Cricket is more than just a game in countries like Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team Match Scorecard—it’s a passion that unites fans across generations. When the Sri Lanka National Cricket Team, affectionately known as The Lions, takes on the mighty Australian Men’s Cricket Team, you know you’re in for a spectacle. The 2024/25 tour of Sri Lanka by Australia was a perfect example of this rivalry, with two Test matches and two One-Day Internationals (ODIs) that showcased skill, strategy, and heart. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of these matches, break down the scorecards, and share insights in a way that’s easy for anyone to follow, whether you’re a lifelong cricket fan or just curious about the sport. Let’s get started!
The Context: Australia’s Tour of Sri Lanka 2024/25
Australia’s tour to Sri Lanka in January and February 2025 was a big deal. It was part of the 2023–2025 ICC World Test Championship, where both teams were vying for crucial points. The Test matches were played at the iconic Galle International Stadium, a venue known for its spin-friendly pitches and picturesque setting. The ODIs took place at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, a ground where both pace and spin can challenge batters. The series was a battle for the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy in Tests, named after two of cricket’s greatest spinners, Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan.
Australia, ranked first in the ICC Test Rankings, came in as favorites, but Sri Lanka, playing at home, were no pushovers. With players like Kusal Mendis and Charith Asalanka in their ranks, the Lions were ready to roar. Meanwhile, Australia, led by stand-in captain Steven Smith, boasted stars like Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, and Mitchell Starc. The stage was set for a classic contest.
First Test Match: Galle International Stadium, January 29 – February 1, 2025
The first Test was a one-sided affair, with Australia dominating from the start. Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat, but their decision backfired as they were bowled out for just 165 runs in their first innings. Australia’s spinners, Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann, were relentless, with Kuhnemann taking a stunning nine wickets in the match. Sri Lanka’s batting struggled, with only Angelo Mathews (41) and Jeffrey Vandersay (a plucky 50) showing some fight in the second innings after being forced to follow on.
Australia, on the other hand, made the most of batting first after Sri Lanka’s collapse. Usman Khawaja played a marathon innings, scoring his first Test double century (200* off 128.3 overs), while Steven Smith added a classy 104*. Their 266-run partnership for the third wicket was a record for Australia in Asia. The Aussies declared at 629/6, setting an imposing total. Sri Lanka couldn’t recover, and Australia won by an innings and 242 runs—one of Sri Lanka’s heaviest Test defeats.
Key Moments
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Khawaja’s Milestone: At 38, Khawaja became the second-oldest Australian to score a Test double century, only behind Don Bradman.
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Kuhnemann’s Magic: The young spinner’s nine wickets in the match were a career highlight.
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Sri Lanka’s Struggles: The hosts’ batting collapsed twice, unable to handle Australia’s spin attack on a turning Galle pitch.
Second Test Match: Galle International Stadium, February 6 – 9, 2025
The second Test was closer, but Australia still came out on top, sealing a 2-0 series win. Sri Lanka batted first again after winning the toss, posting 257 in their first innings, thanks to Kusal Mendis (85) and Angelo Mathews (76). Australia’s bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc (3-37) and Nathan Lyon (4-84), kept things tight. In response, Australia piled on 414, with Alex Carey smashing a brilliant 156— the highest score by an Australian wicketkeeper in Asia—and Steven Smith contributing 131. Prabath Jayasuriya’s 5-151 was a highlight for Sri Lanka’s bowling.
Sri Lanka’s second innings saw them reach 231, with Mendis (50) again showing resilience. However, Australia’s spinners, Lyon and Kuhnemann, shared eight wickets to keep the target low. Needing just 75 runs to win, Australia lost Travis Head early but cruised to victory in 17.4 overs, with Usman Khawaja (27*) and Marnus Labuschagne (26*) seeing them home. The 9-wicket win wrapped up a clean sweep for Australia in Asia, their first since 2006 against Bangladesh.
Key Moments
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Carey’s Heroics: Alex Carey’s 156 was a game-changer, setting up Australia’s commanding lead.
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Lyon’s Milestone: Nathan Lyon reached 550 Test wickets, becoming the third Australian to do so.
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Dimuth Karunaratne’s Farewell: This was the final Test for Sri Lanka’s veteran opener, who retired after a 13-year career.
ODI Series: Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team Match Scorecard R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
The two-match ODI series was a chance for Sri Lanka to bounce back, and they did so in style, winning 2-0. The first ODI on February 12 saw Sri Lanka post 214, powered by captain Charith Asalanka’s stunning 127. Australia’s bowlers, including Nathan Ellis (2-23) and Aaron Hardie (2-13), kept things tight, but Asalanka’s late flourish turned the game. Chasing 215, Australia collapsed to 165, with Maheesh Theekshana’s 4-40 and Asitha Fernando’s 2-23 proving too much.
The second ODI on February 14 was even more one-sided. Sri Lanka posted a competitive 280/4, with Asalanka again leading the way. Australia’s chase fell apart early, bowled out for just 107, with Dunith Wellalage (4-35) and Wanindu Hasaranga spinning a web around the batters. Sri Lanka’s 174-run victory was a massive boost ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Key Moments
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Asalanka’s Brilliance: The captain’s 127 in the first ODI was a match-winner, showing his ability to anchor and accelerate.
