Australia Completes 2-0 Series Victory Over Sri Lanka with Nine-Wicket Win in Galle
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Synopsis
Australia triumphed over Sri Lanka with a nine-wicket win in Galle, securing a 2-0 series victory. After a swift dismissal of Sri Lanka's batting on Day 4, they needed only 75 runs, which were achieved in less than 18 overs by Head, Khawaja, and Labuschagne.
Key Takeaways
- Australia won the Test series 2-0 against Sri Lanka.
- Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann each took four wickets.
- Australia achieved victory with just 75 runs needed on Day 4.
- Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, and Marnus Labuschagne contributed significantly to the chase.
- Dimuth Karunaratne played his last Test match during this game.
Galle, Feb 9 (NationPress) Australia achieved a definitive triumph in the second Test held in Galle, securing a nine-wicket win and thereby clinching the series 2-0 against Sri Lanka. After swiftly dismissing Sri Lanka's batting order on Day 4, Australia required just 75 runs to claim victory. Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, and Marnus Labuschagne accomplished the task in under 18 overs.
Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann each took four wickets in Sri Lanka's second innings, building on their success from the first innings as well.
Australia needed less than six overs to wrap up Sri Lanka's batting on Day 4. Lyon was the first to strike, spinning one that bounced awkwardly, leading to Kusal Mendis, the last hope for the hosts, top-edging a pull shot to short fine leg.
Lahiru Kumara attempted a brief counter-attack, hitting Kuhnemann for a four. Lyon then bowled two overs, including two unsuccessful reviews and a catch at second slip that was overturned after the ball bounced into the fielder's hands. Beau Webster concluded the innings with a wicket on his first delivery, dismissing Kumara.
In reply, Nishan Peiris showcased spin and bounce with the new ball, sending Head back early with a delivery that confused the Australian batter. Nonetheless, Head swiftly countered by cutting a ball through extra cover for four.
Ramesh Mendis, from the other end, troubled Khawaja by turning the ball away from the left-handed batsman. However, Mendis overcorrected, delivering three full balls in his next over, all of which Khawaja hit for four. Sri Lanka's hopes dwindled further when Prabath Jayasuriya dismissed Head, who nicked behind to Kusal Mendis. That marked Sri Lanka's only success that day.
Labuschagne and Khawaja remained solid, leading Australia to victory with ease, finishing the match with runs off Dimuth Karunaratne, who was marking his 100th and final Test appearance.
Brief scores: Sri Lanka 257 and 231 (Angelo Mathews 76, Kusal Mendis 50; Matthew Kuhnemann 4-63, Nathan Lyon 4-84) lost to Australia 414 (Alex Carey 156, Steve Smith 131; Prabath Jayasuriya 5-151) & 75/1 (Usman Khawaja 27*, Marnus Labuschagne 26*; Prabath Jayasuriya 1-20) by nine wickets.
