A dominant Australia wrapped up a nine-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second Test, securing a 2-0 series sweep at the Galle International Stadium on Sunday.
This marks Australia’s first Test series win in Sri Lanka since 2011, giving them a timely confidence boost ahead of their World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa in June.
Australia’s Commanding Display
Resuming play on Day 4, Australia needed just 25 minutes to take the final two Sri Lankan wickets, dismissing the hosts for 231 in their second innings.
Chasing a modest target of 75, Australia lost Travis Head early, but Usman Khawaja (27) and Marnus Labuschagne (26)** ensured a comfortable victory.
Sri Lankan opener Dimuth Karunaratne, playing his 100th Test, bowled the final over of the match before Australia sealed the win.
Smith Leads from the Front
Stand-in skipper Steve Smith, who smashed two centuries in the series, was named Player of the Series.
“We played really well from the outset,” Smith said. “The batters adapted to conditions brilliantly, and our bowlers were outstanding.”
Smith’s crucial 259-run partnership with Alex Carey (156) in the first innings helped Australia post 414 in response to Sri Lanka’s 257.
Carey, stepping up in the absence of Josh Inglis, was named Player of the Match for his brilliant knock.
Spin Dominance Seals Series
Spinners Matthew Kuhnemann (4-63) and Nathan Lyon (4-84) dismantled Sri Lanka in their second innings. The duo claimed 30 out of 40 Sri Lankan wickets in the series, highlighting Australia’s adaptability on spin-friendly pitches.
Sri Lanka’s Angelo Mathews (76) and Kusal Mendis (50) fought hard, but their efforts were not enough to prevent another heavy defeat.
Sri Lanka Captain Admits Disappointment
Dhananjaya de Silva, Sri Lanka’s captain, conceded that his side had failed to capitalize on home conditions.
“Losing a home series 2-0 is very disappointing,” he admitted. “Australia showed why they are in the WTC final.”
With the Test series done, both teams now head to Colombo for a two-match ODI series, starting Wednesday.
