Sri Lanka wins the series 2-0, defeating Australia by a score of 147 runs in the final Champions Trophy warm-up.
During their second one-day international, Sri Lanka defeated Australia by 174 runs and swept the series 2-0, with Kusal Mendis scoring his sixth century and Dunith Wellalage taking four wickets.
Australia was bowled out for 107 runs in the 25th over on Friday in Colombo after losing their last seven wickets for 28 runs. Australia won the Cricket World Cup in 2023 after defeating India.
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It was the final game for the Australians before their Champions League debut in Pakistan on February 22 against England.
After captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and chose to bat first, Sri Lanka amassed a respectable 281-4 in their 50 overs. Following a valiant century in the opening game with an undefeated 78, Asalanka provided strong support for Mendis, who led with 101.
“I’m really happy with where we are. A few months ago, we had a pretty poor ranking,” Mendis stated. “We put forth a lot of effort. That dedication is what led to this.
Nishan Madushka, an opener, was removed for 51 after scoring his second half-century in one-day international cricket.
ean Abbott, a fast bowler, had the best bowling numbers, with 1-41.
After its 74 all-out in 2013, Australia’s score against Sri Lanka is its second-lowest. In one-day international matches versus Australia, Sri Lanka’s victory margin is also its biggest victory by runs.
Mendis stated, “The top order was supposed to bat a little bit longer.” “We tried to bat as deep as we could because we knew they might struggle in the intense heat.”
With the total at 15, Australia’s Aaron Hardie, a quick bowler, handed his team an early lead by dismissing Pathum Nissanka, the opening batsman, for six. However, with a partnership of 98 runs for the second wicket off 115 deliveries, Mendis and Madushka salvaged the innings.
Adam Zampa caught Madushka off quick bowler Ben Dwarshuis, who went out for 51. He hit four boundaries and a six.
The hosts were at 121-3 when Abbott bowled out Kamindu Mendis for four runs eight runs later.
Asalanka, who hammered three sixes and six boundaries in a 78 off 66 balls, once again established a 94-run partnership with Kusal Mendis. Kusal Mendis struck 11 boundaries while facing 115 deliveries.
Matthew Short was LBW for six by Asitha Fernando, a fast bowler for Sri Lanka. Asalanka caught Jake Fraser-McGurk at mid-off for nine, and substitute fielder Avishka Fernando caught Travis Head (18) in the deep.
After Josh Inglis (22) was bowled by Wellalage, a 46-run stand between captain Steven Smith and Inglis suggested that a comeback was possible. Smith scored the most runs with 29 before being trapped LBW by leg spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, and Glenn Maxwell was bowled out for one by Wellalage.
Matthew Short was LBW for six by Asitha Fernando, a fast bowler for Sri Lanka. Asalanka caught Jake Fraser-McGurk at mid-off for nine, and substitute fielder Avishka Fernando caught Travis Head (18) in the deep.
After Josh Inglis (22) was bowled by Wellalage, a 46-run stand between captain Steven Smith and Inglis suggested that a comeback was possible. Smith scored the most runs with 29 before being trapped LBW by leg spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, and Glenn Maxwell was bowled out for one by Wellalage.
Asitha Fernando and Hasaranga each claimed three wickets, while Wellalage had a 4-35 record.
Recalling Head, Maxwell, and Inglis, who were rested in the opening game, which Australia lost by 49 runs, Australia made five changes.
The Australian team also included leg spinner Tanveer Sangha and fast bowler Dwarshuis. Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, Cooper Connolly, Alex Carey, and Marnus Labuschagne were excluded.
Prior to the Champions Trophy in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, Smith claimed that Australia was experimenting a little.
Smith remarked, “We were definitely trying a few different things.” “An Australian team doesn’t make five changes every single day. It was about giving everyone a chance to spend some time together. With any luck, we can learn from it, continue on, and have a successful tournament in Pakistan.
