Australia suffer biggest ODI defeat against Sri Lanka, lose series 2-0

Australia’s 174-run defeat marked their biggest ODI defeat by runs against Sri Lanka on Friday, eclipsing an 82-run loss at the same venue in 2016.

Hosts Sri Lanka dampened Australia’s preparations for the Champions Trophy as they recorded a thumping 174-run victory in the second ODI to seal the series 2-0 at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Friday.

With their Champions Trophy preparations already staggered by the absence of their star pacers Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood and all-rounders Mitchell Marsh and Marcus Stoinis (retired), the series defeat serves as a huge blow to the ODI World Cup champions.

After opting to bat first, Charith Asalanka’s men put on a hefty 281/5 on the board on the back of wicket-keeper Kusal Mendis’ stroke-filled century. 

Captain Asalanka and Janith Liyanage then provided a strong finish with their 35-ball 66-run partnership for the fifth wicket. While Asalanka remained unbeaten on 78 off 66 balls, Liyanage struck 32 in 21 balls.