Australia were handed a reality check before the Champions Trophy 2025 as they lost the ODI series to Sri Lanka 2-0 on Friday (Feb 14). Playing at the R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Australian batters were all over the place as the 2009 Champions Trophy winners were bowled out for 107 while chasing 282 and thereby lost the match by a massive 174 runs. This comes after they lost the opening ODI of the series by 49 runs.

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Sri Lanka humiliate Australia

Having taken a 1-0 lead in the two-match ODI series, Australia were handed a stern challenge to chase 282 runs to win the second ODI. However, Australia lost wickets at consistent intervals with a patched-up team. Only three batters got into double figures for the Aussies with captain Steve Smith (29), Josh Inglis (22) and Travis Head (18) amongst runs.

No Aussie batter showed any resilience with the bat as Dunith Wellalage (35/4), Wanindu Hasaranga (23/3) and Asitha Fernando (23/3) helped Sri Lanka win the match and the series.

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Batting first, Sri Lanka’s Kusal Mendis (101 off 115) led the charge along with Charith Asalanka (78) as they helped the hosts reach 281/4 in 50 overs. Nishan Madushka (51) and Janith Liyanage (32) also made healthy contributions for Sri Lanka.

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Australia in crisis?

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Australia are facing a crisis before the start of the Champions Trophy 2025 as they will be without frontline bowlers like Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. Cummins and Hazlewood are nursing injuries while Starc pulled out due to personal reasons. Mitchell Marsh is also not part of the side while Marcus Stoinis also shockingly announced his retirement from the sport. Marnus Labuschagne’s form is also a concern for the side as they try to end their 16-year drought for the Champions Trophy 2025.