Australia clinched a commanding 2-0 Test series victory over Sri Lanka, setting the stage for their upcoming World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's in June. The tourists needed just 25 minutes to wrap up the match, dismissing Sri Lanka for 231 in the second innings and winning the second Test by nine wickets. Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne guided the team to victory, remaining unbeaten on 27 and 26, respectively.
Sri Lanka's resistance crumbled swiftly on the final day as they lost their last two wickets with minimal delay. Dimuth Karunaratne, in his 100th and final Test appearance, bowled the last over in a bittersweet conclusion to his career. Despite their efforts, Sri Lanka ended this World Test Championship cycle ranked sixth, with England standing above them.
"Losing a home series 2-0 is very disappointing," said Dhananjaya de Silva, reflecting on the team's performance.
Australia's path to success was paved by stellar performances throughout the series. The first Test saw a resounding victory by an innings and 242 runs, with Steve Smith playing a pivotal role by scoring 131 in the first innings and 141 overall. His leadership and strategic acumen shone brightly as he praised his teammates' adaptability to challenging conditions.
"We played really well from the outset," stated Steve Smith.
"The plans that the batters came with and were able to adapt to the conditions here – it was amazing," he added, underscoring the team's cohesive approach.
South Africa finished at the top of the table, securing their spot in the final alongside Australia. As both teams prepare for their showdown at Lord's, Australia can take pride in having already secured their place in the prestigious final.
The conclusion of this match marked the end of the league phase of the 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle. With their eyes firmly set on the upcoming final, Australia will be looking to continue their impressive form against South Africa.
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