Australia Secures Historic 2-0 Series Victory Over Sri Lanka

GALLE, Sri Lanka (AP) — Australia clinched a commanding nine-wicket victory against Sri Lanka on day four of the second Test on Sunday, sealing a remarkable 2-0 series win. The match concluded shortly before lunch, with Australia’s top order batter Marnus Labuschagne hitting the winning runs after chasing a modest target of 75.

Following Sri Lanka’s second innings score of 231, the Australian bowlers quickly dismantled the home side, taking just 25 minutes to dismiss the final two batters. Sri Lanka’s performance in the second Test marked their struggle throughout the series, having lost the first Test by an innings and 242 runs.

Usman Khawaja finished the match not out on 27, while Labuschagne contributed an unbeaten 26. Despite the early dismissal of Travis Head for 20, Australia’s successful chase highlighted their dominance this series.

This victory marks Australia’s first Test series win in Sri Lanka since 2011, a significant achievement considering their previous struggles in the region, including suffering a 3-0 whitewash in 2016 and drawing the series in 2022.

“I thought it was a real good series and we played well from the outset,” said Australia captain Steve Smith, who was named Player of the Series after scoring consecutive centuries. “Everyone had their methods and stuck to it over a long period of time and to score that many runs was great.”

The Australians entered the series with a strategic plan that included a training camp in Dubai, allowing their batsmen to provide a solid foundation with substantial scores, giving their bowlers the chance to put pressure on the Sri Lankan batting lineup. Smith praised the bowlers, saying, “All our spinners and lone quick Mitchell Starc did quite well.”

The match also served as the conclusion of the league phase of the 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle. Australia has already secured their position in the final against South Africa, who topped the table.

Sri Lanka, however, faced disappointments, ending the cycle in sixth place, coming in below England. Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva expressed his frustration over the series outcome, stating, “Losing a home series 2-0 is very disappointing. The conditions were very suitable for us.”

On the final day, Sri Lanka resumed the innings at 211-8, but vice-captain Kusal Mendis, who was unbeaten overnight, soon fell after reaching his half-century. The dismissal was notable as it marked Steve Smith’s 200th Test catch, a milestone achieved by only four players in history: Jacques Kallis, Mahela Jayawardene, Rahul Dravid, and Joe Root.

After Mendis’ dismissal, Beau Webster ended the innings, setting Australia the modest target. Although Sri Lanka found some hope with the early wicket of Travis Head, Khawaja and Labuschagne’s solid partnership ensured a comfortable win.

Alex Carey earned the Man of the Match title for his outstanding performance, scoring 156 runs, the highest by an Australian wicketkeeper in Asia, along with four dismissals behind the stumps. Smith added, “Been a great series win.”

This victory further extends Australia’s winning streak, marking their fourth consecutive Test win, having concluded their 3-1 home series against India on a high note.

Turning the spotlight on Dimuth Karunaratne, the Sri Lankan opener was playing his 100th and final Test. “Very emotional day for me. It has been a long career,” said Karunaratne, who scored 7,222 runs at an average of 39.25 with 16 centuries. “To go onto play 100 Tests was amazing.”

Australia’s emphatic win solidifies their return to form as they prepare for the World Test Championship final, while Sri Lanka will look to regroup after a challenging series.