Sri lanka vs australia live score

The second One Day International (ODI) between Sri Lanka and Australia took place on February 14, 2025, at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first. 

Sri Lanka's Innings:

Opening batsmen Kusal Mendis and Nishan Madushka provided a solid start. Madushka, playing in only his third ODI, showcased his talent by scoring a brisk half-century, reaching 51 runs before being dismissed by Ben Dwarshuis, caught by Adam Zampa. Mendis also contributed significantly with a well-crafted fifty. The middle-order batsmen built upon this foundation, with captain Charith Asalanka leading by example. Asalanka's leadership and batting prowess were evident as he guided the team through the middle overs. Sri Lanka concluded their innings with a competitive total, setting a challenging target for the Australians. 

Australia's Bowling Performance:

Australia's bowling attack, missing key players like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc, relied on a mix of pace and spin. Ben Dwarshuis made a notable impact by claiming the crucial wicket of Madushka. Spinners Glenn Maxwell and Tanveer Sangha were introduced early to capitalize on the pitch conditions, with Maxwell delivering economical overs and Sangha providing breakthroughs at vital moments. Spencer Johnson, stepping in for the absent senior pacers, showcased his potential by taking two wickets for 44 runs, marking his first significant performance in ODIs. 

Australia's Chase:

In response, Australia's batting lineup faced an uphill task. The absence of experienced players was evident as the top order struggled against Sri Lanka's disciplined bowling attack. Captain Steven Smith attempted to anchor the innings, but wickets fell at regular intervals, disrupting any momentum. The middle and lower order couldn't withstand the pressure, leading to Australia's innings concluding at a subpar total. Sri Lanka's bowlers maintained tight lines and lengths, effectively utilizing the conditions to their advantage. 

Key Performances:

• Nishan Madushka: His quickfire 51 provided Sri Lanka with a strong start, setting the tone for the innings.

• Kusal Mendis: A steady half-century that anchored the innings and built partnerships.

• Ben Dwarshuis: Claimed the crucial wicket of Madushka, providing a breakthrough for Australia.

• Spencer Johnson: With figures of 2/44, he showcased his potential as a future mainstay in Australia's bowling lineup.

Strategic Decisions:

Australia's decision to introduce spin early in the innings was a tactical move aimed at exploiting the pitch conditions. However, Sri Lanka's batsmen adapted well, countering the spin threat effectively. On the other hand, Sri Lanka's bowlers executed their plans meticulously, targeting Australia's vulnerabilities and maintaining pressure throughout the chase.

Implications for Future Matches:

This match highlighted the depth and resilience of Sri Lanka's squad, with emerging players stepping up in crucial moments. For Australia, the absence of key players exposed areas that need reinforcement. Spencer Johnson's performance is a positive takeaway, suggesting he could be a valuable asset in upcoming tournaments like the Champions Trophy.

Conclusion:

The second ODI was a testament to Sri Lanka's growing confidence and Australia's challenges amidst transitions. As both teams prepare for future engagements, the lessons from this match will undoubtedly influence their strategies and selections.

Key Moments from the 2nd ODI between Sri Lanka and Australia