Australia claimed a 2-0 Test series win over Sri Lanka, sealing the final match with a nine-wicket victory in Galle. Demonstrating their batting strength, Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja secured the win just before lunch, while Dimuth Karunaratne played his final Test. Solid preparations on turning pitches paid off, leading to dominant performances and significant milestones for both teams, including Smith’s 200th catch and Kuhnemann’s leading wicket-taker title.
Australia secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Sri Lanka in the Test series, clinching their final match at Galle with a nine-wicket win. Chasing a target of 75, Australia lost only one wicket as they showcased their dominance. Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne contributed significant runs, finishing the match swiftly just before lunch on the fourth day. Notably, Dimuth Karunaratne, in his farewell match, attempted a last bowl before Australia sealed the win.
The Australian team previously defeated Sri Lanka by an innings and 242 runs in the first Test, marking Sri Lanka’s worst loss in Test history. Celebrations erupted among Australian fans, who significantly outnumbered local supporters. A banner humorously declared, “South Africa, you’re next!” in anticipation of the upcoming World Test Championship final at Lord’s.
Australia’s success stemmed from focused preparations; they completed a training camp in Dubai to acclimatize to Galle’s difficult turning pitches. Batting performances included a double-century and four centuries across the two matches. Conversely, no Sri Lankan batsman reached a century, with Kusal Mendis scoring the highest at 85.
On the fourth day, Sri Lanka struggled, being bowled out for 231 shortly after resuming from 211-8. The innings collapse included losing key batsmen quickly. Matthew Kuhnemann and Nathan Lyon captured four wickets each, while Kuhnemann emerged as the series’s leading wicket-taker with 16 wickets.
Kusal Mendis showcased resilience, scoring a fifty in the second innings before being dismissed due to a misplayed delivery. Australian skipper Steve Smith achieved his 200th Test catch during this dismissal, joining an elite group of players with this milestone. Smith praised his team’s performance, which he deemed exceptional, indicating their preparing for the New Zealand tour would depend on passing fitness assessments.
The Test series between Australia and Sri Lanka featured two matches, with Australia seeking to reinforce their position as the world’s top-ranked Test side. Galle’s challenging turning pitches posed a test for both teams, but Australia’s extensive preparation allowed them to dominate, demonstrating their superior batting and bowling skills. The series held significance for Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne, as it marked his 100th and final Test match.
The Australian cricket team exhibited exceptional performance in their Test series against Sri Lanka, culminating in a comprehensive 2-0 series victory. Their successful adaptation to Galle’s challenging conditions, combined with standout performances by key players, enabled them to dominate the host nation. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s struggles highlighted the need for improvement in their batting order. Karunaratne’s farewell marked a bittersweet end to the match, reflecting on a commendable career.
Original Source: www.thenews.com.pk
