling them out for just 107 in 24.2 overs. This win gave Sri Lanka a strong position in the series.

Sri Lanka’s Innings:

Sri Lanka’s batting was anchored by Kusal Mendis, who scored a brilliant 101 off 115 balls, earning him the title of Cricinfo’s Most Valuable Player of the Match. Mendis played a composed innings, striking 9 fours and 2 sixes, and was well-supported by Charith Asalanka, who contributed a quickfire 78 off 66 balls, including 7 fours and 3 sixes. The duo built a solid partnership, ensuring Sri Lanka reached a challenging total of 281/4 in their 50 overs.

Australia’s bowlers struggled to contain the Sri Lankan batters, with none of them able to pick up more than one wicket. The lack of breakthroughs allowed Sri Lanka to accelerate in the latter stages of their innings.

Australia’s Innings:

Australia’s chase got off to a disastrous start, losing wickets at regular intervals. The Sri Lankan spin duo of Dunith Wellalage and Wanindu Hasaranga wreaked havoc, sharing 7 wickets between them. Wellalage was particularly effective, finishing with figures of 4/35 in 7.2 overs, while Hasaranga claimed 3/23 in his 7 overs.

Pacer Asitha Fernando also played a crucial role, taking 3/23 in his spell, which included key dismissals of Australia’s top order. Australia’s batting lineup collapsed under pressure, with only Tanveer Sangha (5) and Adam Zampa (8) reaching double figures. The team was bowled out for 107 in just 24.2 overs, falling well short of the target.

Key Performances:

1.    Kusal Mendis (SL): 101 (115) – A match-defining century that set the platform for Sri Lanka’s total.

2.    Charith Asalanka (SL): 78 (66) – A fluent innings that provided the late impetus.

3.    Dunith Wellalage (SL): 4/35 – The pick of the bowlers, dismantling Australia’s middle order.

4.    Wanindu Hasaranga (SL): 3/23 – His economical spell put Australia under immense pressure.

5.    Asitha Fernando (SL): 3/23 – His early strikes derailed Australia’s chase.

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Turning Point:

The collapse of Australia’s top order in the first 10 overs of their innings was the turning point. Losing early wickets to Asitha Fernando and then being strangled by the spinners left Australia with no chance of recovery.

Sri Lanka’s all-round performance outclassed Australia in every department. The batters set up a competitive total, and the bowlers executed their plans perfectly to secure a massive 174-run victory. This win will give Sri Lanka significant momentum heading into the next match of the series.

Player of the Match: Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka)

Series Standing: Sri Lanka lead the series 1-0 (assuming this is the first completed match).