Australia secured a dominant nine-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second Test at Galle on Sunday, thanks to exceptional performances from their spinners Matthew Kuhnemann and Nathan Lyon, as well as fine centuries from Steve Smith and Alex Carey. This victory marks Australia’s first series win in Sri Lanka in 14 years, and for the first time since 2006, they have clean swept a series in Asia.
Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first but were restricted to 257 all out in 97.4 overs. Half-centuries from Kusal Mendis (85) and Dinesh Chandimal (74) helped Sri Lanka to a competitive total. However, the home side lost wickets at regular intervals, with a crucial 65-run seventh-wicket partnership between Mendis and Ramesh Mendis (28) taking them past 200 runs. Mitchell Starc (3/27), Matthew Kuhnemann (3/63), and Nathan Lyon (3/96) were the pick of the bowlers for Australia.
In their first innings, Australia found themselves struggling at 91/3 after losing Travis Head (21), Marnus Labuschagne (4), and Usman Khawaja (36) early. However, centuries from Alex Carey (156) and Steve Smith (131) turned the tide for the visitors. The two put on an incredible 259-run partnership for the fourth wicket, propelling Australia to a total of 414, a lead of 157 runs. Despite a five-wicket haul from Prabath Jayasuriya (5/151), Sri Lanka struggled to make significant breakthroughs.
Sri Lanka’s second innings began poorly, and they were reduced to 81/4 early on. Half-centuries from Angelo Mathews (76) and Kusal Mendis (50) brought some stability, and they managed to reach 231, giving them a slender lead of 74 runs. Kuhnemann (4/63) and Lyon (4/84) continued their excellent form, taking wickets at crucial moments.
Australia needed just 75 runs to win, and they chased the target down comfortably with Usman Khawaja (27*) and Marnus Labuschagne (26*) remaining unbeaten. Travis Head (20) fell to Jayasuriya, but the result was never in doubt.
Carey was named the ‘Player of the Match’ for his brilliant 156, while Smith earned the ‘Player of the Series’ award for his two centuries in the series. This victory capped off a highly successful tour for Australia, and they left Sri Lanka with a historic clean sweep.