AUS vs SL ODI: The current world champions Australia have been in a commanding position ever since their 6th triumph in the World Cup in 2023. Australians have not lost a single ODI series since 2023, be it at home or some other venue in the world.
However, this time around after a stellar Test series win against India where they reclaimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, was followed by a Test series win at the Lankan islands, which marked their long-awaited win in a test series in Asia.
With much worry in the 50-over format, dominant Aussies have faced several drawbacks with crucial players being ruled out of the marquee tournament, they have started their 2-match ODI series against Sri Lanka with a humiliating loss.
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AUS vs SL ODI: Australians faced a crushing 49-run defeat
After coming to bat first, the home side could not have the best of starts in the powerplay. Especially when Charith Asalanka and Dunith Wellalage provided some grip to the falling Lankan innings, Steve Smith’s blinder of a grab sent half of the team back into the hut.
However, the Lankan skipper Charith Asalanka single-handedly manhandled the Aussie bowlers, especially Sean Abbott and Spencer Johnson who went for runs towards the back end of the innings, while Nathan Ellis and Aaron Hardie put in some stunning efforts alongside part-time spin all-rounder Matt Short.
A target of 215 never seemed a tough nut to crack for the World Champions, though they had left out their most inform batter and trustworthy aid in international cricket, Travis Head sighting no risks before the Champions Trophy.
Having left out their premier batsman, batters like Short and McGurk failed to be promising as openers, while veterans Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne failed to score runs as well. Alex Carey and Aaron Hardie scored some runs down the order, while Abbott and Zampa’s valuable additions could not see Australia over the line.
AUS vs SL ODI: Australia fell behind by 49 runs, as they were bowled out for just 165 runs on the board
AUS vs SL ODI: Bowlers do a fair replacement job but Batters fail against Sri Lanka who failed to qualify for the Champions Trophy. Sri Lanka was the 9th position holder in the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2023 only above the Netherlands in the group stage points table.
Lankans remained the only side among Champions Trophy winning sides to have failed to advance into any edition of the Champions Trophy. After such a weak performance, the loss of the Champions of the World Cup seemed a humilating affair.
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