Australia clinches 1st Test series win in Sri Lanka in 14 years with dominant 9-wicket win

Australia secured a historic 2-0 Test series win against Sri Lanka with a commanding nine-wicket victory in the second Test at Galle on Sunday. This marks Australia’s first series win in Sri Lanka since 2011 and their first clean sweep in an Asian series since 2006. The victory was powered by remarkable performances from Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Nathan Lyon, and Matthew Kuhnemann.

Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first, managing 257 runs in 97.4 overs. The hosts struggled to build substantial partnerships but were aided by half-centuries from Kusal Mendis (85 off 139 balls, 10 fours, one six) and Dinesh Chandimal (74 off 163 balls, six fours, one six). A crucial 65-run partnership for the seventh wicket between Kusal and Ramesh Mendis (28 off 94 balls) helped Sri Lanka push past 200.

Australia’s bowlers kept the pressure on, with Mitchell Starc (3/27), Kuhnemann (3/63), and Lyon (3/96) dismantling the batting order.

In response, Australia had an early stumble, losing Travis Head (21), Marnus Labuschagne (4), and Usman Khawaja (36), leaving them at 91/3. However, a stunning 259-run stand between Alex Carey and Steve Smith shifted the momentum completely. Carey’s magnificent 156 off 188 balls (15 fours, two sixes) and Smith’s well-constructed 131 off 254 balls (10 fours, one six) ensured Australia took full control. Contributions from Beau Webster (31) helped Australia post 414, securing a crucial 157-run lead.

For Sri Lanka, Prabath Jayasuriya was the standout bowler, claiming 5/151, while Nishan Peiris (3/94) and Ramesh Mendis (2/81) provided support.

In their second innings, Sri Lanka once again faltered, reduced to 81/4. Angelo Mathews (76 off 149 balls, four fours, one six) and Kusal Mendis (50 off 54 balls, five fours, one six) attempted to revive the innings, helping Sri Lanka reach 231 and setting a 75-run target for Australia.

Kuhnemann (4/63) and Lyon (4/84) continued their impressive form, ensuring the hosts could not build a bigger lead.

Chasing 75, Australia comfortably wrapped up the game with Usman Khawaja (27*) and Marnus Labuschagne (26*) guiding them home after Travis Head (20) was dismissed by Jayasuriya.

Alex Carey was named Player of the Match for his game-changing 156-run knock, while Steve Smith was awarded Player of the Series for his consistent performances, including two centuries.