Australia’s road to the Champions Trophy hit a major obstacle as Sri Lanka handed them a crushing 174-run defeat in the second ODI in Colombo. The hosts, led by a sensational century from Kusal Mendis and a dominant bowling display, wrapped up the series 2-0. Australia’s batting woes continued as they were skittled out inside 25 overs while chasing 282.

Kusal Mendis Stars with a Brilliant Century

After losing the first ODI, Sri Lanka came out determined, with skipper Charith Asalanka once again leading from the front. However, it was Kusal Mendis who stole the show with a masterful hundred.

Australia had a bright start when Aaron Hardie knocked over Pathum Nissanka early, but Sri Lanka’s innings gained stability through Mendis and Nishan Madushka. The duo initially played it safe, managing just 27 runs in the first nine overs, but soon upped the tempo. They targeted Matthew Short in his first over, shifting the momentum in Sri Lanka’s favor.

Mendis took charge, accelerating with exquisite stroke play, while Madushka played a composed knock of 51 before falling to a mistimed pull shot. Kamindu Mendis departed cheaply, but Asalanka’s arrival ensured Sri Lanka remained on track.

Mendis moved into the 90s with back-to-back boundaries and soon reached his century in the 44th over. Though he fell shortly after, Asalanka kept the scoreboard ticking. A fiery cameo from Janith Liyanage, who smashed Sean Abbott for three boundaries and a six, pushed Sri Lanka past 280. Asalanka finished unbeaten on 78, propelling the hosts to a formidable 281/4 in 50 overs.

Australia’s Batting Implodes Under Sri Lanka’s Ruthless Attack

Chasing 282, Australia began with intent as Travis Head smashed three boundaries in the opening over. However, their hopes were shattered by a destructive new-ball spell from Asitha Fernando.

Fernando trapped Short lbw, outfoxed Jake Fraser-McGurk with a knuckleball, and dismissed Head with a well-directed short delivery, reducing Australia to 19/3 inside seven overs.

Steve Smith briefly resisted, hitting a four and a six off Dunith Wellalage, but Australia’s innings unraveled against spin. Wellalage cleaned up Josh Inglis for 22, sparking a dramatic collapse. From a shaky 79/3, the visitors crumbled to 83/7 in no time.

Wanindu Hasaranga joined the party, tearing through the lower order with three crucial wickets. Wellalage finished with exceptional figures of 4/35, while Fernando and Hasaranga picked up three wickets each. Australia folded for just 107 in 24.2 overs, handing Sri Lanka a dominant 174-run victory.

Brief Scores:

✅ Sri Lanka: 281/4 in 50 overs (Kusal Mendis 101, Charith Asalanka 78*)
✅ Australia: 107 in 24.2 overs (Steve Smith 29; Dunith Wellalage 4/35, Wanindu Hasaranga 3/23, Asitha Fernando 3/23)
🏆 Sri Lanka won by 174 runs.