Australia sealed a dominant 2-0 series win against Sri Lanka, clinching the second Test by 9 wickets on day four, thanks to an exceptional all-round performance led by Steve Smith. The visitors, needing just 75 runs to win after Sri Lanka’s second innings ended early on the fourth day, faced little resistance as Usman Khawaja (27*) and Marnus Labuschagne (26*) knocked off the target before lunch.
Smith, who reached his 200th Test catch during Sri Lanka’s second innings, played a key role in leading the team tactically in the absence of Pat Cummins. However, his contributions with the bat weren’t needed, as Australia wrapped up the match comfortably. Travis Head was the only casualty, dismissed early for 14 as Australia sealed victory with plenty of time to spare.
Australia’s frontline spinners, Matthew Kuhnemann and Nathan Lyon, played crucial roles throughout the match. Both bowlers claimed four wickets each in Sri Lanka’s second innings, contributing to their excellent series performances, which saw them combine for 30 of the 40 wickets taken by Australia in the series.
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This series win marked Australia’s first Test series victory in Sri Lanka since 2011, having suffered defeats in their last two tours there in 2016 and 2022. It also added to Australia’s growing dominance in Asia, following their 2022 series win in Pakistan.
While Australia’s win was comprehensive, concerns arose for Smith, who appeared to be struggling with an elbow injury that he had carried into the series. Despite this, Smith remained on the field, offering leadership and experience when it was needed most.
Sri Lanka’s hopes of creating a tricky chase were dashed early, with Kusal Mendis’ spirited counterattack being cut short by Lyon’s sharp delivery. Mendis, who had already scored a half-century, was dismissed for 50, and with it, any real chance of a Sri Lankan fightback disappeared.
The Australian bowlers, especially Kuhnemann and Lyon, continued to frustrate Sri Lanka’s lower order, with Lyon coming close to claiming a five-wicket haul. Beau Webster, who had earlier excelled with the ball, finished the innings in style by cleaning up Sri Lanka’s last wicket. His performance further highlighted the depth of Australia’s bowling attack.
In reply, Australia’s chase was steady, with Khawaja and Labuschagne showing no signs of nerves. The pair comfortably knocked off the remaining runs, securing the win and ensuring Australia’s first clean sweep in Asia since 2006.
For Australia, it was a well-rounded team effort, with contributions from all areas: four centurions in the series, a stellar bowling attack, and Smith’s tactical brilliance as stand-in captain. Mitchell Starc also continued his strong record in Sri Lanka, while Kuhnemann, with 16 wickets at an average of 17.18, was undoubtedly one of the series’ standout performers.
For Sri Lanka, the defeat was a bitter one, especially with Dimuth Karunaratne bidding farewell to Test cricket. Australia’s dominance was clear, and their back-to-back performances, reminiscent of the Steve Waugh era, saw them leave Sri Lanka with an emphatic series victory.
