Australia’s struggles continued in the second and final ODI against Sri Lanka as they collapsed to 83/7 in just 17.1 overs, chasing a massive target of 282 at the R. Premadasa Stadium. Wanindu Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage spearheaded Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, dismantling Australia’s top and middle order with ease.
The latest blow came when Steven Smith (29 off 34) was adjudged lbw to Hasaranga, attempting to block a delivery that skidded on without turn. The umpire’s call upheld the decision, sending Smith back to the pavilion and leaving Australia reeling at 83/7. Earlier, Glenn Maxwell was dismissed for just 1 off 3 balls, bowled by a beauty from Wellalage that spun sharply past his bat to hit off-stump. Josh Inglis, who was showing some resistance with 22 off 27 balls, was also cleaned up by Wellalage after misjudging an arm ball that crashed into middle-stump.
The collapse started with Matthew Short (2 off 8), who fell lbw to Asitha Fernando after burning a review. Jake Fraser-McGurk (9 off 9) followed soon, caught at mid-off while attempting to clear the infield against a slower ball. Australia had already lost early wickets, with their top order failing to capitalize on a relatively flat wicket.
The visitors came into this series missing key players, including Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Marsh, with Marcus Stoinis recently announcing his retirement. Their woes were evident in the first ODI as well, where they were bowled out for just 165 runs, suffering a 49-run defeat. On the other hand, Sri Lanka’s captain Charith Asalanka played a match-defining knock of 127, while Maheesh Theekshana tormented the Australian batters with a four-wicket haul.
With only three wickets remaining and 199 runs still needed, Australia now faces an uphill battle to avoid a humiliating series defeat. Can they find a way back, or will Sri Lanka register a commanding 2-0 series win?