Sri Lanka vs Australia Head To Head Record Ahead Of 2nd OD
It's time for the 2nd ODI of the Sri Lanka-Australia series, as both these sides will fight it out against each other in the final game of this tour. This thrilling encounter will take place at R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo, on Friday, February 14th, 2025, from 10 AM IST
The two-match Test series heavily ended in Australia's favour, who did not give the hosts, Sri Lanka, any chance at redemption. However, the same was expected to happen in the first ODI, but Charith Asalanka's Sri Lanka side displayed some quality resilience in opposing Australian domination. In the first ODI, as no one expected, Sri Lanka came all guns blazing to down Australia by 49 runs Batting first, Sri Lanka had posted 214 on the board as they were bowled out in 46 overs.
Thanks to a marvellous contribution from skipper Asalanka, who sailed his side's ship with an outstanding 127 from 126 deliveries with 14 fours and 5 sixes to his name, to push his team to a respectable total. In reply, Australia was shockingly bowled out for just 165 inside 34 overs, with mystery spinner Mahesh Theekshana picking four wickets for 40 runs in his 9.5 overs, whereas Ashitha Fernando and Dunith Wellalage picked two wickets apiece
As for Australia, with the majority of their first-choice pacers, i.e. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, already ruled out, they had to call in various replacements in the first game. Sean Abbott picked three wickets for 61 runs in his 10 overs, while Nathan Ellis, Aaron Hardie, and Spencer Johnson grabbed two each.
Meanwhile, their batters faltered against this spin attack of Sri Lanka, who picked eight out of ten total wickets fallen. Australia received early blows as they kept losing wickets one after the other, as Alex Carey was the top scorer with 41 runs. With the Champions Trophy not far away, they will have to sort out their problems against spinners quickly.
