Australia was given a reality check ahead of next week’s Champions Trophy after Sri Lanka completed a 2-0 series sweep on Friday with 174 runs at the second 1-day International.
Chasing 282 for victory, Australia, 50 Over World Champion, was bundled to 107 on the 25th, despite being strengthened by the return of frontline batsmen Travis Head, Glen Maxwell and Josh Inglis. Ta.
Sri Lanka’s Kusar Mendis (101) once won the fifth ODI 100, commanding 281-4, after choosing to hit first. Home captain Chalis Asaranka chipped in an undefeated 78 as Sri Lanka plundered 97 runs in the final 10 overs.
Sri Lanka vs Australia highlights as it happened
Sri Lanka is not qualified for the Champions Trophy, featuring the top eight ODI teams in the world.
“I thought their bowlers bowl very well,” Australian captain Steve Smith said at the presentation ceremony.
“I think I probably slid far more than the Test wicket with this wicket (ball). But it was a great bowling performance by Sri Lanka and not a big batting performance (by Australia).”
The new ball pair of Australian Ben Dwarschwis and Aaron Hardy began orderly, denies the opportunity to score for the opening pair of Sri Lanka, Nissanka and Nishan Maduschka.
Nissanka broke, dragged the ball onto the stump and decided to oppose Hardy just to leave at age six.
Madushka (51) was joined by Kusal, and Sri Lanka was placed on shore to match the stands of the 98 run.
Dwash fired Madhushka with a slower guard and Kamindu Mendis fell to four, but Kusar and Asaranka hit brilliantly, passing Sri Lanka past the 200 mark.
Number 3 batter Kusar needed 113 balls to raise 100, including 11 four, but played a slow sweep against Adam Zampa.
Australia was run with a second string attack after being injured by a frontline pacer, appearing to be sloppy on the field and appearing to misunderstand and spill the catch.
Also Read: New Zealand changes late with Champions Trophy 2025 team: Jacob Duffy replaces Ben Sears
Seafarer Asisa Fernando (3-23) locked opener Matthew in Rattle Australia with the third two, continuing to lose wickets regularly.
Skipper Steve Smith (29) tried to arrest Slide, but Sri Lankan spin duo Danis Wellerage (4-35) and Wainidu Hasaranga (3-23) ran through the batting lineup.
Before Hasalanga locked up Smith LBW to effectively seal the match, he bowled Maxwell before Wellalage Clean Bowled Maxwell.
Smith reviewed the decision, but could not overturn it.
“Kusal Mendis and Nishin Madushka set up a platform for us,” said Asalanka, captain of Sri Lanka, who was judged as players in the series.
“Australia also bowled a lot, but today was our day.”