Steve Smith during Australia's ODI defeat to Sri Lanka Steve Smith during Australia's ODI defeat to Sri Lanka Australia's stand-in captain Steve Smith conceded that his side were outplayed across the two matches in their ODI series against Sri Lanka. (More Cricket News)apex gaming88
Smith watched on as Australia were dealt their fifth-biggest loss in an ODI match, with Sri Lanka romping to a 174-run triumph in Colombo on Friday.
Indeed, this was the Aussies' heaviest defeat in ODIs in Asia, with their 107 runs surpassing the 139 they scored against India in Sharjah back in March 1985.
The India-Pakistan hockey rivalry has lost its sheen in recent times. Hockey in Pakistan has been in a freefall for the last decade or so while Indians have made a tremendous comeback in the same time period. The two countries used to rule world hockey at one point and the seeds for it were sown during the British rule in India.
The team led by Ammad Butt, finally secured their first victory with a 2-1 win over Japan and then delivered a decisive 5-1 win against China, to enter the semi-finals. Their final pool match ended in a narrow 2-1 loss to India.
It was far from the ideal preparation for Australia, who will kickstart their Champions Trophy campaign next Saturday against England in Lahore.
They have lost their last four 50-over matches, more than they had lost across their last 18 matches in the format (W16 L2), though Smith said it was not for lack of trying.
SL Vs AUS, 2nd ODI: Sri Lanka Blow Australia Away To Complete 2-0 Series Sweep"We have been outplayed in these last two games. We keep moving forward, credit to Sri Lanka, they played well on these surfaces,merryph casino" Smith said.
"Thought their bowlers did exceptionally well. These wickets skidded more than the Test wickets.
"It has been a fun time here in Sri Lanka. Some great memories made in the last few weeks."
174 - Sri Lanka's 174-run win in #SLvAUS is their biggest ever against Australia by runs, and Australia's fifth-biggest loss by runs in men's ODI history. Brittle. pic.twitter.com/3DmcwhJxBm
— OptaJason (@OptaJason) February 14, 2025But for Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka, it was a series to remember as his 78 runs from 66 deliveries paved the way for their triumph in the second ODI.
He also scored 127 runs in the first match of the series, which Sri Lanka won by 49 runs, while he also ended the two matches with bowling figures of 1-5.
Sri Lanka have now won five of their last six ODIs against Australia on home soil, but will not be able to continue their winning momentum at the Champions Trophy next week.
"There is no mantra. I just wanted to score big hundreds and get three-four wickets from each man. Clearly, the pitch had lower bounce today than in the last game," he said.
"No seam movement. But a good pitch. Kusal Mendis and Nishan Madushka set the platform for us. Australia also bowled well, but today is our day. Both days went really well.
"When I go to bat, I don't think about captaincy. I am the No. 5 batter for the team. It is disappointing to miss out on the Champions Trophy.
"But you don't need to look back and think much. But we should not repeat the mistakes and look forward to such a form."apex gaming88