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Spin Dominance: Sri Lanka’s spinners, Theekshana and Wellalage, outfoxed Australia’s batters on turning pitches.
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Australia’s Injuries: Missing key players like Mitchell Marsh and Josh Hazlewood hurt Australia’s ODI campaign.
Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team Match Scorecard, 2024/25
Below is a detailed scorecard for the Test and ODI matches, making it easy to see how each game unfolded.
|
Match |
Teams |
Innings |
Score |
Key Performers |
Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1st Test (Jan 29 – Feb 1, Galle) |
Sri Lanka 1st Innings |
165/10 (52.2 overs) |
Dinesh Chandimal (29), Angelo Mathews (41) |
Australia won by an innings and 242 runs |
|
|
Australia 1st Innings |
629/6 dec (149.2 overs) |
Usman Khawaja (200*), Steven Smith (104*), Matthew Kuhnemann (9 wickets in match) |
|||
|
Sri Lanka 2nd Innings |
247/10 (54.3 overs) |
Jeffrey Vandersay (50), Kusal Mendis (32) |
|||
|
2nd Test (Feb 6 – 9, Galle) |
Sri Lanka 1st Innings |
257/10 (97.4 overs) |
Kusal Mendis (85), Angelo Mathews (76), Mitchell Starc (3-37) |
Australia won by 9 wickets |
|
|
Australia 1st Innings |
414/10 (106.4 overs) |
Alex Carey (156), Steven Smith (131), Prabath Jayasuriya (5-151) |
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|
Sri Lanka 2nd Innings |
231/10 (68.1 overs) |
Kusal Mendis (50), Angelo Mathews (38), Nathan Lyon (4-84) |
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|
Australia 2nd Innings |
75/1 (17.4 overs) |
Usman Khawaja (27*), Marnus Labuschagne (26*) |
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|
1st ODI (Feb 12, Colombo) |
Sri Lanka |
214/10 (47.3 overs) |
Charith Asalanka (127), Dunith Wellalage (30), Aaron Hardie (2-13) |
Sri Lanka won by 49 runs |
|
|
Australia |
165/10 (33.4 overs) |
Alex Carey (41), Aaron Hardie (32), Maheesh Theekshana (4-40) |
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|
2nd ODI (Feb 14, Colombo) |
Sri Lanka |
280/4 (50 overs) |
Charith Asalanka (not specified, key contributor), Dunith Wellalage (4-35) |
Sri Lanka won by 174 runs |
|
|
Australia |
107/10 (26.3 overs) |
Josh Inglis (22), Dunith Wellalage (4-35), Asitha Fernando (early wickets) |
What Made This Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team Match Scorecard Series Special?
This tour was a tale of two formats. In Tests, Australia’s experience and depth shone through, with their spinners exploiting Galle’s turning tracks. Usman Khawaja’s double century and Alex Carey’s 156 were masterclasses in batting, while Nathan Lyon and Matthew Kuhnemann proved why Australia’s spin attack is world-class. Sri Lanka, despite their batting woes, showed glimpses of brilliance through Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews, but they couldn’t sustain their efforts.
The ODIs, however, belonged to Sri Lanka. Charith Asalanka’s leadership and batting were standout, proving he’s a star for the future. The spinners, Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage, turned the tables on Australia, who struggled without their full-strength squad. The 2-0 ODI series win was a huge morale boost for Sri Lanka, especially after the Test whitewash.
Player Spotlights
Sri Lanka
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Charith Asalanka: The captain led from the front in the ODIs, with his 127 in the first match being a game-changer. His ability to adapt to pressure situations was remarkable.
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Kusal Mendis: Consistent in Tests (85 and 50) and a key player in the ODIs, Mendis showed why he’s a vital cog in Sri Lanka’s lineup.
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Maheesh Theekshana: The spinner’s 4-40 in the first ODI was crucial in dismantling Australia’s batting.
Australia
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Usman Khawaja: The veteran opener’s 200* in the first Test was a defining moment, earning him Player of the Match.
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Alex Carey: His 156 in the second Test was a career-best, showcasing his growth as a wicketkeeper-batter.
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Nathan Lyon: With 550 Test wickets and consistent performances, Lyon was a thorn in Sri Lanka’s side.
Why This Sri Lanka National Cricket Team vs Australian Men’s Cricket Team Match Scorecard Matters for Fans
For Sri Lankan fans, the ODI series win was a moment of pride, showing their team could compete with the best. The Test losses stung, but players like Asalanka and Mendis gave hope for the future. For Australian fans, the Test sweep was a reminder of their team’s dominance, even in challenging conditions. The ODI losses highlighted areas to work on before the Champions Trophy, but the team’s resilience was clear.
Cricket is a game of stories, and this series had plenty—Khawaja’s redemption, Asalanka’s heroics, and Karunaratne’s emotional farewell. Whether you’re cheering from the stands in Galle or watching on TV, these matches remind us why we love cricket: it’s unpredictable, emotional, and always exciting.
Looking Ahead
Australia’s 2-0 Test win earned them crucial World Test Championship points, keeping them at the top of the rankings. Sri Lanka, despite the losses, showed they can fight back, especially in ODIs. Both teams will now focus on upcoming challenges, with Australia preparing for the Champions Trophy and Sri Lanka aiming to build on their ODI momentum.
