Australia registered a historic Check collection win in Sri Lanka after a thumping nine-wicket victory within the second Check at Galle, marking their first collection triumph in an Island nation since 2011. The guests chased down a modest goal of 75 on Day 4, with Usman Khawaja (27 not out) and Marnus Labuschagne (26 not out) guiding the crew to a snug end. The win was arrange by a scientific bowling show, with Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann main the assault to dismiss Sri Lanka for 231 of their second innings. Lyon completed with 4 wickets, additional solidifying his status as considered one of Australia’s premier spinners, whereas Kuhnemann additionally picked up 4 wickets, capping off a outstanding breakout collection.
Steve Smith and Alex Carey’s mammoth partnership units the tone
Australia’s dominance was constructed on an exceptional 259-run partnership between stand-in captain Steve Smith (131) and wicketkeeper Alex Carey (156) within the first innings. Smith’s masterclass with the bat noticed him rating his second consecutive century within the collection, reinforcing his stature as one of many best Check batters of his era. Carey, too, delivered a career-defining knock, registering his highest Check rating whereas displaying distinctive stroke play and composure. His contribution wasn’t restricted to batting; he additionally showcased excellent wicketkeeping abilities, taking three catches and executing a pointy stumping to dismiss Dinesh Chandimal for 74. Their stand powered Australia to a formidable first-innings whole of 414, which in the end proved decisive in dictating the course of the match.
Last wicket controversy and Kusal Mendis’ dismissal at an important second
The closing moments of Sri Lanka’s innings have been marred by controversy when Lahiru Kumara edged a supply from Lyon to Beau Webster at second slip. Nevertheless, replays advised the ball had bounced earlier than reaching Webster’s arms, resulting in a quick delay in celebrations. The third umpire dominated Kumara not out, however the drama was short-lived, as Webster bowled him along with his very subsequent supply, wrapping up the innings.
Kusal Mendis, who had proven resilience with a well-compiled half-century, was dismissed in dramatic vogue as nicely. Simply two balls after reaching his fifty, Mendis tried a pull shot towards a sharply rising supply from Lyon however discovered himself in a clumsy place. His mistimed shot resulted in a easy catch to Steve Smith at quick wonderful leg, marking the Australian captain’s 2 hundredth Check catch – an unimaginable milestone that brings him inside ten catches of Rahul Dravid’s all-time file.
Additionally WATCH: Steve Smith plucks a one-handed screamer to dismiss Dhananjaya de Silva on Day 3 of second Check – SL vs AUS
Matthew Kuhnemann’s breakout collection establishes him as a key spinner
Matthew Kuhnemann emerged as considered one of Australia’s standout performers, proving his effectiveness in subcontinental situations. His seven-wicket haul within the match took his collection tally to 16 wickets at an distinctive common of 17.18, making him essentially the most profitable left-arm orthodox spinner for Australia in Sri Lanka. His capacity to extract flip and preserve tight strains performed a big function in Australia’s dominance, complementing the efforts of senior spinner Lyon.
With this efficiency, Kuhnemann has staked his declare for a everlasting function in Australia’s Check setup, notably for future excursions to the subcontinent. In the meantime, debutant Cooper Connolly had a forgettable outing, scoring simply 4 runs and bowling solely 5 overs. Regardless of the disappointing begin, the selectors’ religion within the 21-year-old all-rounder means that he will likely be given additional alternatives to show himself on the highest stage.
Sri Lanka’s batting falters regardless of particular person contributions
Though Sri Lanka confirmed enchancment from their innings-and-242-run defeat within the first Check, their batters did not capitalize on promising begins. Dinesh Chandimal (74) and Kusal Mendis (85 not out) have been the intense spots within the first innings, whereas Angelo Mathews (76) and Mendis (50) confirmed resistance within the second innings.
Nevertheless, their incapacity to transform these begins into massive tons of damage Sri Lanka’s possibilities of staging a comeback. On the bowling entrance, left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya led the assault with figures of 5/151 within the first innings and in addition claimed the one wicket to fall in Australia’s second innings, dismissing Travis Head for 20. Nevertheless, the hosts lacked a innovative with the ball, and Australia’s superior all-round efficiency ensured their dominance all through the collection.
Right here’s how netizens reacted:
The best way Sri Lanka have performed on this collection, there is no such thing as a method they’re the 4th finest crew within the WTC #SLvAUS
— Lachy Mahoney (@lachymahoney22) February 9, 2025
Wonderful chase by Australia to wrap the collection up. Pretty contact by the Sri Lankans to present Dimuth Karunaratne an opportunity to finish his profession by rolling the arm over. #SLvAUS
— Lachlan Jeffery (@LachlanJeffery) February 9, 2025
Australia win the Check collection 2-0 🏆#Cricket #SLvAUS #australiacricket #SteveSmith pic.twitter.com/3DpY3owui7
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 9, 2025
Aussies win the Check and collection 2 nil.👍
An entire efficiency from the Aussies. They outplayed Sri Lanka in all 3 abilities 👏#SLvAus— Damien Fleming (@bowlologist) February 9, 2025
Certainly it’s Alex Carey for man of the match? Even collection? #SLvAUS
— Matthew McGahey (@_MatthewMcGahey) February 9, 2025
In each method, the #SLvAUS Check collection was an utter triumph for Australia towards a really poor Sri Lanka crew.
— Michael Shillito (@tealfooty) February 9, 2025
Completely imagined Australia solely scraping over the road there at 7/75 or one thing, however nope. Effectively executed Aussies. Ruthless. Scientific.#SLvAUS
— Harry William Jones (@HwilliamJones) February 9, 2025
Check collection executed & @NathLyon421 is busy holding an impromptu spin conclave for the youthful Sri Lankan spinners & additionally with Prabath Jayasuriya #SLvAus pic.twitter.com/05OaBk3YnO
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) February 9, 2025
Profitable a Check after dropping the toss in Galle shouldn’t be a simple factor to do.
Sensible first two days arrange this win for Australia. Nice feeling seeing a collection victory in Asia. 😁#SLvAUS
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) February 9, 2025
What an honour to see this nice crew beautifully led by Steve to a well-known win! Wins in Asia are uncommon, 1st in SL since 2011 and our most complete in subcontinent since Ban 06 or Ind 04 #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/rtS0dSH0Cj
— Thomas Miles (@TomCricket99) February 9, 2025
