ISLAMABAD: In a second ODI clash in Colombo against Sri Lanka, Australia faced an ignominious downfall, bowled out for a meagre total of 107 that marked their lowest in over a decade.
Recently, the Australian squad saw a significant shake-up for the Champions Trophy, with five key players—Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Stoinis, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc—withdrawn from the tournament for various reasons.
While the loss of three fast bowlers and two all-rounders would typically cripple a pace attack, it’s the batting lineup that has emerged as a pressing worry as Australia heads into a crucial ICC event to be played in Pakistan and Dubai.
From a promising start at 79-3, the Australian innings crumbled spectacularly to just 107 all out. After succumbing to a 49-run defeat in the first ODI, Australia opted for a bold revamp of their XI, bringing in Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Ben Dwarshius, and Tanveer Sangha to replace Marnus Labuschagne, Cooper Connolly, Alex Carey, Spencer Johnson, and Nathan Ellis.
Unfortunately, the changes did not pay off. The absence of Carey and Labuschagne left a gaping hole in the middle order, which quickly became evident as they faced an aggressive Sri Lankan bowling attack.
Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a formidable target of 282, bolstered by Kusal Mendis’ impressive fifth ODI century and an unbeaten 78 from captain Charith Asalanka.
Asitha Fernando unleashed a fiery opening spell, dismantling the Australian top order—Matt Short, Head, and Jake Fraser-McGurk fell swiftly during the Powerplay. A brief 46-run partnership between skipper Steve Smith and Inglis offered a glimmer of hope, but soon the innings imploded as Wanindu Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage combined to take four wickets in the blink of an eye, leaving Australia reeling at 83/7 in just 15 balls.
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Though the tail offered a few resistance runs, Wellalage and Hasaranga proved too formidable, ensuring the visitors finished with a dismal 107—marking their lowest ODI score since being skittled for 74 by Sri Lanka in Brisbane back in 2013. This staggering defeat by 174 runs stands as Australia’s largest loss against Sri Lanka, leaving them with much to ponder as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
Full list of Australia’s lowest scores in ODIs
Score Overs Opposition Venue Date
70 25.2 England Birmingham June 4, 1977
70 26.3 New Zealand Adelaide Jan 27, 1986
74 26.4 Sri Lanka Brisbane Jan 18, 2013
91 35.4 West Indies Perth Jan 4, 1987
93 34.3 South Africa Cape Town Mar 3, 2006
101 33.5 England Melbourne Jan 24, 1979
101 37.5 India Perth Dec 8, 1991
107 32.2 West Indies Melbourne Jan 24, 1982
107 24.2 Sri Lanka Colombo Feb 14, 2025
109 27.3 England Sydney Jan 26, 1983
