SL vs AUS: Australia has finally won a Test series on Sri Lankan soil after 14 years. The Australian cricket team sealed a 2-0 series win against Sri Lanka with a comprehensive 9-wicket victory in the second Test match in Galle. This is the first time Australia has won a series in Sri Lanka since 2011.
Australia Wins SL vs AUS Series
On Sunday, Australia was a winner as it defeated Sri Lanka in the second Test. Set for a thrilling finish, the match saw Australia chase down a modest target of 75 runs after Sri Lanka’s batting line-up faltered. Marnus Labuschagne, remaining on 26 not out, ensured that Australia did not lose the match, and opening batsman Usman Khawaja also remained unbeaten on 27.
Australia reached their target of 75 runs for the loss of just one wicket, thereby finishing the game very comfortably 15 minutes before the lunch break on Day 4. This win not only won the series for Australia but gave Australian captain Steve Smith a sigh of relief, being led by himself in place of Pat Cummins.
A Long-Overdue Win
The victory for Australia in Sri Lanka was important not only for the manner in which it was achieved but also for its rarity. The series win is Australia’s first in Sri Lanka since 2011 when they won 1-0 under the leadership of Ricky Ponting.
From there on, things haven’t exactly gone to Australia’s plans, losing by a 3-0 whitewash in 2016 drawing a series in 2022, and on other visits there, being edged out on occasions. One particular individual Steve Smith would feel highly relieved to see the light, leading his side to such victory after being embroiled in some difficult circumstances in Sri Lanka.
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Collapsing batting of Sri Lanka
The erstwhile shaky batting of Sri Lanka went against them in the final innings. Sri Lanka was at 211 for 8 wickets by the start of Day 4, having a slender lead of 54 runs by the end of the third day. A real half-century by vice-captain Kusal Mendis had earlier propelled the team, though he could not convert it.
He fell to Nathan Lyon’s delivery, caught by Steve Smith at short square leg. This was Smith’s 200th career catch in Test cricket, a feat achieved by just five players before him, namely Jacques Kallis, Mahela Jayawardene, Rahul Dravid, and Joe Root.
Beau Webster wrapped up Sri Lanka’s innings by dismissing Lahiru Kumara for just 9 runs. For Australia, the bowling attack was led by Matthew Kuhnemann, who took 4 wickets for 63 runs, and Nathan Lyon, who claimed 4 wickets for 84 runs. Their efforts were crucial in breaking down Sri Lanka’s resistance.
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Australia’s Path to Victory
Chasing a target of just 75 runs, Australia’s opening pair of Travis Head and Usman Khawaja made a good start by adding 38 runs in just 7 overs. However, Prabath Jayasuriya dismissed Head for 20 runs. Khawaja, though, remained calm and composed at the crease, guiding the team to victory with an unbeaten 27 runs. His partnership with Labuschagne (26 not out) ensured Australia’s 9-wicket win, marking their fourth consecutive Test victory.
This victory also meant Sri Lanka were whitewashed 2-0 in the two-match series, making it their fourth consecutive defeat in Tests.
Australia’s Resurgence and Ahead in the Road
This Test series victory not only boosts Australia’s confidence but also has implications for their future in the World Test Championship (WTC). With a successful series behind them, the Australian team will now look ahead to the WTC final, where they will face South Africa in June 2025. Their performance in Sri Lanka, especially the dominance shown in the second Test, will surely serve as a morale booster heading into the final.
Finally, after 14 years, a triumph for the Australian team in Sri Lanka under the captaincy of Steve Smith marks an eventful day. This win puts Australia as one of the greatest teams in the world game and gives another tale to be etched in the rich cricketing history of the nation.
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