Australia suffered a crushing 174-run defeat against Sri Lanka in their final ODI before their Champions Trophy opener against England.
Chasing 281 in Colombo, the injury-depleted world champions collapsed to 107 all out, sealing a disappointing 2-0 series loss against a Sri Lankan side that failed to qualify for the tournament in Pakistan and the UAE.
Australia’s top order crumbled early, with Travis Head, Matt Short, and Jake Fraser-McGurk all falling to seamer Asitha Fernando within seven overs. Despite reaching 79-3, their innings unraveled, losing the last seven wickets for just 28 runs on a spin-friendly pitch.
Left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage triggered the collapse by bowling Josh Inglis for 22, finishing with figures of 4-35. Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga added to Australia's misery, dismissing Aaron Hardie for a four-ball duck and sending Glenn Maxwell back for just one. He also trapped skipper Steve Smith lbw for 29, ending with 3-23.
Only a last-wicket stand of 13 between Adam Zampa and Tanveer Sangha spared Australia further embarrassment, barely pushing them past the 100-run mark.
It was Australia's heaviest defeat against Sri Lanka in terms of runs and their fifth-heaviest against any opposition.
Kusal Mendis hit 101 from 115 runs and Charith Asalanka 78 not out from 66 in Sri Lanka's 281-4.
"We have been outplayed but used a lot of players and got a lot out of it," said Smith, who is standing in as skipper for injured bowler Pat Cummins.
"It was a fine bowling performance by Sri Lanka and not a great batting performance.
"We will keep moving forward. Credit to Sri Lanka."
Australia's build-up for the Champions Trophy has been hit by injuries to Cummins, bowler Josh Hazlewood and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, plus Marcus Stoinis' retirement and Mitchell Starc opting to miss the tournament.
Their first match is against England, who go into the match on the back of their 3-0 series defeat by India, on 22 February.
South Africa and Afghanistan are also in the four-team group.
Source: BBC
BDST: 1126 HRS, FEB 15, 2025
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